I was immersed in a culture of paradise, respect and dignity for 3 weeks. Past Review
By Dillon Lubbers (Miami University) - abroad from 06/01/2019 to 06/22/2019 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I gained a wider perspective of Latin America, as well as a better foundation for my Spanish and better social skills when interacting with people from different cultures/backgrounds than my own.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
the program itself and the directors were exceptional, and my trip was full of so much new experience and knowledge - however, the culture class could use some work being more directed to college age students, and focus less on simple art activities. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There were some robberies reported nearby during my stay, including one in which a student was targeted, but for the most part I felt very safe and aware of my surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I commend Sol Education Abroad for their training of directors and us, as students, as well as the other aspects of how they ran the program. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20-25 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Only exchange how much cash you think you'll need for each week to watch your spending. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 102 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Make conversation as much as you can, even if you're nervous about messing up, the practice will help you get better. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had prepared more beforehand by studying more of my Spanish in the previous class. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
