Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

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By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 09/07/2019 to 12/14/2019 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much and how to cooperate with people from all different kinds of backgrounds and it was definitely worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Sol staff was so knowledgeable and helpful during the entire program abroad, phenomenal experience that I would definitely do again if I had the opportunity. All of the places that we visited during our excursions were spectacular and unique in their own way and I really loved being able to know that we were visiting smaller, locally owned and operated Costa Rican businesses!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our Sol staff was made up of amazingly dedicated team!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a wonderful host family that treated me so well.

* Food:

Very tasty and different than what I am accustomed to.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very interesting to see how different yet similar Spanish dialects are throughout Central America.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a bladder infection and my Sol directors were so knowledgable and resourceful in helping me find medical attention quickly!

* Safety:

Please use Uber and not taxis.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Everything was structured in a way that we still got to do a lot of meaningful, immersive activities while still incorporating time for free time activities.

Finances

* 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)

Costa Rica is one of the more pricier countries in Central America so budget for that!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use your Tico student ID everywhere you go so you don't get charged tourist pricing!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I loved being able to express myself in Spanish with fluent speakers.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 300 level course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Read up on Tico slang as much as you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Excursions (:
  • Cultural activities
  • Panama trip!
* What could be improved?
  • I hope that they can continue to have small groups!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a rain jacket (:

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!