Costa Rica through Sol Education was an unforgettable experience! Past Review
By Aleah B (Accounting, Oakwood University) for
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I have learned a great deal more about the culture in Costa Rica. I have always been interested in other countries, languages, and cultures. I feel there is a great deal to learn from others who may not be/live/act the way I am used to. It is mind opening to study abroad. It gives a person a wider perspective on life to be able to appreciate more.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was reasonable. I participated in the Spanish Immersion program, so all of my work was related to learning the language. That was my ultimate goal, so it was all very enjoyable in the end. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Janiva Cifuentes-Hiss was our program director in Costa Rica. She was awesome and fun. There really wasn't much to worry about, because she would continually give us plans, updates, and instructions whenever necessary. Also, whenever there was any kind of issue, problem, question, whatever it may be, she was there to help with translating, encouraging, or even just to joke and laugh! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very pleased with my home and host family in Costa Rica. They were very accepting of me and abundantly helpful in teaching me the Spanish language. I immediately became another daughter to my host mom. |
| * Food: |
Our host families provided most of our meals. The food was slightly different than what I am used to in the States, but my host mom was a good cook, and I enjoy trying new things. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Several excursions and cultural activities are included as part of this program, and I really feel that helped to be able to see several parts of the country that I may not have discovered otherwise. We went white water rafting, and got to stand at the edge of a volcano crater... just to name a few. I also really enjoyed the Latin dance classes! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I personally did not have any health issues during my study abroad experience (minus getting car sick one time), but when things did come up with other students, they were handled immediately and the medical coverage for the program was reasonable. As far as safety, I was aware ahead of time that theft is one of the biggest issues in the country. But knowing this, one just has to always be cautious of what you are carrying on you and how you carry it. I did not have any personal issues with theft while I was in Costa Rica. I would say however... watch where you are walking. It is not at all uncommon for there to be random holes (or even gaps/ditches) in the sidewalk. You could hurt yourself easily if you fell in one. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a host family who only spoke Spanish, so I had to speak Spanish daily. I had Spanish classes during the day. The only times I could really speak English were with other students in the program or over Skype to communicate with people back home. There was no choice but to learn Spanish, and that is what I was looking for! |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Sol Education is a Spanish Immersion program, so I highly recommend it for anyone who truly wants to learn the Spanish language and learn it well. It has to be something you really want for yourself though, otherwise you will feel worn out quickly from the magnitude of Spanish constantly surrounding you. Living with a host family that only speaks Spanish means there is no escaping it. It can be very difficult at times, especially in the beginning when you don't understand anyone/anything and so you have no clue what is going on at anytime and can never think/speak fast enough to get your words in. It can physically cause a lasting headache. But getting through it and looking back, it was well worth it, and I would do it over again! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Intermediate Spanish I & II |
| Course Department: | Español |
| Instructor: | Maria I. Calderón Vargas |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | This class was awesome! The instructor was very patient with us and yet also made sure we stayed encouraged and put forth strong effort to learn the language. It was challenging, but in a positive way. She knew how to incorporate various activities that would encourage use of Spanish in everyday life versus just trying to memorize aspects of a language out of a book. We had many opportunities to put it to practice, and I highly enjoyed this class! |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Advanced Spanish I & II |
| Course Department: | Español |
| Instructor: | Daisy Henríquez |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Yes, this course was challenging, as it should be, being that it is an advanced class. Yet, our instructor was very helpful, and understood the challenges of the class. She worked with us, patiently, to be sure we understood the lessons so that no one would be left behind as the class progressed. We also had opportunities to interact with local students who were taking English classes. The intermingling was very helpful as we tried to learn each other's language. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
