Costa Rica: New perspective on the simplicity of life Past Review
By Lauren L (Biology, General., SUNY - Binghamton) for
SUNY Binghamton: Traveling - Tropical Forest Workshop
My study abroad experience was one of the best experiences of my entire life. I learned a lot about the Costa Rican culture, tropical rainforest and the global issues surrounding everything. IT made me decide to consider double majoring in Biology and Environmental Studies and I will definitely be going back to Costa Rica sometime in my lifetime!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really responded to the academic setting that I was in with it being so hands on and interactive. Learned a TON while I was there! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were more than met on this trip with the professors and chaperones that we had. Very knowledgeable about Costa Rica and the topics we were studying and also always there for help or assistance. We were always with something to do but also had enough down time to really enjoy our experience to the fullest. There were 19 kids in our program. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All of us lived in cabins on TFI's property, we were supplied sheets and towels. I always felt very safe (except for maybe all the spiders haha!) It was about a 30 second walk to the main cabin where we lecture and ate all our meals. |
| * Food: |
I loved all the food we ate, everything was made fresh each day and was always delicious. They were always accomodating to vegetarians, etc and we were given healthy portions. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went to our towns local festival the first week we were there, which was one of hte funnest night of the whole trip. Bullriding and dancing was so much fun! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
The only issue there was in terms of health is that we were about an hour drive away from any medical services or hospitals. Mary was always willing to bring people to the doctor if need be though. There were no vaccines required, but i did get the hep A, flu shot, and malarial medecine before leaving-all of which I highly recommend. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would reccomend students bring $500 all together for the entire month of this trip. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | WE were pretty much informed of all the bare minimum expenses which totalled about $300-I say the extra $200 because of couvenirs, food, or incase of emergency or something of the sort. |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A adventerous, outgoing, nature-loving student that is also very interested in the global ecological issues should go on this trip! |
