Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Costa Rica, Pura Vida! Past Review

By (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 05/16/2012 to 07/26/2012 with

Texas Lutheran University (TLU): San Jose City - Business and Kinesiology in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I had the opportunity to tap into a whole new world, culture, etc. It gave me a new view of life and I gained new memories and friendships from it.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: N/A
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of our hotel in San Jose was pretty shady.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Good.

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $350.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Know your exchange rates!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The experience to put myself in a completely new culture!
  • Tour guide, Jimmy was great!
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The hotels had washers! :)