Incredible experience for anyone concerned with the health of our planet Past Review

By (Biology, General., Villanova University) for

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Deffinitely was worthwhile. I learned a lot about Costa Rican culture, politics, and economics. I am more interested in conservaiton and sustainable development after completing this program, and am now looking to pursue a career in this field.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course was relatively easy and interesting. The professors give plenty of time for assignments and walk you through with step by step instructions. The grading was fair and the exam not too difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program's adminstration was well organized. The staff was great and eager to help with anything, including making travel arrangements to other parts of the country during free time. The center director and professors are great, and you will get to know them very well. They are dedicated to the students and are a lot fun.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was great as most of it came fresh from the farm on campus. Vegetarian and vegan diets were easily accomodated.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program hosts some really fun social events such as soccer games with kids from the community and a barbecue. The campus has a swimming pool and there are several fun local bars in the nearby town. The professors are also a lot of fun and they often watch soccer and play games with the students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The staff is great about presenting saftey risks such as parasites and poisonous snakes. The medical clinic nearby was of good quality, though few people got sick.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field trips were fun and imformative
  • Campus was beautiful and communal lifestyle was great
  • Professors were interesting, friendly, and fun
* What could be improved?
  • Slightly more free time to travel would have been nice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a once in a lifetime experiance for anyone interested in nature, the enviornment, or animals. If you are not an outdoorsy person, be aware that there will be bugs and snakes.