Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Educational, eye opening, experience of a lifetime / RTM 404 Past Review

By (Recreational Tourism Management, San Diego State University) - abroad from 05/23/2014 to 06/01/2014 with

The Sea State: Guanacaste - Sustianable Tourism

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the local life of Costa Rica, the disadvantages they face such as proper garbage disposal, sewage, schooling, and water during the dry seasons. It really taught me the importance of sustainability and not overusing the resources we have.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* 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?
  • working on the local school
  • helping at the recycling center
  • time spent with the locals
* What could be improved?
  • more food!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The amount of bugs that bite! Definitely needed more bug spray, and itch relief cream! Also, few extra pairs of clothes, most got drenched from the rain!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.