Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ummm when can I go back?! Past Review

By (Sustainable Tourism, San Diego State University) - abroad from 01/01/2016 to 01/11/2016 with

The Sea State: Guanacaste - Sustianable Tourism

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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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.

There was coursework to be completed before the trip, readings and quizzes, they really helped prepare me for arrival in Costa Rica. Site visits were incredible and the evening lectures were interesting and interactive. The final paper at the end is pretty long, it helped to write down ideas throughout the course to use while writing the paper back home.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Organization was fantastic. Of course we were on Tico time so we found ourselves waiting for taxis on a few occasions but that's part of the experience. Sarah was amazing; she really made everyone feel comfortable while being immersed in a new culture.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels were great, amazing locations, food, and staff. I'm just really not a fan of sharing a room with 5 other people.

* Food:

AMAZING

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The site visits is where I felt most integrated with the local culture. The Nosara recycling center, tree farm, and the Harmony Hotel are all run by amazing locals.

* 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

Dr. Leon Mach and Sarah Hughen made this trip perfect. I not only learned an incredible amount on this trip, I also made life long friends. Pura Vida

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)

Things are not a cheap in Costa Rica as I expected.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Combination of everything: Surfing, lectures, dinners, exploring
* What could be improved?
  • It was a bit short. 10 days is not enough
  • Language component would have been nice.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have planned for a few extra days on my own once the course was completed to reflect and have some time away from the group.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.