Costa Rica: First Long Term Experience In A Different Country Past Review
By Lauren K (Psychology, University of Northern Iowa) for
Universidad Veritas: San José - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was definitely a good way to learn the Spanish language. Learned a lot about a new culture and getting around on my own. This has raised my cultural awareness and let me get a great start on my Spanish Minor.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Fun classes- but a lot of work. Great teachers. Class generally from 8am-12pm everyday. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths: Small class sizes, understanding teachers, intense program. Weaknesses: Felt somewhat unsafe in the city. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Didn't feel safe in neighborhood- several Americans robbed. Felt like a family member by my host family, however, they weren't home often. Close walk to school and taxi drive to nightlife. |
| * Food: |
Accommodated to dietary restrictions- great quality and quantity of food. 2 meals a day by host fmaily. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Met great friends and cheap travel on weekends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never needed medical care. San Jose was not very safe in my opinion. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Used only Spanish with host family. Most people knew English. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who wants some adventure on the weekends and ready for challenging, but rewarding study during the week would love this. Met lifelong friends and had amazing experiences. |
