Breath-taking Past Review
By Austin J (Spanish Language, Literature, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 12/19/2015 with
Universidad Veritas: San José - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
patience gratitude new level of fluency with Spanish
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The energy that each professor has is incomparable to professors in the US. They are more than willing to help you! Professor Marlem is an angel from god! If you are lucky enough to have her, you won't regret it. I had a small issue during intermediate 2 with one of the professors this past november. I would her to readjust her attitude towards the students from the United States, other than that the education at veritas is very satisfactory. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Administration at Veritas is amazing they will literally give you the shirts off their back, to accommodate you. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Words can not describe how much I love my tico family. My host mother was one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. she was always more than willing to help you out in any situation. Her food can not be compared either. She and her family will always have a special place in my heart. |
| * Food: |
gallo pinto... enough said |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Costa Rican people are very laid back people. They are very friendly, and want you to have an amazing experience in there country. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Never got sick, but Costa Rica has the best health care in all of central america. |
| * Safety: |
This is the safest country in central america by far. Please just be aware of your surroundings. I am 6'2 and in certain situations where I was present the out come would of have been different, If I was a female. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
Personally no, but yes for someone who has been. I prefer to study at the University of Costa Rica. |
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) |
COSTA RICA IS A TOURIST COUNTRY. If you dont get to know the locals or eat at home or a local "soda" aka cafe. you will be eating for the same prices as if you were in the states. They have the same places to eat like we do. be smart! However, travel and hostels are cheap, which is a huge plus. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 75-100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | eat at home. dont buy drinks at the bar or limit yourself. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
There is no point in studying abroad, if you dont want to adapt. I'm a foreign language major, so of course I am going to advocate the use of a foreign language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate 2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Change your phone and computer to spanish fight the urge to use english. find a local to practice with. it is always better if you are attracted to them to. it gives you motivation. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | not to waste all my money at the local travel agency on campus, it is much cheaper to travel around Costa Rica on the weekends alone or with friends with out the use of the travel agency. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
