Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

refreshing A very different life style from the one I had in the U.S. Past Review

By (Comparative Literature., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/07/2012 to 11/28/2012 with

University of Costa Rica: San Jose - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about myself, about family values and living in Costa Rica. I also learned a lot from a different academic system and teaching style.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 10 to 20 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The University's cafeteria has really great prices and the food is very good. It's also nice that they usually serve what would be considered a very Costa Rican lunch.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Introduction to Hispanic Literature (but I am a native spanish speaker.)
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? Talk to students, they are usually friendly and happy to show you Costa Rican slang and expressions.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The people around me (friends and family)
  • University and courses
  • Social life
* What could be improved?
  • introduction to the academic methodologies
  • language immersion
  • information about what to do in case of small earthquakes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the university's bus system is not absolutely reliable and that I would sometimes have to find other routes and ways to get to class. Also that group work and even group papers and exams are very common.

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 Linguist
You 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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Spanish literature
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Costa Rican literature
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Course Department:
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Instruction Language: Literary Historiography
Comments:
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literary theory
Course Department:
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Instruction Language: spanish
Comments: I found this course very useful and I learned a lot. However the readings and the subject matter were challenging at times. Good level of Spanish is required.
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Comparative literature (the Victorian period)
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Instruction Language: English
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French Civilization
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Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was a very relaxed course. I practiced and improved my oral expression in french but not so much my writing.
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Beginning Italian

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Instruction Language: Italian and Spanish
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