Costa Rica: Learning the History Through Class and Travel Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There were many more group projects at the University of Costa Rica than there are at the University of Texas. The Costa Rican students with whom I worked on these projects were heavy procrastinators, and I realized as the semester progressed that procrastination was a very normal activity at the university. This made me really frustrated when it came time to turn things in and the project wasn't finished. The workload was similar, with lots of reading every night but not very much written homework.

On-site administration of your program

The study abroad office helped me choose courses to take in Costa Rica and helped me contact the international advisers at the University of Costa Rica. My home university adviser was helpful in answering questions and quick to respond to emails. My program did not have any information about the University of Costa Rica because I was one of the first to attend this program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was kind to me and treated me as a guest, but not as a family member. They fed me breakfast and dinner. My neighborhood was fairly safe, but I did get robbed right outside of my house. The house was very close to the university and conveniently located near areas of nightlife.

Dining on campus was an affordable and delicious option. I recommend tying food from a "soda," a small cafeteria on campus, as well as trying food from the many eateries located around the campus.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program didn't arrange any trips or traveling. Outside of the program I had a great time seeing cultural attractions and traveling throughout the country.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have to use healthcare at all in Costa Rica. Safety is a much bigger concern in Costa Rica than it is in the US. I was robbed at gunpoint at 7 pm as a I waited at a crowded bus stop outside my house. I recommend that future students do not carry anything valuable when they leave the house at night, and that they take a taxi if they are moving around the city alone after dark. Be very aware of your possessions--keep purses and backpacks on lap or between legs when in public places. On campus I felt much safer than off of campus. Robbery is not a big deal in Costa Rica--it isn't even reported to police.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I spoke Spanish with my host family, friends, and classmates. Some people spoke English, but not most.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students