Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Costa Rica: Pura Vida Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/08/2012 to 05/22/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about the Spanish language, and the culture in Costa Rica.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The experience was absolutely amazing, but there were a few things in the trip that I would not care to do again.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the people that greeted and helped us out were awesome.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We definitely stayed in some remote areas, and in some interesting places. For the areas we were in, our housing was pretty normal. It was just a huge culture shock.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We didn't visit many tourist areas, so we were always spending time with the locals, and learning about how they live their lives.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning the culture
  • Relaxing at the water
  • Seeing the environment
* What could be improved?
  • A more detailed itenerary.
  • Going through some Spanish as a group to brush up on your skills.
  • Researching the specific places we would be attening a little more.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To take along more clothes.