Amazing experience full of culture and adventure Past Review
By A student (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/08/2012 to 05/22/2012 with
University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in Costa Rica
The opportunity to witness a new culture. It was very worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We were submerged into the country and were able to use the resources and learn the material for ourselves. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
At times it did not seem the most organized. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was not what I was expecting. Some of the places were full of bugs in doors even. It was not terrible, but I just did not feel prepared for it. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing! I wish that I could bring it back to the states with me. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of another country. The language was difficult for me, since I have no previous knowledge of Spanish. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Well, I was stung by a scorpion and had no idea what to do. Luckily some of the locals knew some English and were able to give me some ice. Other than that, I had no issues with health care. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe during this trip. |
| 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) |
The price was about the same for items as they would be in the states. Some meals we had to get on our own though. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
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 |
Our host family would try to communicate with us, but it was difficult to try to learn it. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | four years of French, none of Spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Review before the trip. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? |
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? | More Spanish. |
