Pura Vida is the Life for ME Past Review
By shannon t (Psychology/Spanish, SUNY - College at Old Westbury) - abroad from 01/11/2010 to 05/08/2012 with
USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies
better understanding of the culture and stronger language skills
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. |
We could of been pushed a little more it was very laid back but it worked becasue u didnthave to stress that much and could focus on school. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
they were resourceful and always there to help |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
felt very safe and comfortable, great help with learning the language |
| * Food: |
yum yum yum |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
its hard to put urself out there especially when ur always with american students |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
i got sick and everyone was extremly supportive and made sure i was getting proper care and had everything i needed. |
| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
it was easy but u had to watch because of wanting to travel on the weekend |
| * 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? | 40-100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | watch those loans, they add up |
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 |
they set up imersion classes for us |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | intermediate |
| 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? | put urself out there. its hard but possible |
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?
Select all that apply |
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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? | to talk more and take every hance u get |
