Studying in the jungle! Past Review

By (Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 07/03/2012 to 08/03/2012 with

USAC Costa Rica: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the culture, the environment and the environmental policies. It was extremely worthwhile!

Review Photos

USAC: Puntarenas, Costa Rica - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies Photo USAC: Puntarenas, Costa Rica - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies Photo USAC: Puntarenas, Costa Rica - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Amazing experience, great classes, Excellent teaching staff!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

If I EVER needed anything, there was always someone to help me out. I was overwhelmed at first by the new language, but I always had help, which made the experience so much better!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was patient and understanding while I did my best to learn the language.

* Food:

If you like rice and beans, you will love the food. Not spicy, but rice and beans seem to be in every meal. I was not served anything overly strange, like monkey brains.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's up to YOU to integrate yourself. You can stick with your English speaking friends, or you can go out, play soccer, and make friends with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not personally have any issues, but I am confident I would have had help if I had needed it.

* Safety:

It's as safe as anywhere, but common sense still applies. A friend of mine got mugged because she was walking on the beach in town after midnight by herself. If you don't do anything stupid, you will be fine.

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)

Food is soooo cheap! Movies are cheap, buses are cheap, just be careful with money, because everything is so cheap, it's easier to spend it

* 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? about 20 because once or twice a week we ate out
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Because food is cheaper, it's easier to spend money. Just budget, don't let spending get out of control.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It was greatly encouraged, but YOU have to take some initiative too.

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? sophomore in high school, but it was 6 years ago
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? Learn the basics before you go if you can, and spend at least an hour or two a day strictly speaking Spanish

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • field trips
  • local atmosphere
  • animals!
* What could be improved?
  • more information about the tour offered
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? An extra battery for my camera would have been great to have