Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Costa Rican Experience Past Review

By (Business Finance, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/17/2012 to 12/07/2012 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 gained an international perspective of my home country, the USA. I learned more about the Spanish language. I learned a lot about myself most!

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.

I learned more out of the classroom than inside. Relying on your Spanish to speak with locals, to get better deals on souvenirs, and trying to communicate as effectively as possible with your host mom are all challenges that no classroom lecture can teach.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were all very nice but not very enthusiastic about the program, the trips, etc. I think it's because everything has grown to be somewhat repetitive for them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

So I had the BEST host family EVER. I lived with an 80 year old couple that treated me like their own! We had a great relationship however I heard that other students were not so lucky. The one thing I will comment on is the fact that in Puntarenas, there is only cold water. NO HOT SHOWERS FOR 4 MONTHS!

* Food:

The food took a little getting used to but overall it was very good and healthy. Ate a lot of pinto!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated in the local culture. Puntarenas is the one city in Costa Rica where you feel like you're living in the good ol days. You get to interact with locals, live without much technology, and learn to appreciate to live with less.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was easily accessible in CR. I had stomach problems for weeks on end in the beginning (finally a trip to Panama and then I was fine). A Dr's appt was $50 paid up front and then he diagnosed you. From there he wrote a prescription and sent you on your way.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Purchase ALL of your toiletries and school supplies BEFORE coming to CR. They cost much more in CR because they're imported.

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

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

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host family
  • Learning Spanish
  • Costa Rican breakfast
* What could be improved?
  • Tell students suggested items to bring before hand (ie expensive items like toiletries and school supplies)
  • More field trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had know that I would be showering without hot water.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'