Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

120 Days of Pura Vida Past Review

By (Criminal Justice and Corrections., University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 01/17/2014 to 05/16/2014 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 more about myself then I ever thought I would. I was able to see my own strengths and weaknesses, make amazing friends, immerse myself in a new culture, and look at life from a simplistic point of view. Overall, this experience has shown me where I want to go in life and what is important.

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? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3 years of High school spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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 professors
  • my classes
* What could be improved?
  • the WiFi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there really is not much to do in Puntarenas and it is generally pretty boring, and the city is really dirty. Though I believe this is all part of the experience, I wish I would have known.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.