USAC Puntarenas - An Experience You'll Never Forget or Regret Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were wonderful! Definitely easier than classes at my home university, but what they lacked in traditional schoolwork they made up in practical learning. All of my classes were in Spanish (there are plenty of classes in English too), so my language skills increased immensely because I was doing all of my academic work in Spanish. The professors are all very knowledgeable and want you to learn and succeed. They love staying after class to talk to you, not just about problems you're having in the class, but just general conversation! They want to get to know you and they want your time in Costa Rica to be positive.

On-site administration of your program

I didn't interact with the administration much, but the times I did were positive. They give a thorough orientation within the first few days you're there which tells you all you need to know to get out and start enjoying your experience. They each speak English and Spanish, live nearby, and are incredibly helpful throughout whole the semester.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing situation was so much more than I could've ever asked for! My family was so wonderful. I felt so welcome from the first night there, and whenever another student would have some sort of complaint about their family (the food wasn't good, they don't spend time with me, etc) I could never relate. During the week it was just my host mom and me, so we spent lots of time speaking Spanish and keeping each other company. On the weekends my 3 host siblings would come home from the other cities where they worked or attended school. My brothers spoke English fluently which was a big help the first night when I was so exhausted I couldn't think in any language, but they were good about only speaking Spanish with me because they knew I needed the practice. I had my own room in the house, my things and myself were always safe, the home was beautiful and airy, and was located a 5 minute bike ride from the school (BUY A BICI! Bikes are the most convenient way to get around Puntarenas and cruising around with no agenda is something I miss deeply). I still talk to my family regularly and plan to visit them as soon as I can!

I'm probably the least picky eater I know, so I didn't have any problem with the food. My host mom was an excellent cook, so everything was tasty and I rarely had the same meal twice in a month. Beans and rice come with every meal, and the portions are usually large, just as a heads up. Most families are great about asking you about your preferences for eating, so be sure to be specific in the beginning!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

"Pura Vida" is the nation's slogan and my favorite part about their culture. It literally means "pure life," but figuratively means so much more. While living in Costa Rica I learned to relax, enjoy the present, and do what I want to do when I want to do it. I always lived on someone else's schedule and was worrying about something, but I really learned how to take it easy while studying abroad, and that probably added years to my life. The Puntarenas program does have a reputation for being the party program, but that isn't all it is. There are certainly lots of opportunities to go out to the bars and dance and drink with Ticos, but if that isn't you, don't be discouraged. There were also plenty of people in the program who didn't go out every weekend. Whether with the USAC group or in smaller groups, most of us got to travel throughout the country and to Nicaragua and Panama as well. Traveling is really cheap in Central America and it's easy to view the majority of the natural beauty found in Costa Rica. The Arenal volcano, beaches of the Nicoya peninsula, the Caribbean side towns, and Monteverde are must sees! Have a general plan, but keep in mind that your plan will probably be thwarted by a bus accident, infinite immigration lines, or a sloth crossing the road. Make the most of a weird situation - those always turn out to be the best memories!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Personally I always felt safe, but be smart. Don't be alone at night, don't go into areas you know aren't safe, don't go off with people you don't know, etc. As long as you use common sense you'll be just fine. I can't speak to any health issues, but people I know who were hurt or got sick were more than adequately cared for.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Before I studied abroad I had a pretty good Spanish language base, but I felt nervous speaking. Because I felt so comfortable in class, I participated often and practiced speaking as much as I could with classmates. The program also set up a conversation partners program in which USAC students were matched up with a Costa Rican college student so that we could practice Spanish and they could practice English. I regretfully didn't participate, but ended up spending a considerable amount of time with my friends' conversation partners.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family