11 weeks of jumping off waterfalls & standing in the front row of dance class Past Review
By Lauren (Ohio Northern University) - abroad from 05/19/2017 to 08/05/2017 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 cannot believe I almost graduated college without studying abroad. If you can make it work - GO. I went to Central America, not somewhere like Europe, so I truly experienced what it was like to be in a brand new culture (sorry Europe travelers). It challenges you in so many ways - I cannot even put into words how much I grew during my time abroad.
Review Photos
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. |
Excellent staff, professors, and learning environment. |
|
* 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
Puntarenas is small but beautiful. Everything you need is within walking distance, the centro is fun to explore, and the bus station can take you everywhere! |
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? | Realize that even small purchases add up over the course of a semester! Monitor your spending! |
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? | High school spanish |
| 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? | You just have to go for it and try using your skills. Invite feedback from those around you! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is wise to pack dramamine or meclizine in your carry on, even if you don't think you'll need it. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
Featured Program Providers
