This Won't Be My Last Time in Costa Rica Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Each of my classes was perfectly manageable, and constantly interesting. I highly recommend taking the opportunity to study Tropical Marine Biology for other bio/ecology student such as myself who come from a non-tropical environment. If I had had more credits, I would have joined a more advanced Spanish class than the introductory class I took. I was grouped in with several other students whose Spanish level ranged from complete beginner to 6 years of classes. I learned far more speaking with my host family. When it comes to resources, I wish the USAC program had a better relationship with the on-campus library. My friends and I did not bring our laptops because we did not know the local Wi-fi situations, and the folks in the computer cluster at the library were sometimes rude or difficult, even when we respectfully explained that we were with USAC and that we were students.

On-site administration of your program

Claudia was the most incredibly helpful person - the ultimate resource for a USAC student in San Ramon! She helped me get experience identifying frogs, helped me purchase a local cell phone, and helped me and my friends book hostels. Gerardo and Jose were also great resources.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with the Rojas family was one of the best parts of this study abroad experience! I learned a lot of Spanish, and even helped them with English when they occasionally had questions. Ariela was really great about making sure I had three square meals a day, even if I wasn't going to be able to make it home for lunch between classes. They were incredibly patient with me and very laid-back.

I ate rice and black beans every day, and honestly, I miss that a lot. My family ate healthily, and well. Comida tica es la mas rica! I miss all of the fresh fruit that was so easy to find and purchase throughout the country! I highly recommend any student try to go to La Feria at least once during their time in San Ramon!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So long as you are a respectful gringo, people will treat you politely and familiarly. Locals also seem to be amused, patient, and accommodating if you are at least trying to speak Spanish and are polite.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As long as you recognize that cars have the right of way here, it is easy to get around the city. I never once felt like I was in danger in San Ramon. I would still recommend no student travel alone, and don't wave money around. That is just tactless. When I visited a friend in Puntarenas, however, we were almost mugged on the beach at night. We had nothing on us though, and the tico boys ran away with nothing. Students should not wander around at night in areas that are not well-lit.

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

Local goods are very cheap in Costa Rica. So long as you aren't going shopping all the time for imported goods (like clothing), you can easily budget yourself. Also, the $1 = c500 was easy to remember.

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

My host family really didn't speak all that much English. If you want to eat, you need to learn to express yourself.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• Learning Spanish
• The Tropical Marine Bio field trips
• the open return date - I spent an extra week travelling

• The option to take classes with local students
• a tour of the city with the rest of the USAC students