Found peace, was able to relax, learned so much about Spanish and Tico culture Past Review
By Ally B (BS Biology, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/07/2012 with
USAC Costa Rica: San Ramón - Life Sciences, Spanish Language, and Culture
I speak Spanish now, I knew about three words before I came here. Learned how to cook too!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I absolutely loved the level of education I received here. I feel like I was in a nurturing safe environment of learning much different that the way I feel at Pacific. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The USAC staff was incredibly helpful and kind, and I got to know each of the staff on a personal level.. such a wonderful program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing, I couldn't have asked for a better living situation. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I have never lived on this low of a budget, while also traveling and eating and not worrying about money much at all. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had taken a little bit of Spanish before coming here, I definitely would have been fluent by now, a lot of my friends are |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
