Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely unforgettable! Past Review

By (Biology/Spanish, Wartburg College) - abroad from 08/16/2013 to 12/06/2013 with

USAC Costa Rica: San Ramón - Life Sciences, Spanish Language, and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of Spanish, made a plethora of lifelong friends, and saw sights that I never would have imagined in my life that I would see. This was the experience of a lifetime, and I would not change it for the world. I grew as a student, as a Spanish speaker, and as a person in general due to my semester abroad. It was absolutely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend money on food unless it is absolutely necessary -- your host family will be more than willing to make you a sack lunch for a weekend trip if you ask! Also, don't worry so much about buying tons of souvenirs! People will just be glad to hear your stories when you return.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level college Spanish courses
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? Make sure you are speaking Spanish as much as possible, even with your English-speaking classmates!

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?
  • Host family
  • Culture
  • Students/Program Advisors
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring lots of bug spray!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!