Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A journey of a lifetime! Past Review

By (Biology & Spanish, Wartburg College) - abroad from 08/16/2014 to 12/05/2014 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 gained so much knowledge of the language, of myself, and of the culture in Costa Rica. I learned most things outside of classes and not while sitting at the university. My semester was definitely worth while, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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:

Don't travel alone past dark. Be smart about what you bring with you (how much money, electronics, ect.)

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? Depending on the week....around $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat all meals at your host family's house when possible. If you travel, make sure to look into it ahead of time to find hostels and places to go. MAKE SURE YOU ARE SMART WHEN TAKING TAXIS!!!

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had completed many 300 level 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? Talk to your host family. They are there to help you learn. If they correct you, it isn't to be mean. It is to help you learn the language. Also, use the language when you are with other people in your program even if both of your primary languages are the same. It is helpful to practice.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Directors
  • Other students
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Cost of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think the USAC staff did a great job of informing us on everything before the program began. I feel like I was really well prepared, and I don't think there is anything else I wish I knew beforehand.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.