Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My month of eating the best mangoes Past Review

By (University of Nevada, Reno) - abroad from 05/20/2016 to 06/24/2016 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 lasting friendships with other USAC students from around the country. I learned a lot about being independent and on my own. And I got to really become friends with my host family.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

I stayed with a host family and I loved my family as my own. They were very welcoming and included me in many other their activities.

* Food:

Costa Rican food is AMAZING. I loved every meal I ate so so much! Definitely get used to rice and beans because that is a staple.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually had to visit the hospital while abroad. I was bit by a dog while walking and needed to get stitches and vaccines. While the healthcare professionals did not speak English I was able to convey my concerns and get the proper care I needed.

* Safety:

I felt very safe during the day. At night I would always walk with a buddy. Costa Rica in general is a country you would want to be alert while walking.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

USAC was a great program because it was not as costly as others and allowed for a simple and easy transition abroad. The staff is very helpful and always available to talk to. I was lucky because I attend UNR which is where USAC's main hub is located which just made everything that much easier.

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)

I definitely didn't stay on budget because I decided to travel within the country whenever possible. If you decide not to do so, you could definitely keep a tighter budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$100

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

San Ramon is very language intensive. Many people solely speak Spanish and rarely do you find an English speaker.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Introductory 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? I strongly suggest building relationships with your host family. So you can practice the language at home.

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
  • International Students
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?
  • My host family
  • The field trips with my program
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with on site staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How language intensive the program is.

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 Adventurer
The 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.