Pura Vida Past Review
By Robyn (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/15/2016 to 05/10/2017 with
USAC Costa Rica: San Ramón - Life Sciences, Spanish Language, and Culture
I gained global perspective, and learned that you aren't entitled to anything just because it's been given to you before. We, as Americans, live very lushly and expect something to be done when our needs aren't met immediately and perfectly. The whole "Pura Vida" state of mind in Costa Rica is a testament to their view on a stress free, worry free life, where things are done in their own time. It was a very worthwhile experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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
This program gave me the confidence I didn't know I needed, and made me feel independent and like I could problem-solve my way out of anything that I ran into. I also had a lot of wonderful resources, and a wonderful host family who kept me fed and welcomed me into their lives. The group was great as well. And the food. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about $20/wk on food, I was fed everyday of the week at homestay. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget it. Know how much you're spending each week, and get your presents/souvenirs for people early. |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate College Level |
| 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? | Interact with the locals, try to use the language before you fall back on English, even if someone you're talking to knows English. Opt for the homestay option. |
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? | Ask everywhere is the water is okay to drink |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
