an out of this world adventure Past Review

By (Utah Valley University) - abroad from 06/08/2012 to 06/21/2012 with

Utah Valley University: San Jose - Biology & Geology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater appreciation for cultures and for nature. It was very worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring extra money because there will be small unexpected costs. Also if its in costa rica, you can always pay in U.S. dollars so bring cash, I would not recommend bringing a card, ATMs arent always reliable.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Repeat the words you hear people say in the country. It helps you be more comfortable, and use words as often as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The pace and the schedule
  • The hands on approach
  • So much to learn by seeing
* What could be improved?
  • Free time
  • More time to take notes
  • More involvement of the students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared with the right equipment and be ready to be physically active all the time.