Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great educational opportunity in a fun country! Past Review

By (Utah Valley University) - abroad from 06/08/2012 to 06/20/2012 with

Utah Valley University: San Jose - Biology & Geology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot on how the country of Costa Rica was formed geologically and the biological organisms that occupy it. I gained a new respect for Central American countries and their cultures. It was completely worthwhile I am very glad I came on this trip and I will definitely visit Costa Rica again.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Southern Utah University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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? No

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? 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

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • There were different educational activities every day that kept the trip exciting.
  • Staying in new hotels all around the country every two nights or so.
  • The combination of biology and geology in one class.
* What could be improved?
  • A little bit more free time to reflect in the field journals.
  • I was interested in all of the different enviromental issues about the country but this subject wasn't talked about too much.
  • A better balance of biology and geology.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I could have packed a little less than I did. It was recommended that I bring a heavier jacket and I barely used it, they take up space. Waterproof gear was a life saver and I recommend cameras that can get wet.