A learning experience with memories that will last a lifetime! Past Review

By Allison Lease (Bethany Lutheran College) - abroad from 06/02/2018 to 06/30/2018 with

Veritas Christian Study Abroad: San Jose - Study Abroad and Missions Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was definitely worthwhile! I learned to be more confident and independent, I was basically fluent in Spanish while down in Costa Rica, I met amazing friends, and I tried so many new foods and activities!

Review Photos

Veritas Christian Study Abroad: San Jose - Study Abroad and Missions Program Photo

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?
* 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 I feel that I learned a great amount in class, but just conversing with my host family and locals gave me a better learning experience! The class was a great review and it was what I was hoping for.

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?	$40 on food, excursions ranged from $60-200 (those are optional)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Bring some snacks for in between class, lunch is always cheap. I would recommend to spend less money on items and splurge more on food and excursions because you will remember those longer!

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?	Intermediate (conversation and literature)
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?	Listen to music in the language you are learning, try to think in it, and just write down notes for the trip in your language just to practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	It was all in Spanish Grammar reviews Meeting others
* What could be improved?	More involvement in the community More activities in Spanish A real field trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That it is hot!! I would have packed way differently. I also would have tried to meet even more locals and try to see them more than once. I would’ve liked to interact more with individuals to have longer lasting friendships.

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 Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Intermediate Spanish II
Course Department:	Spanish
Instructor:	Carla Torres
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	It was challenging at times especially when we would debate in class (team debates). The teacher was always prepared. I participated more in class because I wanted to get the most out of it. We had papers, presentations, worksheets, movies, debates, and journals.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Yes, for some reason my credits did not count as study abroad, so it didn’t count towards my GPA.