Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exceptional Total Immersion Program In A Surf Paradise Past Review

By (Law, University of California - Los Angeles / UCLA) - abroad from 04/23/2018 to 04/27/2018 with

WAYRA Instituto de Español: Playa Tamarindo - Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned I need to practice my Spanish a lot more. Totally worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent immersion program in a beautiful setting. Everyone was friendly, encouraging and patient, but they also make you work hard. I can't wait to go back!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was excellent, very professional.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at a hotel two blocks away - air conditioned with a very nice pool

* Food:

There is a wide variety of food options within walking distance

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved it

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues

* Safety:

Tamarindo is a surfer's paradise and quite safe, with ordinary precautions

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

I loved the program and my stay in Tamarindo. If you want to learn Spanish in a total immersion program, this is the place to go.

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 didn't live on a student budget, but you can if you wish. Costa Rica is less expensive than a lot of places.

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

Wayra is a total immersion program so we speak only Spanish

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak and listen as much as possible - practice, practice, practice

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Professional
  • Friendly
  • Rigorous
* What could be improved?
  • A few more students at my learning level
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The more you practice the quicker you learn

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.