Studying Spanish in Beautiful Costa Rica Past Review
By Carly S (Human Services, General., Western Washington University) for
WorldStrides Study Abroad - Reviews from Former Locations
Yes, definitely. I gained a lot of Spanish skills. The internship I participated in afterward was absolutely incredible and life-changing. I gained much knowledge and skills about environmental and social justice issues in Costa Rica that I will use in my future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really do not feel as though my Spanish was improved because of my classes. The immersion in Costa Rica definitely helped to this end, but I retained very little from the class despite the effort I put into it. Better organization and better teaching materials would have been greatly appreciated. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everybody was great! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I could not have asked for a better host family; they were friendly, welcoming, fun, and amazing in every way! |
| * Food: |
My host family were incredible chefs! They were very conscientious of my dietary needs and preferences, and everything was delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The weekend excursions were terrible. There is nothing "cultural" about spending the weekend at a superfluously fancy resort with a bunch of other U.S. citizens. I was greatly disappointed. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
If you were smart, safety was not an issue. My host family always made sure that I was aware of safe choices (for example, not walking home in the dark), and was available for help if I needed it. I also got very sick during my abroad experience, and had no problems getting health care from a local doctor, getting reimbursed for the costs, and getting my flight changed free of charge. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke only Spanish, except when I was talking with fellow classmates. My host family was absolutely incredible, and I was able to practice Spanish a lot with them. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Opt not to participate in the ISA weekend excursions, but rather plan your own trips with fellow students or travelers. |
