Always have expectations but never expect them to turn out exactly the way you want them to. Past Review
By Staci S (Pre-Nursing, University of Northern Iowa) for
Universidad Veritas: San José - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about independence. I also decided that I want to use my nursing degree to help others out in either Costa Rica or another country in Latin America.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I never had homework in my elective classes. I had one grade for my democracy electives which was a paper due the last day of class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host country study abroad office was very helpful. They had different activities everyday to help us immerse into the culture. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took a field trip to a cloud forest during one of our Spanish classes. On Independence Day there was a parade downtown that really helped me understand the culture better. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I brought malaria pills because I knew I would be traveling a lot. |
| 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? |
Most people spoke English but since they knew we needed practice, they spoke Spanish around us. We practiced Spanish with our host family everyday. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Keep in mind that Costa Rica is still a developing country so there will be surprises, but thats what makes the experience. Losing electricity and water randomly, taking cold showers, and never exactly knowing what your eating is all part of the fun. |
