Vacation and education in one! Past Review

By (Animal Biology, University of Florida) for

Universidad Veritas: San José - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! I had never been on a plane or travelled outside of the country before this experience. I learned so much about myself as well as Costa Rica. It is a beautiful country. The university and accommodations with host family were excellent and rewarding.

Personal Information

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.

My Spanish class allowed immersion in the language and I progressed significantly in only 6 weeks.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Small program size with supportive staff. Studying with students from all over the country was fun as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was treated as a family member by my host family and the accommodations were excellent.

* Food:

The food in CR is awesome. I would eat moro rice for breakfast everyday forever if I could. And the tiny bananas are awesome! :)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had multiple excursions which were incredible. I made lifelong friends and grew as a person.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The people of CR dress more conservatively; girls should not wear shorts. Also, be careful to avoid scams from the taxi drivers by checking for a meter.

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

My Spanish class allowed immersion in the language and I progressed significantly in only 6 weeks. However, many of the locals and my host family spoke English so I had to make efforts to practice.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language acquisition
  • friendships
  • excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Some students did not have host families and lived in apartments; I felt the host family experience was invaluable