Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

appreciation for happiness Past Review

By (Teaching, NYC) - abroad from 08/01/2018 to 10/01/2018 with

A Broader View Volunteer Corp: Escazu - Volunteer Costa Rica Escazu, Teaching Education program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most challenging part of the country of Costa Rica was learning the societal norms. Before traveling it is always important to look up information such as tipping and other parts of the culture. Although the people of Escazu were always nice, it was important that I didn’t let my guard down and walked with awareness of my surroundings. Traveling can be amazing but you also just have to remember to be smart!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My trip to Costa Rica with A Broader View was probably one of the best experiences of my life. Just like everyone would be if they came to a foreign country alone, I was nervous that something would go wrong or I would find the experience too difficult. With the support of the coordinator, her family, ABV in America, my volunteer location and the people of CR, I was the happiest person ever. I got to volunteer as well as learn the unique history of Escazu, CR and the local people. The US and CR have so many differences, but by coming to Escazu I have a new appreciation for happiness. Seeing the kids of the kindergarten come to school with big smiles of their faces reminded me that happiness isn’t based on the things that you have, but rather what you make of it!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ABV Coordinator was amazing! She picked me up at the airport right when I arrived, even though I missed my original connecting flight! Once she got to know me as well, she worked with me to set up the best volunteer experience I could possibly have. She always went above and beyond to make sure that I was getting the most out of my experience. She gave me tips of good restaurants, places to see and what to do with my free time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was lucky enough to have experience with living in a home stay before my trip to Escazu, so entering a homestay in CR was not too challenging for me. For some advice though. I would say, make sure that you ask your homestay what the rules of the house are at the beginning and discuss any potential issues when they arise. This is will avoid a lot of issues during your stay and will help you feel more comfortable!

* Food:

Delicious! My host mom really listened to what I liked and did not like and always made sure that I had a full stomach.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people of CR are so friendly! From my homestay, to the teachers at the kindergarten, to the locals in restaurants, the people of CR made Escazu feel like a second home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Our host mother help me get some medication when I got the flu and I had the travel insurance ABV recommended in the application

* Safety:

I always felt secure during my trip to Escazu. The homestay had a fence that locked as well as the front door that both were always locked.

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

My trip to Costa Rica with A Broader View was probably one of the best experiences of my life. Just like everyone would be if they came to a foreign country alone, I was nervous that something would go wrong or I would find the experience too difficult. With the support of the coordinator, her family, ABV in America, my volunteer location and the people of CR, I was the happiest person ever. I got to volunteer as well as learn the unique history of Escazu, CR and the local people. The US and CR have so many differences, but by coming to Escazu I have a new appreciation for happiness. Seeing the kids of the kindergarten come to school with big smiles of their faces reminded me that happiness isn’t based on the things that you have, but rather what you make of it!

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)

$100

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? in tours US$90-120 on the weeknd tours

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

all the time at the volunteer site, host family and in town

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? high school
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? use itranslate app, have a dictionary, and don't be shy use anything you have

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the children
  • the host mom
  • the local people
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had all the information I needed prior traveling, do your own research as well

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.