Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An absolutely amazing experience that I wish I could do all over again! Past Review

By (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 05/28/2017 to 06/24/2017 with

AIFS High School Summer Language Program: San Jose, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent and how to be open to trying new things.

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.

I felt comfortable in the class that I was placed in, but I was still challenged.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I'm really glad that I chose to go with AIFS. I felt comfortable with the leaders and they were always there to help me out with anything. The school, Veritas, was also helpful with fitting me in the right class.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I personally had a different experience with my housing than the others in my program. My family had little interaction with me and my other roommates, it felt like I was only there to sleep and eat.

* Food:

I loved experiencing the food of Costa Rica. 9/10 the places we went to had amazing food. I was a little disappointed because my host family tried to make American food for me and my roommates.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AIFS did a good job with teaching the history of Costa Rica, San Jose in particular. They had many activities and trips set up, that showed the best parts of CR and that showed the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have an experience with the healthcare.

* Safety:

I was told to never walk alone, especially at night. There were certain bars/restaurants I was told not to go to. I got cat called many times, but I was in danger.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between 100 and 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I lost a lot of money in credit card and atm transactions. Be smart about the tax

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

AIFS would speak to us in half Spanish, half English and it really helped to get integrated in the culture.

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? 120-Intermediate
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? Don't just practice doing problems, speak the language out loud, it helps.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The guidance I got by AIFs but also the freedom I had
  • Exploring a new country and learning about its culture
  • Trying new food and traveling to different destinations
* What could be improved?
  • The only problem I had with the entire experience was my host family and it wasn't too big of a problem
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how Costa Rican's dress, so I wouldn't have stuck out so much.

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.