Past Review
By Katherine N (Studio Arts, The University of Texas at Austin) for
API (Academic Programs International): San Joaquin de Flores - Instituto San Joaquin De Flores
Yes and no. I think my intense desire to travel outside of America- anywhere outside America- led me to have unrealistic ideas about what it means to live abroad. I have a greater respect for living in the US, but also really enjoy parts of Costa Rica. I would say that this program is geared to people who are very interested in nature, as that is what Costa Rica can truly offer. My culture awareness has sharpened, but I wouldn't say that my academic interests and future plans have been altered.
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. |
The intermediate classes were pretty easy, while the advanced Spanish classes seemed to be a lot more work. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was all extremely kind and helpful, but sometimes hard to reach and tended to not disclose information until the last minute. There was a lot of confusion as a result |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a nice and clean house on the edge of Heredia. The family was very nice and a bit older (a couple with 5 adult children). Unfortunately, a hospitalization and death in the family occured during my stay here so I missed out on a lot of time with them (as they were away tending to the family emergency). It was a bit lonely and awkward, but the time I spent with the family was generally good. I think I would have had a better homestay had I had better Spanish speaking skills. <br /><br /> My housing was in a nice and clean house. I didn't have to purchase any items for my stay here. The neighborhood is moderately safe (students are not recommended to walk around at night outside while alone, or even in a group- must take a taxi). The nightlife is very relaxed, there are a few small bars in the town. I know some students go to the bars in Heredia, which there are many. |
| * Food: |
The food was usually very delicious, but not healthy at all. Vegetables were a rare sight, and oil seemed to be the main ingredient for many dishes. Also, the food was very heavy on meat. I was diagnosed with colitis while here, which I believe is from eating food that is so different from what I usually have. However, the food is overall very good and you just have to be careful not to over do it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The students in my session travelled every weekend, which was a lot of fun. We all really enjoyed Puerto Viejo, even though many people say it is the most dangerous part of Costa Rica. One of the best parts of this trip has been getting to know the other students. In terms of social/cultural opportunities available while at "home" here, there isn't much (gym, a few bars), although San Jose is a 30 min. bus ride away. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We had a doctor visit the school to talk about health issues, but he came when the program was half way through. It was a little difficult to get accurate information on what the health risks would be around Costa Rica. Generally, I felt moderately safe. Tourists and gringos are easy targets for petty theft, so it's important to be careful and smart wherever you are. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I did end up spending a lot of money on food, especially during the weekends. Bring lots of your own granola bars/peanut butter/etc.. from home. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beg. Spanish |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I think my language skills would have improved much more had I spent more time with my host family, and attempted to talk more in Spanish with the other students here. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program has been great in terms of the cost and time. The classes are not very difficult. Overall, probably the most negative aspect of this program has been the location where we live. If I could choose a different program, I would choose one that is outside the central valley. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Intermediate Spanish Grammar 1 |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Johnny Bermuda |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish/English |
| Comments: | This class was very moderately challenging. We did some interesting projects. Johnny was an excellent teacher. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Intermediate Spanish Grammar 2 |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Sr. Otto |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish/English |
| Comments: | Otto is a fantastic profesor. The class was a bit cut and dry, and did not require much work. Definitely far easier than my Spanish class back in the US. However, we certainly did learn many new things. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
