Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing! Past Review

By (International Business., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/29/2014 to 08/15/2014 with

API (Academic Programs International): San Joaquin de Flores - Instituto San Joaquin De Flores

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of Spanish, a ton about Costa Rican culture, but mostly I learned a lot about myself. It was definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? It varied on the week, but around $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save during the week so you can splurge on weekends!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPN Advanced Grammar and Composition
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? Listen to music in the native language and watch TV shows, if possible! Hearing the language really helps.

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
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?
  • Living with a host family!
  • The atmosphere of the school
  • The excursions
* What could be improved?
  • More excursions that ask for student input before they are planned
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be so nervous - you'll be fine! Take advantage of this amazing experience and everything it has to offer.

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.