Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Will challenge and change you for the better Past Review

By (Northwestern College) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/12/2014 with

BestSemester: San Jose - Latin American Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Worthwhile. It is indescribable until you experience it.

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

Two are now gone but LASP's on site staff was fantastic.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Home stay is a great experience. Every triumph and challenge brings you further to understanding the culture.

* Food:

This depends on your homestay. In general, those that weren't happy were picky eaters or had allergies. While in San Jose you can get food that we have in the U.S. at the mall, etc. if you are dying for a taste from home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is one of LASP's greatest strengths.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare is different in Costa Rica than in the U.S. - if you have an immediate problem LASP will take care of it right away. In general though, expect to have a stomach bug or two from adjustments.

* Safety:

Take advice seriously and be safer than you think is necessary and you will gave nothing to worry about. At night, be very cautious. I was very fortunate that my one unsafe experience turned out fine. I was coming home from a night out with other students, and rather than make the taxi turn on my street, I thought it would be fine for him to drop me off at the corner (contrary to advice I was given.) Luckily the taxi driver knew better and followed me home. He told me a man had been following me and that I never, never should walk home alone in the dark. It was only maybe 50 feet. So take advice very seriously!

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? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save for more than you think you will need.

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? Advanced
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? Literature from the Americas (taught in Spanish)
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to your host family. Speak English only when you truly can't handle it anymore. I was lucky to come in speaking well. This program is definitely more emotionally challenging for those with limited language skills.

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?
  • Host family experience
  • Balance of independence and support
  • Great staff
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunity to get to know other students at the beginning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Forget whatever stereotypes you have. I had stereotyped Costa Rica as a tourist location and that wasn't my experience whatsoever.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!