AMAZING Past Review

By (California State University - Humboldt State University) - abroad from 07/17/2016 to 08/07/2016 with

Broadreach: Costa Rica - Veterinary Medicine College Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going to a whole new country to learn about something I loved was the best feeling. I got to learn about the care of exotic animals we don't have here in the US. We also got a chance to see how other countries care for animals compared to US regulations and what not. It was definitely worth it.

Review Photos

Broadreach: Multiple - Costa Rica Veterinary Experience Photo Broadreach: Multiple - Costa Rica Veterinary Experience Photo Broadreach: Multiple - Costa Rica Veterinary Experience Photo Broadreach: Multiple - Costa Rica Veterinary Experience Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We were learning something new everyday. I went to Costa Rica to learn about animal and veterinary science, and that is exactly what we did.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were staying in the middle of the rain forest, and I am so honored to have been able to do that. Every place we stayed was stunning in their own ways.

* Food:

We ate a variant of the same foods almost every day (rice, beans, platanos, and a protein), but I was HOOKED! To this day, my mouth waters for Costa Rican platanos.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were taught a lot about the people we were seeing and working with which was nice. The food definitely helped with feeling connected to the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My advisers, Danny and Danielle, watched over us like hawks to make sure we felt safe and comfortable. They were protective in the sense of parents, but fun in the sense of an aunt and uncle.

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

I had the best time of my life there.

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)

I refrained from buying much because my parents didn't send me with much. I think they gave me about $200 for spending money and I went through it all, but wasn't suffering.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent maybe $50 a week on souvenirs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
  • The advisers
  • The hands on experience (especially being able to stick my hand up a cow butt)
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The home-sickness will be almost obsolete. It is hard to miss home when you are in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

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!