Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgetable and Life-Changing Past Review

By (Spanish and Iberian Studies., Winthrop University) - abroad from 01/06/2013 to 04/06/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more patient, and how to be more relaxed (a direct result of the Tico culture). It was definitely worthwhile. Going to Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I ever made. I had so many great experiences and would recommend this program to anyone.

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.

The only reason I didn't give a higher rating was because in one of my classes I had a really unorganized teacher.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host family I lived with was very nice and included me in their lives.

* Food:

Costa Rican food is awesome.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated. CEA had a lot of fun excursions and I had time to explore on my own and meet some interesting people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I hurt my leg one for my program directors drove me to the hospital and helped me with translating and with knowing what to do. She then ran to the pharmacy to get my prescription.

* Safety:

Don't walk alone and night and hang on to your belongings wherever you are.

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)

It really depends on how much you want to go out to lunches, go out to bars, buy souvenirs, etc. I would have had an easier time if I had made a budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? varied
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy groceries at Pali if you can make a budget

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? Spanish 3020
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? Go out and talk to Ticos. If yout take taxis, talk to the driver. Also try to talk in class as much as you can. Remember since everyone in your class is learning just like you are it doesn't matter if you make a mistake. In fact, making mistakes can be the best way to learn.

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?
  • experiencing the culture/ excursions
  • proximity to the city
* What could be improved?
  • examples of how much things specific may cost in the program description
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The actual pricing of things, like taxis and food.

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!