I will be going back at some point Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 08/04/2015 to 08/08/2015 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an international perspective, I learned about a new culture, I improved my language skills, made U.S. and Costa Rican friends, and had easily the best summer ever

Review Photos

CEA: San Jose, Costa Rica Photo CEA: San Jose, Costa Rica Photo CEA: San Jose, Costa Rica Photo

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.

The courses I took were extremely interesting, the professors were great, yet they were not very demanding. Which was perfect because I received credit, but still had more time to experience the culture out in the city rather than in a classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

If only you could rate higher than 5 stars

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Pura Vida mae

* 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)

I was tempted too easily by souvenirs and exciting adventures

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? under $100 not counting the more expensive things such as ziplining, etc.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? bring enough money so that you don't have to decide which adventures to go on, there are too many incredible experiences to be had.

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? SPAN 202
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? IMMERSE YOURSELF AND KEEP TRYING! Don't get frustrated.

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?
  • adventures
  • host family
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • no suggestions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that 5 weeks isn't long enough

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.