The submersion through a culture, diverse, peaceful place. Past Review

By (Universidad Veritas) - abroad from 08/23/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: San Jose, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learning Spanish would definitely be the biggest gain I got from study abroad. It was definitely worth it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I decided to take intensive Spanish courses. I took Spanish courses five days a week, four hours a day. The courses are intense, but you learn so much!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CEA program is so great! I am so glad I chose to do my study abroad experience through them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was neat living in a home-stay. I think it would have been cool to live in a dorm or apartment style housing.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The university provides so much activities for you to get involved. The program is located in the capital, so there are so many culture opportunities for you to take part in every day!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

CEA works so well with you! They explain all the procedures for if you get injured and provide health insurance. The staff is excellent and are always willing to help out.

* Safety:

Students from the United States always need to be prepared for something to happen. There are situations that can be dangerous. The program will explain more on how to be aware of your surroundings.

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

There were always so helpful! I loved my program advisors. I feel that we definitely had the best program compared to other students at Veritas.

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 would say a 3. This depends on how you spend your money. Costs include gym fees, lunch, shopping, going out to eat, night life, cell phone minutes, UBER, and travel budget

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply for as many scholarships as you can! Make money by having a job so that you aren't worried about spending money while abroad.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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?
  • The excursions
  • The helpfullness of the staff
* What could be improved?
  • Some of the electives at the university could be improved.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing that I can think of.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.