Past Review
By Michelle W (World Language- Spanish, New Mexico State University) for
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI): Heredia - CPI Language Center
Yes, it was worthwhile. I was able to learn a lot about another culture, and my Spanish definitely improved.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The school had a great curriculum and structure. Each week students switch teachers which provided students with different experiences. The teachers were all native Spanish speakers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All expectations were met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My home stay allowed me to practice my Spanish, however the home was a bit dirty and I was robbed during my third week of study. All my things were in my room in the house, and when I returned my electronics were all missing. |
| * Food: |
The food was fine, but it was a lot of rice and beans. This is the staple food in Costa Rica. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The school provided many great activities for the students to participate in. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Due to the robbery and other problems in the area that the police shared with the students my first week, I did not feel near as safe as I do in my home country. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would advise to do some research before traveling to the country. The Internet provides great resources with the cost of many different activities. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I had opportunity to practice with instructors, and the family with whom I lived with. No, most people did not speak Spanish. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say, "Go!" However, request a home stay that the institute has used prior to your visit. Be open and flexible with time. Traveling and living in another country is a fabulous way to learn or practice another language. I cannot even compare the experience to any classes I have taken to my home country. |
