Jump ahead in my spanish abilities! Past Review

By (Foreign Languages, New Mexico State University) for

Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI): Heredia - CPI Language Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worth it. I gained a broader world view and an understanding of another culture.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everybody was really helpful and understanding. If you had any trouble with classes they were there to make any changes necessary.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host families helped me a lot with adjusting to the country and practicing the language. My last family was not as friendly as the others.

* Food:

I really enjoyed the food in Costa Rica and I am a picky eater so this was very important for me. You just need to inform your family of your likes and dislikes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The school trips were really nice but all the students wanted to only speak English and it was frustrating.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt really safe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The overall tuition was a little more expensive than expected and I probably should've taken more spending money for weekend trips.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try to spend as much time as possible with the locals. Practice Spanish as much as possible outside of classes.