Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Public Administration., 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?
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned a great deal of Spanish and saw how another culture lived. I was able to gain first hand knowledge about how people outside the U.S. live and how different things can be. Through my interactions with the locals, I grew to respect the Costa Rican people and their way of life. I am now much more open and find myself carrying on conversations in Spanish with perfect strangers. I grew as a person as a result of this experience.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers were very good and homework helped to reinforce the classroom material.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Course was very well run and they met all of my expectations.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Families were excellent.

* Food:

Food took some getting used to but was very good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had a lot more fun than expected.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt like I was in danger. I was never sick once throughout my trip.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

I learned a lot more Spanish than expected. I believe this was due to having to use it constantly.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would say be open to a different way of life. Things will be much different and it will seem awkward at first but you will quickly adjust to it and grow to love it.