Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wonderful Experience in the Cloud Forest September 19, 2022

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/13/2022 to 08/07/2022 with

CIEE: Monteverde - Summer Tropical Ecology and Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. Costa Rica definitely lives up to its catch phrase "pura vida" or pure life. There is so much wildlife and nature around you, and learning the ecological and biological details makes it so much more intersting.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Rigorous academics but plenty of support and resources available to students. Assignments and exams were not overly difficult at all, but they definitely required students to commit a good amount of time and effort.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Moncho is super cool and helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Monteverde is a touristy town, so it wasn't as cheap as I expected. You can definitely find cheap food and drinks, but if you want souvenirs, expect them to be as pricey as souvenirs from the U.S.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Hiking trips
  • Excursions to biological stations
  • Structured but not too much
* What could be improved?
  • More hiking trips
  • More planned activities outside of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!