Unreal Past Review

By (Economics, Berea College) - abroad from 09/20/2016 to 12/18/2016 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): San Jose - Semester in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learn way more than I can explain in words. I learned so much academically, socially, culturally, and life lessons that I will carry with me forever. I was beyond worthwhile.

Review Photos

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): San Jose - Semester in Costa Rica Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): San Jose - Semester in Costa Rica Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Never had wifi to do homework or to get in contact with friends and family back home and friends in Costa Rica.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Room was tiny.

* 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

The professors were extremely friendly, caring, informative and hands on. They really made my experience great and all the places and things that I could do in Costa Rica was unbelievable.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up as much as you can beforehand just in case you get sick or need more food. I had friends that ever had enough food from their host families.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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 professors
  • The excursions
  • My advisor
* What could be improved?
  • WiFi at host family house
  • Bigger room
  • More information about local events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more Spanish so I could interact with the locals more.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.