Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida in Costa Rica Past Review

By (Clemson University) - abroad from 01/07/2017 to 05/05/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was SO worthwhile. One of the best decision of my life. I learned how to communicate through a language barrier, I learned about the culture, how it feels to be a minority, and my eyes were opened to how big and amazing the world is!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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? No

Now that I have travel experience, I wouldn't do any program, rather I would arrange travel on my own to save money.

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? 40

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3000 level Spanish course
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to your host family in their language! Also, do not be afraid to talk to random people you meet, because the more you practice and the more accents/people you hear, the better you will learn the language. Yes, it's scary to talk to a native speaker, but you will get over that fear fast. Jump right in and once you see you are quickly making progress you will not regret it!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • It was a place to make friends.
  • The excursions were fun and we got to see a lot of the country.
  • It was a great location (near downtown, within walking distance of a lot of museums, cafes, etc), near bus terminals for cross-country travel.
* What could be improved?
  • Providing cost-breakdowns for the excursions we paid for in the program cost.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't over-pack, you can buy clothes there. Take advantage of every opportunity and moment. In general: GO FOR IT (now is the time to try new things and explore!).

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'