Costa Rica: a country full of culture and biodiversity Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In comparison with my private college in Wisconsin, the workload was a little lighter and the grading system was easier, but the teaching methods were great. The professors were very understanding if a student was sick or had to turn work in late. In the classroom, the professors talked less than the students-we had many discussions amongst ourselves (all in Spanish) and had to present the results of our discussions in front of class on a daily basis. The teachers were great at getting the entire class involved.

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes I got sent in circles trying to find information that I needed, but for the most part the faculty and staff at Veritas were very helpful. If a student was sick, a staff member would accompany the person to the doctor to translate for them. The faculty was also extremely helpful in helping students travel to other parts of the country, find places to shop, good restaurants, and also help any student with problems they were having with their host family.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt that my neighborhood was one of the safest ones in the city, although all American students were advised not to walk alone at night anywhere throughout the country. However, I did decide to walk at night at times, and felt safe. All houses, including my host family's house, had both an iron gate that locked and a door that locked. I felt very safe when I was at home. I was treated like a member of my host family, as well as a guest. They refused my help in cleaning and doing my laundry. They were so helpful with anything that I needed. If I needed a question answered, they would call anyone they knew to find the answer for me. They also would help me with my homework whenever I needed it. I found that Costa Rican homes tend to lack clocks, so that was one thing I wish I would have brought with me-a travel alarm clock. Other than that, my family provided me with sheets and blankets, a pillow, hangers, a shoe rack, a desk, a laundry basket, and mirror in my room, so I didn't have to purchase anything to settle in.

My host mother is a chef at an Asian restaurant, and made sure that I always ate well. She always gave me more than enough food. I had fresh fruit and a hot breakfast every morning, and also freshly blended fruit juice at every meal. I was provided with breakfast and supper, so lunch was on my own. I ate at the University about one time per week for about $5-7. I also went to the local "sodas" and a cafe-"La Musa Confusa" where I could eat for about $5, including a beverage. There was also a vendor that made hot sandwiches, burritos, and empanadas on the University's patio for about $2-3. To save money, I also bought ingredients for sandwiches from the grocery store and made sandwiches to bring for lunch.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Universidad Veritas has a couple of special events per semester. They have a talent show for the students every semester. There was also a welcome back party at the beginning of the semester for both the local and international students. There was also a family day, where the international students could bring their host family to the university for activities. As for my classes, there was at least one field trip for each class. My ecology class went one two overnight field trips to the rainforest and to a dry forest of Costa Rica. My Spanish classes went to a theme park, an art museum, and a shopping center.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe during the day in San José, however at night I avoided walking alone, especially downtown. My advice is to be aware of your surroundings wherever you go to ensure safety. From what i heard from other students, the healthcare system is great and inexpensive in Costa Rica.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I practiced language the most in my host family's house, but I also had a four hour Spanish class 5 days per week, in which we spoke very little English. I also practiced my speaking skills in everyday situations, especially at stores or in restaurants, but also in taxis and busses. In my experience, most people did not speak English, but in the areas that I went that had high tourism, many people did speak English.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family