My experience allowed opportunity for growth and independence. Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/04/2018 to 06/29/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): San Jose - Spanish for Health Professionals in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience helped me grow and allowed me to become more independent. It helped me see things from a different lens, such as those who come to America who are from elsewhere.

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

* 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

I would choose something related to dance(something im more familiar with). Attempting to learn a foreign language in the country where it is primarily spoken is good for practice, but it's difficult when the beginner classes aren't truly at a beginner level.

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? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save your money for excursions and souvenirs.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Learn the basics before going to the country.

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

  • 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?
  • host family
  • site director
  • excursions
* What could be improved?
  • courses at university
  • making sure every house at least one person who knows spanish
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To already be studying the language before you enter the country and to not pack too much.

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.'