A Summer in Costa Rica at the Beautiful Veritas University Past Review
By Kelly B (Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): San Jose - Summer in Costa Rica
I will never forget my time abroad. I learned so much through my program and the people and memories that I gained are priceless. I became so comfortable with the language and culture of Costa Rica while I was there and I think that has defintiely stayed with me as I have transitioned back to my studies in the States.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I studied through Veritas University in San Jose. The teachers were the most understanding helpful teachers ever. I learned so much in my classes and felt that the workload was perfect. I was never too stressed out to enjoy my experience there, but I also felt I was improving my Spanish skills immensely with every week. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CIS Abroad was just one of many programs that Veritas worked with. I believe it was cheaper than a few of the other providers, such as ISA, but at the same time, it was much less organized than ISA. Granted, I did like my independence and there were plenty of helpful people at the university to help us out with travel and living arrangements. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Food was amazing. My host mom made me a huge breakfast and dinner every day and lunch was up to us. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I am a very studious person, but I still had plenty of time to enjoy everything about living in a big city such as San Jose. I had the time of my life while there this summer. I met so many great friends and we traveled to both coasts of Costa Rica, as well as Panama by ourselves on the weekends. The night life in San Jose is amaing in itself. I don't know when else I will ever be able to go salsa dancing in a merengue club with such amazing dancing partners again. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
San Jose is a dangerous city like any other big city. Be extremely careful and aware of your surroundings at all times and you will be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I absolutely loved Veritas University and would go back in a heartbeat. If you are an independent person, definitely go ahead and sign up through CIS-Abroad. If you would rather have every weekend planned out and have a set group of friends right away, which I wouldn't blame you for, pay the extra amount to go through International Studies Abroad, because they will definitely take care of you. |
Comments
http://kelly-puravida.blogspot.com/ Here's my blog from the trip if anyone's interested!
Kelly28 November 10, 2011
http://kelly-puravida.blogspot.com/ Here's my blog from the trip if anyone's interested!
Kelly28 November 10, 2011
