Past Review

By (Biology and Spanish, New Mexico State University) for

Costa Rica Spanish Institute / COSI: Manuel Antonio - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Everything about my study abroad experience was worthwhile. I learned so much and met amazing people.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: COSI
The term and year this program took place: Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great staff, they all knew a lot about the language and they were very helpful. They really pushed you to speak which was wonderful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at my school was very accomidating and kind. They assisted in travel arrangements within the country and took the hassel out of setting reservations for some of the tours. They were also very knowledgeable about the requirements for my home university as well as other universities in the US. The classroom sizes were perfect. They were small and each student received individualized attention from the professors. My expectations were exceeded with this program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the best host family and home in Costa Rica. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The family was welcoming and accepting of foreigners. They and their home were wonderful. The neighborhood was safe during the daytime but at night it could be a bit scarey. There were drug addicts that lived under a nearby bridge that had attempted to rob one of my roommates. It is best to not walk around the streets after 10 p.m. and if you are out past then take a cab home. Most places were in walking distance but for convenience purposes the bus or a taxi taken to get there. The city that I stayed in, Quepos, for small and a bit dirty but it had charm and I loved it either way.

* Food:

The portions are usually large, so if your don't eat a lot inform your host mother. Many host mothers are able to make vegetarian dishes. Most places in the area are also able to make vegetarian dishes as well. All of th restaurants I visited were great! It is really hard to not find a restaurant that doesn't serve the food that you are craving for a particular day. My favorite food came from my host mother. She cooked a large variety of food and never made a bad meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The beach was the favorite place to be. I met many people there, learned to surf and got a great look at nature there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Don't walk around the city past 10 p.m. If you are our take a taxi to where ever you are going. Those that became ill talked with the staff of the school and they assisted them in finding a doctor.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? ATMs were open 24 hours a day. The lines at the banks were usually long but if all you need to do is withdraw money then the ATM is the best way to avoid the lines.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

I am now more comfortable with my speaking. I have also learned how to apply the differnet tenses that I learned at my home university and I have improved my writing and reading as well.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Those that want to travel and learn at the same time would benefit most from studying abroad.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Intensive Language Transfer Credit

Course Department: ISE 000
Instructor: Paul Huntsberger (NMSU) and Patricia Cubero (COSI)
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This course was also challenging enough. Patricia was always well prepared. She often let us choose a topic to talk about for the class period which broadened our vocabulary and improved our speaking skills. I participated more than I would have at my home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Hispanic Civilization

Course Department: SPAN 305
Instructor: Jeff Longwell (NMSU) and Patricia Bolanos (COSI)
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The course was challenging enough. The field trips provided a good look at the culture of the country, such as the importance of the environment to the country. Patricia was well prepared each da for class and I participated more than I had expected to.
Credit Transfer Issues: No