A healing and triumphant experience Past Review

By (DePauw University) - abroad from 02/05/2019 to 06/15/2019 with

IFSA: Heredia - Universidad Nacional

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself in terms of the life style I like to live and my work ethic.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

I need spicy food in my life.

* 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? Yes

I think Yes I would because Costa Rica is amazing but I think part of me also would have enjoyed it anywhere. But also I love the people I met and would not change them for anyone.

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)

Honestly if I did not have my scholarships I would not have done so hot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? depends on the week but average like $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say budget taking money out of the atm and budget each week

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish Major competed besides semina
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Completely immerse yourself like watching spanish tv and listening to spanish music

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

  • Local 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?
  • people
  • places
  • host family
* What could be improved?
  • class selection
  • class structure
  • budgeting
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish a knew more about their computer science courses

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.