Costa Rica: Challenging, Yet Something I Will Always Remember Past Review

By (Psychology/Spanish, St. Mary's College of Maryland) for

Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS): San José - Social Justice and Development Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I will never have that experience again in my life, and I know now that Spanish is definitely something I want to continue to use, and will use in my profession. It was truly an eye-opening experience, and one that I would never give up.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was very small and not very challenging. Compared to my college in the U.S., it was very easy; almost too easy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt that the staff was supportive, but at the same time, I didn't feel that they were taking my concerns into consideration regarding host family issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

My host mother didn't provide me with much food (the portions were very small and I was rarely offered seconds), and at times neglected to provide me with lunch, even though I was paying her to.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Nicaragua was amazing. It was my absolute favorite part of the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

No one in my study abroad group was ever mugged or robbed. I felt pretty safe, although I never walked outside in the dark by myself unless it was close to home and early in the evening. I never had a problem with my health, but I know that when people in my group did, the faculty at ICADS was very helpful. I went to Passport Health to receive vaccines and tips concerning safety.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I spoke mostly Spanish and only spoke English with my peers from the U.S. or my host sister, who spoke some English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Organization of both ICADS and IE to provide more information about the program specifically, and information regarding pre-departure steps, which is very stressful without any guidelines.