Well-run school in awesome location Past Review

By (n/a) - abroad from 12/24/2016 to 01/08/2017 with

WAYRA Instituto de Español: Playa Tamarindo - Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely took me to the next level in my Spanish

Review Photos

WAYRA Instituto de Español: Playa Tamarindo - Learn Spanish in Costa Rica Photo WAYRA Instituto de Español: Playa Tamarindo - Learn Spanish in Costa Rica Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The testing to establish level was rigorous, and the number of levels was tremendous to ensure the right level of instruction. Layout of day was ideal, and option for intensive.

* 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?

Learned a lot about the local culture from instructors as well as some of the additional offerings

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No incidents

* Safety:

No incidents, avoided well

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Tamarindo is pretty expensive, but there are ways to easily keep it under control

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

Staff and instructors push you to speak Spanish only

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Rosetta Stone Level 3
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? Seek out native speakers, meetup.com, read online

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?
  • Specificity of levels
  • Staff
  • Dorm
* What could be improved?
  • Even more local culture learnings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? School accommodations are awesome

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!