Study Abroad at Universidad Interamericana de Costa Rica Past Review
By eef (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology., Rice University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica
It was different. I really enjoyed my host family. Next time I go abroad I'll try more actively to avoid Americans.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Interamericana de Costa Rica |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Far too easy. The students who were in my classes were not the same level of students I was used to. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Heredia branch of the program was the neglected branch. We didn't have the amenities and access to internet that the San Jose students had. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived with a family of 3 and a fellow American housemate. <br /><br /> My family was the best part about the trip. |
| * Food: |
My tica mom was a great cook. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program was heavily made up of fundamentalist Christians from deep Texas. Instead of going out, they did bible study. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Central American cities with few tourists aren't good places for American women. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Any improvement I experienced was because the family I lived with didn't speak English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't go in the summer. If you do bring an umbrella. The term "rainy season" shouldn't be taken lightly. |
