Costa Rica was totally PURA VIDA!! Past Review

By (Wildlife Biology, West Texas A&M University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was a Biology major before going to Costa Rica. After taking the biological diversity class my viewpoints of life changed a great deal. Experience in a culture totaly different form my own was amazing!!

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 biological diversity class really helped me in understanding the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. I feel the Latin American history class was not the best taught class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really became close with the faculty. They took a personal interest in my happiness during my stay. The only class which I felt could have used a little more planning would have been the Latin American History, but I had read alot prior to going to Costa Rica.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Recommend a box fan.

* Food:

Get your hands on some salsa Lazano!! Also tres leches on the beach is amazing!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many. The meeting with local conservationist was my favorite!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Keep your bags faced forward when going through the city. Always take a taxi after dark no matter how far!

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I ended practicing all the time. Just for every day travel and eating. My host family only spoke Spanish so I was able to pick up the accents of locals real quick. I do feel I could have gained more in the language sector had I taken more Spanish classes prior to the program. ALthough, I feel comfortable traveling Latin America now. I was able to get enough to be able to form friendships.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be willing to get yourself out there! Make plans to see all of central america!