Costa Rica is a beautiful and deeply fascinating country. Past Review

By (Biology, University of Alabama - Birmingham) for

ISA Study Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned independence and improved my language ability.

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.

I was much more "on my own" in the foreign university but it was very exciting and challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They offered additional grammar lessons for those of us still struggling with the more complex intricacies of the language, which was very helpful. I would have liked if there were fewer people in the program, it felt like we were a LOT of people when we would go on trips, for instance.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt unsafe at times when I was walking alone, especially at night. But I loved our neighborhood and especially my host family. I wish there were more things to do in walking distance.

* Food:

The food was delicious, plenty of restaurants right around the university!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Arenal was breathtaking!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I feel they could have improved the escort system to and from your home, especially at night.

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

Language acquisition improvement?

Everyone encouraged Spanish instead of English. We spoke mostly Spanish, because not too many people knew English, except for the more Tourist areas.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Challenging
  • Beautiful and fun trips
* What could be improved?
  • Cost - it's expensive
  • Safety
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are seeking a challenge, study abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Medical Spanish II

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: It was extremely challenging; we did go on trips to local market for ex. to talk about homeopathy which was very interesting. The teacher was very nice but she expected a LOT from us, so much so that some of us got pretty upset at how hard she was being on us. I participated far more in this class than any others, due mostly to class size but also because it was expected of us to practice.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.