Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida. Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 02/02/2013 to 06/15/2013 with

ISEP Exchange: Heredia - Exchange Program at Universidad Nacional

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So many more Spanish skills, and cultural knowledge.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved having a host family, a dorm situation would have been great too though, if available.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Two people in my program were robbed, and we could never walk around alone after dark.

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)

I spent a lot of money traveling. Also the visa fee was $360 and the tutoring program was $440.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? normal week (not traveling)- less than $20. if traveling- $50-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stay in hostels, don't spend a lot of money on food.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? several 300 level Spanish courses
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? Speak Spanish, even with other English speakers.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Spanish learning class was great
  • My host family
  • The people in my program
* What could be improved?
  • There are a lot of rules and restrictions that you do not find out about until you get there
  • The class registration process is extremely difficult and frustrating
  • The GEP program was a little expensive for a volunteer program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? All of the specific restrictions that there are (ex.- we are not allowed to leave the country) Cost of a visa

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.