Learning at a Vacation Location Past Review

By (Communication, Berea College) - abroad from 06/12/2013 to 07/10/2013 with

KIIS: Costa Rica - Experience Costa Rica, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be okay if plans fell through, and that it was okay if my Spanish wasn't perfect. I could still make do and learn to be patient.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were really on top of their game, even when plans fell through.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The last homestay, our host family declined at the last minute, and so my director had to find living arrangements within a few hours. The new homestay had had KIIS students a few years ago, but all they had for us was ONE twin bed. It was challenging to sleep for ten nights sleeping so close to another full grown woman in the hottest place of our trip!

* 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:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring snacks!

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 102
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 it a lot prior to going!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The locations we went
  • The food
  • The closeness the KIIS group was able to foster
* What could be improved?
  • The housing
  • The location of the homestays (so rural and spread apart from the rest of the group)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Plans will change all the time, so be okay with it., The roads are really dangerous.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.