Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This Summer I explored the world and I explored myself. I found amazing things. Past Review

By (Health & Human Performance, Berea College) - abroad from 06/01/2014 to 07/07/2014 with

KIIS: Costa Rica - Experience Costa Rica, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It helped my get over the passing of a parent. It helped my place my identity as a student, an educator, and a member of the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

My first host family hold a very special place in my heart

* Food:

If i could I'd eat rice and beans everyday, I can't explain how hard I find myself craving plantains, fresh pineapple, and guanabana juice.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everywhere we went we tried to integrate ourselves into the culture. I danced, sang, and spoke to the people around me. At times we were gawked at but I never felt out of place.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were all worried about dengue while in Costa Rica. It's just part of seeing the world. Use the bug spray. Share the bug spray. Find a net.

* 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)

All of my host families fed me, I only spent money on activities, souvenirs, and if I went out with friends.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I don't know. I lived in a jungle for several weeks. There wasn't exactly an expensive venue I could blow money on. The most expensive thing I bought was my ticket to an AWESOME zip line tour. I funded a save the turtles organization, rented a kayak, and bought my host family a present.

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

There really is no other option

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French: intermeddiate/high school Spanish: very little (duolingo)
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to mess up, ask questions, tell stories, or act something out.

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

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host family
  • My KIIS classmates & friends
  • "Pura Vida"
* What could be improved?
  • I could have brought a camera
  • KIIS shouldn't give out black t-shirts
  • Offer a closer look at the indigenous culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have brought along a camera.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Health Education & Sustanability
Course Department:
Instructor: Dr.Cook
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Dr.Cook was well prepared and she knows her material. She provided a challenging learning environment while incorporating exciting and interesting projects and material. She's a generally wonderful person and is very easy to get along with. Her field work and background work make her the perfect person to teach the courses. I especially enjoyed all of the hands on work that we did, it's what made the trip for me.
Credit Transfer Issues: