Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A one in a lifetime experience that was life changing. Past Review

By (Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus) - abroad from 05/23/2018 to 06/23/2018 with

Modern Language Studies Abroad / MLSA: Study in Costa Rica at Universidad de Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This trip was most definitely worthwhile for me. I gained so much cultural knowledge and competency. You really don’t realize how priveledged you are until you go somewhere outside of the country. I hope I am able to have this opportunity again.

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?

Absolutely loved my host family! They were amazing!

* 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

This program was amazing and really allowed me to utilize my Spanish speaking and writing skills that helped me tremendously!

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? $150-$175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up to $800-$1000 in US dollars so you are able to splurge while you are there. That is what I did and I had no money problems and wasn’t stressing over what I bought. This is a one in a lifetime experience, so if you save a lot of money up, you will be able to do more stuff. I even had $200 leftover from my trip.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2002
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? Practice using Spanish at least an hour or two every day because it is a major culture shock and the teachers and most host families do not speak much English.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The host family
  • The classes
  • The trips
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that most of the teachers and host family did not know much english

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!