Crazy Biology Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Trinity University) - abroad from 06/12/2012 to 07/11/2012 with

Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): Costa Rica - Tropical Biology Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that field biology is not for me but I gained a huge appreciation for field biologists. I loved every minute of it and I still keep in contact with my classmates. I learned all kinds of things about biology.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was like biology boot camp the only downside was that the equipment was not very nice or up to date.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The locations visited were amazing! They were diverse and had many things to offer in terms of studying.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We did not get to see or hang out with the locals.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? College Level
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? watch movies and television shows, read books, talk with the locals

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Biology
  • Food
  • PEOPLE!!! (fellow classmates)
* What could be improved?
  • better scheduling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have just brought one big suitcase and saying goodbye to my classmates would be one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.