Costa Rica: An amazing and educational place. Past Review

By (Chemistry., Rollins College) for

Rollins College: Traveling - First Year Field Study: Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worthwhile. I learned much more about the environment and culture of Costa Rica.

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

The local administrator who helped plan the trip was extremely helpful, kind and professional.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was always impressive and course (sustainability) appropriate.

* Food:

The food everywhere was absolutely amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people in restaurants were very friendly

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The few problems pertaining to medications were quickly fixed.

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? About $50.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I had been informed of all of these.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? History of Costa Rica and facts about the trips areas.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I was able to practice Spanish with most people who were all extremely helpful and kind. All but very few also spoke English

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To definitely do it.