BEST FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE Past Review

By (Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography., Rollins College) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had an amazing time and am so blessed to have had the group that I did along with my professor Barry Allen. I really do think this trip changed my life. I am very respectful of nature now and am cautious of the negative impacts that I may have on the environment. I learned Spanish, and now know a lot about different species of exotic animals and why they are important. If I could do this all over again, I most definitely would!

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.

It was great, you start to understand what you read before the trip once you get there. The only thing i did not like about the trip were the bugs. But you cannot really stop that. Oh, and La Ensenada should be replaced for another place.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything went smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not like the bugs in some places. Monteverde was the best!

* Food:

rice and beans!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved just taking in the culture everywhere we went

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt really safe, even up the steep mountains with no railings!

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? my whole trip was paid for. I bought a couple snacks which was about $10 total
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? i like to shop so i ended up spending around $200

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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? Bring Bug spray. Any person that loves the outdoors would love this program.