Costa Rica: Some work, lots of fun, all eye-opening Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Rollins College) for

Rollins College: Traveling - National Parks and Protected Areas: Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time in Costa Rica was valuable in providing perspective on the functionality of protected area systems as well as information on ecosystems specific to that unique portion of the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We learned by observation and experience. It was an excellent change from classroom style learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt prepared for everything that happened on our field study.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in lodges and hotels. They were all well beyond satisfactory and occasionally helped to demonstrate principles from the course.

* Food:

There was always more than enough to eat and accommodations for allergies.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Some students were sick and they were given plenty of help: medicine, attention, and the opportunity to rest.

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? The cost of food was incorporated into the cost of the trip.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is not necessary to convert your money in Costa Rica. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans