Experiential learning at it's best: a semester of fun in the field Past Review
By Carolina May (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 01/27/2017 to 04/21/2017 with
Round River Conservation Studies: Costa Rica – The Osa Peninsula
We learned different field skills (everything from measuring river slope to identifying birds), outdoor skills (jungle navigation and camp cooking), and academic skills (reading and writing scientific papers). Plus, we experienced the culture and natural history of the Osa Peninsula and made some great friendships. A very worthwhile semester overall.
Review Photos
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. |
Twice the learning of a typical college semester with half the stress. Discussion-based classes centered on scientific papers, and hands-on field projects. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Rustic but beautiful! Mostly camping, but most sites had some form of outdoor toilet/shower available. |
| * Food: |
Lots of fresh fruit, beans and rice, vegetarian-friendly food options! |
|
* 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
Best semester ever. My time in Costa Rica was filled with memorable experiences, incredible wildlife sightings, valuable learning opportunities, and lots of outdoor fun. |
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) |
Pretty much everything is included in the cost of the program. Only spent a minimal amount on smoothies, ice cream, and souvenirs |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$5 |
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 |
Spanish was not the program's main focus, but there were plenty of opportunities to learn/use spanish if we wanted to |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High school spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's easier to withdraw colones at the ATM with a debit card than exchange cash. And low-quality binoculars might not be waterproof enough to withstand jungle humidity/rain, you're better off buying a new high-quality pair! (you'll use them all the time). |
