Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A trip to open more doors August 30, 2023

By (Entrepreneurial and Small Business, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/07/2023 to 08/14/2023 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Discovering Business in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an appreciation for food and air conditioning. It was all worth it.

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.

Educational-wise, it wasn't too demanding for a week-long study abroad but I still feel that we go to learn a lot without it being demanding.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Costa Rica was a very beautiful place and the place we visited made it and even greater experience

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our homestay with families from Costa Rica were lovely. The food was delicious, the bed were comfortable and they did their best to make sure we had a good time.

* Food:

The food was a different experience from eating american food but it was very delicious. I probably won't have rice and bean regularly, for a long while.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very welcomed to Costa Rica and I felt safe the entire time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe while I was there and I didn't have any issue with it

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would love to do travel again but maybe to a difference country to see a different perspective

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Pineapples
  • The Homestay
  • The professors
* What could be improved?
  • amount of time we stay
  • More places
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish i knew how to speak spanish before i went.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.