Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

"Costa Rica: Pura Vida!" Past Review

By (Music Education, Stephen F. Austin State University) for

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Cross-Cultural Learning, Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I feel much more culturally aware and feel confident travelling around on my own.

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.

The program was well constructed with a nice balance of work and cultural experiences. I enjoyed the informal class structure and the comfortable atmosphere the professor helped create.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was very well thought out as far as logistics of getting place to place and covering a lot of ground. The size of the program was larger than was comfortable for me, but in the end having a big group made me feel very safe.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food was very good and no one got sick. Was a little more expensive than anticipated.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Zip-lining was my favorite activity.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe and healthy, I never got sick. Occasionally the professor let us take the bus alone, which felt unsafe at first but then became easier.

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? $400 each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Meals were a lot more expensive than I anticipated because they add in their own tax and tip. Most places did not take credit cards, and everything was on the high side of what was estimated in our trip planning guide. ATMs were fairly easy to access.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Wide range of activities.
  • Getting to see many parts of the country.
* What could be improved?
  • Staying with host families would be more fun.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Students willing to be adventurous and outgoing will enjoy this program. Being very active, a lot of walking, and getting rained on a lot are characteristic of this trip.