Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Breathtaking! Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/01/2017 to 08/14/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to gain the confidence to travel to bigger countries by myself with the teachings I learned during my travels.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

If you read the short articles presented to you and add some of your understanding in what is happening in today's world you will be perfectly fine.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dr. Armstrong was great! He is a very experienced traveler and is a great teacher. I was able to learn so much not only about the country but how to safely travel by myself too.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I feel that the living arrangements we had really added to the experience of traveling through a foreign country.

* Food:

The food was one of the best parts of the trip!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were so integrated with the local culture wherever we went after awhile we felt like locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We did not have any health issues during our stay so I cannot accurately rate this part.

* Safety:

TIP #1: If you are in need of a cab ALWAYS use the standard Costa Rica cab service (red cab with the yellow triangle symbol on the sides) TIP #1.5: If you use a cab always make sure they start your commute at zero. TIP #2: No matter where you go in any country or town there will always be bad parts where locals advise foreigners not to go. Ask the locals what parts of town you should avoid. Don't be afraid to ask for directions or for help the people are wonderful and very helpful. TIP #3: DON'T BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS! Say yes to the adventure you wont regret it.

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

The country and the people were wonderful! It is a definite must go back place. I understand now why so many people travel to Costa Rica and stay long than expected.

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)

Budgeting for this trip was fairly easy our rooms and food were very cheap. The only thing that I advise is to take cash wherever you go 98% of the shops,hotels, and restaurants do not accept credit cards. However wherever you go you will always have access to an ATM or bank that will convert money for you.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? FOOD TIP 1: Many hotels will include breakfast into your bill if you ask. It will usually be cheaper than paying for your stay then paying for breakfast somewhere else. FOOD TIP 2: You do not need to pay for huge lunch and a huge dinner each day splurge on one or the other. OR half a large meal with a friend. Souvenir Tip: The small shops usually have the same items so don't be afraid to shop around or bargain if you get multiple items.

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

I feel that I was able to learn the language easier by immersing myself in the local culture and talking with the locals. They were very helpful and more than willing to teach you their language.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2 years of high school spanish and 1 year of college spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Listen to the native music and watch movies. Learn key words and phrases that you will frequently use such as food, do you have a bathroom?, can you give me directions to..., how much does this cost?, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Places
  • People
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You don't have to spend so much on food everyday!

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.