This trip made me a culturally responsive teacher who loves to try new things! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/06/2012 to 08/19/2012 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how it feels to be the cultural other and adjust to the expectations of locals. It was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Student Teachers in Costa Rica Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use the budget he gives you!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? A college summer session of beginner 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? Talk to the locals on the bus, at restaurants, our shopping, etc. They love it when you at least try to speak their language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • I liked that we didn't travel like tourists, instead we went to local restaurants, markets, and stayed at family run hotels.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish the trip were longer so that we could spend more time in each place.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More Spanish!