Costa Rica: Definitely a Worthwhile Experience Past Review

By (Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University - College Station) for

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely! I learned to experience different viewpoints of society and I learned that not every culture acts the same. This trip definitely improved my awareness of foreign cultures and has inspired me to learn even more about different countries

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.

Reasonable workload, teaching methods differed by class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I never got tired of the food and my host mom was an excellent cook

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our program allowed us to truly experience Costa Rican culture and sites. We saw everything from volcanoes to beaches to the rainforest.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city safe during the day, but at night it is unsafe to travel in anyway but by taxi

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Several host families spoke English, but mine spoke only Spanish and it helped me greatly improve my understanding of the language. Many people spoke English, but Spanish was the primary language and the one most often used

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language learning opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Come with an open mind and SPEAK SPANISH ALL THE TIME!! You'll learn so much more that way