Most amazing experience of my life! Past Review
By michelle.grzybowski.3 (Texas A&M - College Station) - abroad from 05/12/2012 to 06/23/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
Sooo incredible. I made long-lasting friendships. I improved my Spanish 100% and practically became fluent. I gained a second family that I will treasure and cherish forever. I experienced the beautiful natural landscape of the friendliest country in the world. was greeted into a culture with wide open arms. I could not have asked for anything better. I learned so much and I will never forget the time that I spent there.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Not applicable |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was the most incredible experience of my life!!! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very friendly and sweet!! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best host family ever!! |
| * Food: |
Homecooked Costa Rican meals are the GREATEST! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I would have liked to hangout with the college aged students a little more. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
If you don't go out to eat all the time. It is very inexpensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy everything in sight. Just get what you need and some souvenirs. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Our host families did not speak English so it was Spanish all the time, which was great! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 level |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Do revert back to English. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn a new culture. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing. I was well-prepared. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
