Wouldn't Change It For A Thing Past Review
By sun.summer.travel (n/a) - abroad from 08/29/2012 to 12/15/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
When I look back on my experience abroad ten years from now, I'm sure I'll still be thankful for the opportunity. I may not remember the coursework or the frustrations, but I know I'll remember things like standing 5 feet away from howler monkeys, talking with my roommate, and laughing with my host family. I learned so much about myself and improved my Spanish skills greatly. I expected that things wouldn't be perfect before I arrived, and ironically, that's what made the experience so perfect in the end.
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. |
Compared to a typical college/high level course, I didn't think my Spanish (advanced I & II) courses were very rigorous. If you go into your experience with the understanding that classes won't be as difficult as they are at your home university, you'll be golden. Literature and Civ. & Culture are the most challenging. I believe my academic experience was a bit different with SOL because there weren't any placement tests the semester I attended. This affected my classroom experience greatly. (Students could pretty much pick whatever class they wanted to be in). However, I heard they are using tests to place students now. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Things ran generally smoothly. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
This was my favorite part about my experience. My host family was amazing, and I felt like I belonged in their home the moment I arrived. I loved meal times when we got the chance to just sit down and talk. I can't imagine my experience without them, and as cliche as it sounds, they truly are my second family. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was always asking for ideas, and I thought my roommate and I were pretty lucky - we got to eat whenever we were hungry, and we had a good variety. Rice and beans are the staples of most meals. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had exchanges with other Costa Ricans once a week, but I wish it had occurred more often and that it had been structured better. We usually just sat down and talked for about 15 min in Spanish and 15 min in English before class every Wednesday. A stronger intercambios program would have been beneficial, and I wish more ticos would've attended cultural events with us (at soccer games, etc.). |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had any health problems, but when a few of people in my group got sick, the program director responded promptly. Know too that things are going to happen on trips - you might get weird rashes or form annoying blisters. Bring a first aid kit with Dayquill, etc. even if you don't think you're going to use it. |
| * Safety: |
I felt pretty safe in Heredia and traveling around CR in general. You really do have to be safe at night, especially when you're in the city - like Heredia or San Jose. Keep your valuables close yada yada yada. Of course unfortunate things happen, but you also have to be careful and use common sense. I did do some stupid things (like pulling out my camera in iffy situations), and I believe I got lucky. The more you travel, the better you get at it. Trust your gut. |
| 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) |
I expected to spend $100/week and on average spent just about that. I bungee jumped, travelled a good amount, and never felt like it was difficult to stay within my budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Know that you'll spend most of your money on food and drinks if you aren't careful. My suggestion: you can go out to eat and drink, but if you do, give yourself a spending limit. Before you go out, buy drinks at the grocery store and eat at your house. You'll end up spending less, and it'll be more manageable to stay within your budget. |
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 |
The program director tried, but really it's up to the students. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 4th Year Spanish, High School |
| 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? | It's truly up to you! I know I improved tenfold by speaking with my host family as much as I could. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I packed way too much! I thought I would be living in a rural environment and packed accordingly. I knew Heredia was a city, but I didn't know the mall was a 15 minute walk away. Unless you're extremely particular, leave your shampoo, tissue, whatever at home. You can always buy it if you need it at mas x menos (Basically a smaller version of a Walmart). |
