Amazing Country, Amazing Program, and Amazing People! Past Review
By kylee.homewood (Winona State University) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 04/27/2013 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I gained a lot of knowledge about Costa Rica and the Tico people.. Learned a lot of Spanish. Our activities that we did as a group were all very fun as well
Personal Information
| 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. |
the teachers at the University were incredibly helpful and generous! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Loved my host family and the culture of Costa Rica |
| * Food: |
amazing food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were a few cat calls in the streets, but after awhile you get use to it. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I only had an experience with the Nicaraguan Hospital, and that experience was one of the worst in my life. |
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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) |
3.5 |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I'm not sure for a week, but total I spend $1,000 in 5 months. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Stay in Hostels! They seem dirty, but they are a great way to meet people and cheap place to stay! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Elementary Spanish is College and 4 years in high school |
| 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? | Always speak it with your host family, practice on the weekends with your travel buddies, and restaurants always speak it! |
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? | To go away more on the weekends. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
