Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida!! Past Review

By (Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions., Worcester State College) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Was it worthwhile? YES! I learned so much about myself and my own character, I learned a lot about the culture and really just about how to love people. My Spanish was at a minimum going to Costa Rica, but through actions and facial expressions, I learned to love people through the language barrier. The whole experience left me in awe of the God of the universe who made such a beautiful place and a beautiful people, and made me so grateful for everything I have. Going will change you.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

If you have any questions, the directors are super approachable and knowledgeable. They are available all the time and really care about you.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was AMAZING! That's where I learned the most about the culture, spoke the most Spanish and made the most memories! I still keep in touch with my host mom.

* Food:

It's delicious! There is really nothing to compare it to. Just go with an open mind and try new things and I'm sure you'll love it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you're studying abroad you've gotta put yourself out there. But our program had so many cultural activities to engage in, from cooking and dancing classes to tours of the surrounding cities, we learned so much about the culture. They also did a great job of helping us become friends with locals at our university there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You hope not to get sick obviously, but one friend did while we were there and our program director went to the hospital with her and she got the care she needed pretty quickly.

* Safety:

We all felt pretty safe for the most part. Some things were stolen, but that was towards the end of our 15 week stay when we were getting a little too comfortable. If you are alert to your surroundings and don't walk at night, you'll be absolutely fine.

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 came prepared for less than $100/week and found this very challenging, not because things are expensive (they're not, but they all add up), but more because Costa Rica is filled with so many exciting sites to see that are hard to pass up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 - $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Some people studying abroad with you will have lots of money to burn. So budget your weekend trips wisely and space them out. You can find lots of fun and meaningful things to do that are inexpensive as well.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 101
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? It is easy to want to stick with the other students from the U.S. and speak English with them. But if you make an effort to spend time with your host family and other people you meet and use all the Spanish you know, you'll come back speaking so much more.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The places we saw
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • Communication on little things before the excursions as a group.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring long pants! (not just shorts) I thought it would be really hot out all the time but it's pretty comfortable weather and usually quite breezy.

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 Adventurer
The 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.