Sol is the best! Past Review
By Alice R (Spanish Language and Literature., Wayne State University) - abroad from 01/11/2014 to 04/26/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
Try to keep an open mind even if it seems really hard sometimes. Do not be afraid to ask questions or "feel dumb". I have met so many new people who have already influenced me in just 1 semester like on the type of foods I eat, how I spend my time, the words I choose to use, etc. It was incredibly worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was the most relaxing and fun semester I've ever had. I learned a lot both in and out of the classroom. The classes I took were interesting and my professors made them even better! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Janiva is a wonderful person. She tries her hardest to make everyone feel comfortable and to make your cultural immersion experience great. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best host mom. I wish everyone could meet her. She cooked 3 meals a day for my roommate and I and always treated us like we really were her daughters. I shared a room with one of my sol mates and the house we lived in was so beautiful and clean. We had our own bathroom and balcony! |
| * Food: |
I'm a picky eater so I didn't LOVE the food, but it definitely wasn't bad. My host mom is a great cook and a lot of the ingredients came from her own backyard! It was nice knowing our food was always fresh and made with love. If you have any special dietary needs, your host family will accommodate you as best as possible :) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt pretty integrated with the local culture because I lived with a host family and went to school and took a class with locals, so I got to know what tico life was really like. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe, but you have to use common sense just like anywhere else in the world. Take a taxi at night, because they are way cheaper than in the U.S and it's the safe thing to do. There isn't a lot of crime to be afraid of, so use your common sense and you'll be fine! |
| 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 really want to be able to experience everything and not feel like you missed out I would suggest $100/week. You might not use it all, but you'll be happy you had it saved up. You can definitely find affordable ways to travel and have fun, but it's best if you just save up and not have to stress about finances while you're abroad. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Didn't spend much money on food since my meals were provided by my host mom. Most of the spending came from going out on the weekends and traveling. |
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 |
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| 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 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Keep a notebook or make your own dictionary to write down new words you learn, or hear the locals say a lot. It will help you more than you think. I did this and was really happy I could flip through my notes and find a word instantly. Definitely improved my vocabulary! |
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? | Bring 20 crisp clean US dollars from home for the Nicaragua trip. It's a lot harder to get them in Costa Rica. |
