The everlasting adventure that is Costa Rica Past Review
By A student (Winona State University) - abroad from 12/26/2015 to 04/23/2016 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I gained language skills, friendships, a new view of a different culture and the ability to reflect on my lifestyle back home. So many times I looked around and couldn't believe the life I was living; it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
My living arrangements truly made this program. I formed such a special relationship with my host family as well as learned about the culture and language. |
| * Food: |
My host mom and grandma were incredible cooks and always fed me way too much! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Costa Rica is such a welcoming and loving culture. They are so caring from the start. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe because I took my host mom seriously when she told me to always take a taxi at night. I do know that one girl was attacked when she was walking home (I do not know the severity,) but she did not go home after. Also another girl was grabbed on the train tracks but police were driving by and the man ran. I never actually felt unsafe but always tried to be aware of my surroundings. Cat calls are VERY popular in Costa Rica and you just never know if something worse could happen. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The cost, the people, the students it attracts, the excursions, the families were all incredible. We got so much for so little $$. |
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) |
I feel like if you ever wanted to get out of the house you had to be spending money. It was manageable and a lot cheaper than traveling in the U.S. (I recommend hostels and "sodas") but it was easy to overspend. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60-150, it varied depending on the week and how many activities we already had planned for us. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Everyone has a different budget; you're going to look around and feel like everyone is doing more than you, spending more, but that's because everyone's trip is different. Make a budget that works for you and stick to it! I budget well back home, so it was not too difficult to stay true to my budget in Costa Rica. I chose not to spend a lot of money on alcohol while I was there because I decided traveling was more important to me. This helped save a lot of money for me personally. |
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 |
In the actually program between us students, it was of course encouraged but many students still spoke English. However, in school and host families our only option was Spanish. |
| 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? | Spanish composition and Conversation (above intermediate) |
| 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? | Cut out sources of english (for example, my phone is in Spanish). I shared a lot of conversation with my host family, that's my biggest piece of advice. Or make local friends. |
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? | It's hard going home. |
