SOL: An Unforgettable Experience Past Review

By (Winona State University) - abroad from 01/16/2016 to 04/23/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was better than I could have ever dreamed...Open your mind to Costa Rica, and it will fill your heart with joy...I spent a lot of time reflecting on many topics, including poverty, prejudice, maturity, and myself. With the amount that I learned and the quality of the experienced that I had and shared with my SOLmates is something that is so special that it is a priceless experience. When my mom asked me if I was happy that I was here for a whole semester, my answer was absolutely yes. I would not trade this semester for anything.

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.

This experience was better than I could have ever dreamed...Open your mind to Costa Rica, and it will fill your heart with joy...I spent a lot of time reflecting on many topics, including poverty, prejudice, maturity, and myself. With the amount that I learned and the quality of the experience that I had and shared with my SOLmates is something that is so special that it is a priceless experience. When my mom asked me if I was happy that I was here for a whole semester, my answer was absolutely yes. I would not trade this semester for anything. Thank you, SOL!!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10 or less

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Family
  • SOLmates
  • Language Acquisition
* What could be improved?
  • Communication of Events
  • Home University Preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and SOL knows what they're doing.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!