Amazing Past Review

By (Alamo Heights High School) - abroad from 06/12/2016 to 07/02/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I learned to be more humble and understanding of people of different backgrounds and the different world they grow up in.

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.

I had learned most of the material we covered in class. It was mostly just review.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My teacher was great but I noticed it was a problem sometimes because of the language barrier.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing!

* Food:

The food was always delicous and there was always extra to eat so I never went hungry.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Well I never had health care problems. I assume that they could of helped as much as possible if there was a problem.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

They do the same things over and over. It is all just a recycle of activities.

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? 50dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Everytime you go out to eat with all the other students you dont always have to eat with them. You can just eat before and go with them.

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? 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 3 PreAp
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? Talk and spend time with the family.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 experiences
  • the soccer
* What could be improved?
  • the organization
  • things to do in freetime
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring lots of tshirts.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'