Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I would do it all again if i could Past Review

By (University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston) - abroad from 07/16/2016 to 08/06/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The practice odd using Spanish and applying it to everyday life

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program is phenomenal. I just came back front my study abroad program in Costa Rica and the SOL MATES and all the directors truly make your dream come true. Learning a new language is only going to work if you put forth the effort and try to communicate. But the program deliberately lays out the program in details and they follow their calendar for each activity. The program also provides clubs and events for study abroad students to attend. It is phenomenal. I learned a lot about the culture.

* 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

The program is phenomenal. I just came back front my study abroad program in Costa Rica and the SOL MATES and all the directors truly make your dream come true. Learning a new language is only going to work if you put forth the effort and try to communicate. But the program deliberately lays out the program in details and they follow their calendar for each activity. The program also provides clubs and events for study abroad students to attend. It is phenomenal. I learned a lot about the culture.

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)

5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $30. I was on a budget when i arrived
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Check the exchange rate prior to departure

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish grammar and composition
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Gained strangers as friends
  • Cultural activities
* What could be improved?
  • Food choices at host family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The different Spanish terms used for certain words being taught in the states

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!