Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing Past Review

By (University of Maryland - Baltimore County / UMBC) - abroad from 09/03/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more of an open mind on our world and a different perspective on the way other people live. It also made you realize how fortunate we are to be able to have the opportunities that we do. It was very worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Had an absolutely amazing experience with Sol! We have all learned so much while we have been here, and really feel like a family. The host families, the Universities, and the excursions have been awesome, and I am so glad I chose Sol over other international programs.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Incredible! Really helps you to understand and immerse into the culture

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was nice being in a home, and being in walking distance to the mall and the Univserity

* Food:

For the most part I enjoyed the food, and it was nice having 3 home cooked meals a day without having to pay.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very immersed!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe while here, and was made aware of all the safety precautions

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved the way Sol fully immersed us into the language and each excursion, we learned new things that gave us a different perspective on our world. We were pushed out of our comfort zones in the best way.

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)

They told us the perfect amount!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend your money going out!! Save it for souvenirs and trips :)

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

Extremely encouraged

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? Advanced 2
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? Don't be afraid to talk to locals, it really helps you to be more confident talking the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Excursions
  • Spanish classes
  • program directors
* What could be improved?
  • down time during the week
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much fun it was going to be!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.