Great Place for study abroad on a budget! Past Review

By (University of Houston) - abroad from 01/07/2017 to 02/25/2017 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained much greater confidence in traveling alone as a female and thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of it. Costa Rica is very safe with great and affordable transport that makes it perfect for firsttime travelers.

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.

* 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

Great value for the price and got to do/see so many different things in the country for a reasonable amount of money. My host family was so nice and welcoming and were also respectful when I needed my own space.

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? $40.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use hostels and public buses for "free weekend" trips and buy snacks at the Mas por Menos instead of eating out. Car pooling taxis also helps.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 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? Bring worksheets for yourself if you are in intermediate or beginner classes bc the workload is almost to light.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • great host family/clean spacious home
  • excursions were wonderful (punta mona is the best!)
  • you can walk pretty much anywhere
* What could be improved?
  • More homework for lower level spanish classes
  • conversation club multiple times a week
  • more group volunteer opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. My experience was awesome and I enjoyed learning things as I went.

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.