Pura Vida Past Review

By (Missouri State University) - abroad from 06/03/2017 to 07/15/2017 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained language experiences, school credits, friends all over the U.S, and cultural awareness. It was worthwhile for sure.

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

Everybody loves our directors!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

close to school, great food, included in the family, etc.

* Food:

I tried many things in San Jose and in my home. I only tried a few things I didn't like which was completely okay with my family.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Their culture was amazing to learn about and be in. Their food and dancing were the main things I loved

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had a problem with the health care but know friends that got the care and medicine they needed right away!

* Safety:

Safety advice was always available. We were advised to not be in the cities or walking around alone after dark. However, I always went places with a group and never felt unsafe.

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

I would choose this program over and over again. I think as my language gets better and better, I will look into taking another trip where I can speak the language fully.

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)

The first three weeks were easy since it was included in the program costs. However, on your own, transportation and food will take a huge chunk of your money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat as many meals as you can at your house! If you're going to be gone, plan ahead and know where your money is going to go.

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

My host parents did not speak my language. However, when traveling many locals spoke English to us because of our looks. Also many locals want to speak English and even a couple asked why we would want to learn Spanish.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school spanish/ Elementary Spanish 101
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? Chat with your family as much as possible. Mine really enjoyed trying to teach me new things constantly since I didn't know half of what they were saying to start with!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excursions
  • My Host Family!!
  • The friends and classes I'll never forget
* What could be improved?
  • More activities with everybody in the program
  • Trips for people staying longer for three weeks
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more of the language so I could really immerse myself. Since I didn't know much, I had to use English to communicate many times. I also wish I researched the country more than I did.

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!