Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My many firsts Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Whitewater) - abroad from 09/02/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a culture completely different from my own. It was 100% worthwhile and I would recommend anyone to experience this. There is truly nothing like living in another country.

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.

The classes were very easy. I wish they were more challenging but I still learned an immense amount of information.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was matched very well with my family and enjoyed spending time with them. Other students also said that they felt matched up perfectly with their families.

* Food:

Mamatica made incredible food. I am jealous of anyone who gets to live with this family.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was difficult to get to know local students at my university because 4/5 of my classes were only with students from the US.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I experienced acute kidney failure during my time abroad. Almost all the health staff at the hospital were able to communicate with me in English which helped to understand what was happening. I spent a lot of time alone but one SOL director stayed the first night with me which I appreciated a lot. During any doctor visits, a SOL director would always come with to help communicate and fill out forms. When I returned to the states, my primary doctor was very pleased with how I was treated during my hospital stay.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe when walking around the cities but I always made sure to walk with other people.

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

SOL is one of the cheapest programs that still includes excursions and is incredibly well-developed. I would also get a discount from SOL if I continued using their services. SOL provides these programs to people of any age.

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)

It was very easy because I lived with a family who fed me three meals a day. The only money I needed to spend was for toiletries, travel, and souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20

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

In class, we were required to speak only Spanish but during excursions, we were not encouraged to speak as much as I would have wanted to.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate 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? Only speak your objective language not your native 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?
  • Experiencing a new culture
  • Speaking Spanish with my family
  • Meeting tons of new people
* What could be improved?
  • More ways to meet locals
  • More challenging classes offered
  • More meals paid for during excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Plan something new to do every weekend! Even if it just a small day trip, you will be happy to have the memories to look back on.

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!