Costa Rica, Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (North Carolina Central University) - abroad from 09/03/2017 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 more about myself and the world around me. I learned to be more tolerant of other ways of life and I learned another language.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica Photo

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

Sol was an affordable option that did not slack on the experiences. I felt that it was well worth the price and I received a great deal of support from the directors and felt at home in the program.

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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to eat the food at your host family's house to save money. Also, limit your going out to save money because it can become expensive.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish advanced grammar
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? Make sure to take opportunities to talk to locals in the community. For me, it was one of the ways that I really learned to speak Spanish was interacting in the community.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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, Nicaragua
* What could be improved?
  • The organization
  • Transparency on the website about what is actually offered.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make sure to have extra money for things that you would like to do. Costa Rica can be a little expensive so make sure to plan for that.

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!