Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sol is incredible. Past Review

By (Minnesota State University, Moorhead) - abroad from 01/13/2018 to 04/21/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Sol is amazing. I was able to learn so much Spanish, and gain so many life long friendships. My host family was amazing, and I really felt at home with them. Classes were Monday-Friday from 8-11. Every couple of weeks, we went on an excursion to different places all around Costa Rica. Some incursions were zip lining, going to the beach, going to the rain forest, and white water rafting. Our directors of our program were amazing, and very helpful. There isn't a better place to spend the semester.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

There is no program that could compare.

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? $50-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? As soon as you figure out you are going to be studying abroad, start saving all the money you can.

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? Intermediate
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? College Spanish Conversation
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The best advice is to study the past, present, and future tenses of verbs.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • All of the excursions
  • Getting to volunteer
  • Being immersed in Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • -----
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Sometimes studying abroad will be hard. You won't know the language, and the culture is completely different.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.