Que Dicha! La Pura Vida si se vive en Costa Rica Past Review

By (University of Houston - Downtown) - abroad from 05/19/2018 to 06/16/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I was a much stronger person than I thought I was. I was in another country, learning another culture, eating different foods and I did just fine.

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

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)

5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75.00 to 100.00

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 3301
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? Just speak Spanish all of time.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved learning about their culture.
  • My host family.
  • The excursions.
* What could be improved?
  • The ability to communicate back home, better cell sevice options.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Exactly how much it would rain and how important it is to have a couple of good umbrellas and rain shoes.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Latinamerican Culture

Course Department:
Instructor: Letty Salas
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: It was challenging and yes the instructor was knowledgeable and very prepared for lectures and classes. I participated more than I expected I would and had fun while learning soo much material.
Credit Transfer Issues: