Cataratas, Amor, y Español Past Review

By (Western Kentucky University) - abroad from 06/02/2018 to 07/14/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained language skills, independence, and a desire to learn more. I learned that the "pura vida" lifestyle is a pretty great mindset that I can implement at home. It was 100% worthwhile.

Review Photos

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? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers really pushed us to learn, study, and practice our language skills. However, they didn't grade very harsh. So if you studied like they recommended, there was no way you couldn't pass the class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Sol on-site staff is so helpful, informative, kind, and just all-around amazing. They are 80% of the reason this program is so great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love my host family. Sol placed me with a perfect family and a perfect roommate. Also, from observing, it seemed that everyone else in my session loved their living arrangements, too. My host mom cleaned my laundry every week, changed my sheets and comforter every week, and cooked REALLY good food for every meal. Living with a host family really helps you experience, appreciate, and love the culture of Costa Rica. My host family is what I will miss most about Costa Rica.

* Food:

The food is always amazing. Also, your host mom will adjust her cooking to your dietary needs (or if your picky about certain foods). Just ask! Everyone in Costa Rica is kind and calm, and that includes their attitude about eating, as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During school hours, we were only with students from the United States. And on excursions, we were mostly in touristy areas and we didn't always need to use Spanish. However, other than those situations, we were ALWAYS surrounded by local culture. My host family didn't even know and English, so at home I was eating, speaking, and sleeping like a local. Also, interactions with people and activities in Heredia and San Jose always helped me to feel more integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health issues and procedures for them were very well addressed at the beginning of the program. Although no vaccines are required to enter the country, every student is required to obtain international health insurance. If anyone became sick, a program director would schedule a doctors appointment or assist them to the nearest pharmacy. In Costa Rica, there are doctors within the pharmacies that can give medicine for minor issues. While I was in the country, I had a small earache and I was able to buy some medicated ear-drops at the pharmacy that helped clear up the problem quickly. However, if the problem had been more serious, my program director would have escorted me to the doctor's office. I never felt as if my health was in danger.

* Safety:

Heredia is a very safe city. It is still necessary to take safety precautions (keep phone and wallet in your backpack when walking down the sidewalk) because there can be bad people no matter where you go. If you are a girl, there will be times where you may be hollered at, honked at, or stared at from men in their cars on your way to school. This made me feel uncomfortable at first, but never did I feel unsafe. Although I don't condone that behavior, it is not abnormal in Costa Rica. Just let it roll off of you. Also it gets dark early in Costa Rica, so if you are going to be out past 6:00pm, make sure you have a friend to walk home with, or take a taxi. (These precautions may sounds serious, but don't let it worry you. Just think smart and you will be absolutely fine. I loved my time in my host city).

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

Sol was kind and helpful throughout the entire study abroad process, from their main office in Texas to Costa Rica. They were patient with all of my questions and gave me all the information I needed and more. And then I absolutely loved being in the country. The directors guide you to independence so that you feel safe and knowledgeable to branch out and explore on your own.

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)

I'm an impulse buyer kind of person, so it was hard for me to live on a student budget. If you are a good saver, or if you are not worried about souvenirs for others (1/3 of the money I spent was on souvenirs), then it shouldn't be too hard to use less than $100 a week. The program does recommend that you bring about $100 a week for each week you will be in the country. I was in the country for 6 weeks and I spent almost $700, which was more than I planned.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30 (This is when I would decide to eat out, buy ice cream, or buy other snacks, all of which is unnecessary.)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a souvenir budget. They are not cheap. Also, you could warn your family that you won't be bringing back souvenirs, which saves money and stress. Also, it saves money if you don't go buy ice cream every chance you get.. just a tip.

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 the classroom and on excursions, 95% of direction is given in Spanish. More English is spoken at the beginning of the program for beginners (like me), but it isn't hard to begin understanding the language when you are surrounded by it at school and home. Take it from me, its not too hard to get the hang of it even if you started at ground zero (aka: me). The language immersion is what makes the program so great!

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? 1 1/2 years in high school (3.5 years ago)
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? Don't be afraid to use the language with others! The people of Costa Rica are SO kind and are very willing to help you with your Spanish. Also, using what you've learned in class in real life makes you more confident and helps it to stick in your brain. And if you mess up, hey! There are some memories for ya!

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?
  • Host Family
  • Excursions and Cultural Activities
  • Classroom Instruction
* What could be improved?
  • The public transportation system could be explained more clearly
  • The free time list can be expanded and also add more detailed information
  • There weren't very many volunteer opportunities, but I understand they are hard to set up with students coming and leaving every three weeks.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? 1.There is no reason to worry, stress, or be scared. be flexible and open. Everything will work out. 2.You will have free time. You can watch Netflix. Don't. I did too many times and I regret it. 3.Buy a good umbrella and bring it everywhere. Sometimes it can rain randomly. I bought a $3 umbrella (mistake) and I forgot it often the first couple weeks (mistake). Also, you get used to the rain. 4.You get used to the money, too. 5. It's never really cold, but it can get chilly at night. i recommend bringing a long sleeve shirt and/or a cardigan. I brought TWO sweatshirts and I never used them. They also took up too much space in my suitcase. 6. No one will care if you re-wear clothes. If you are just coming for 3-6 weeks, don't pay for an overweight suitcase or check 2 bags, it's not worth the money. 7. No one will care if you don't wear makeup. Maybe bring a tube of mascara if you want. (Also, your skin will clear up in CR. Trust me). 8. Limon is 7 hours away from Heredia, not 3. And you probably shouldn't travel there anyway. Go to Guanacaste instead.

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:

Beginner 2

Course Department:
Instructor: Adriana Gamboa
Instruction Language: Spanish/English
Comments: This class was very challenging and built very well off of the information learned in Beginner 1. The teacher was always very well prepared with activities and lecture information that made it easy and fun to learn the new language skills. I participated in this class much more than I would have at any class in my home institution. We were assessed through tests, oral exams, homework assignments, and class participation. I absolutely loved this class. It made me very confident to use Spanish outside of the classroom walls.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Beginner 1

Course Department:
Instructor: Elizabeth Gamboa
Instruction Language: Spanish/English
Comments: This course was challenging and helpful. I did not know much Spanish upon starting the class, but by the end of the class, the teacher spoke Spanish 95% of the time and I could understand what was going on and what we were learning. This teacher is patient and does several activities to make sure you understand the information and that it sticks with you. It was also obvious that she had carefully planned the activities day-by-day for the entire course. Assignments included tests, short homework assignments, a presentation, and class participation. I would recommend this teacher to anyone.
Credit Transfer Issues: