Spanish, sloths, and salsa! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics are challenging, and there is homework, but it does not detract from excursions and experiencing life in the country.

On-site administration of your program

The directors were all very warm and welcoming - very helpful and answered all of our questions to the best of their ability.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In Costa Rica, you live with a Costa Rican family, and this is the best part of the experience. You will communicate entirely in Spanish and get to eat the best Costa Rican food that there is. I am biased because my host family was the best, but you are sure to love your host family just as much as I did!

I loved the food. Costa Rican food was just my style - get ready for a lot of rice and beans, plantains, yucca, fruits and fruit drinks, not to mention some of the best meat and soups you will ever taste!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

SOL provides excursions and cultural activities included with the program price; however, I did not feel completely integrated into the culture. I met interesting people on my own journeys, but this program could be much improved if they include more programs that involve direct contact with more local people and local traditions. My tica family helped connect me to more cultural experiences, which helped, but I would have enjoyed more interaction with locals.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

I felt almost completely safe in my host city of Heredia. I did not fear something bad happening to me, whether night or day, unless that thing is getting run over by traffic. You just have to be incredibly careful when crossing the street because in Costa Rica, the car goes first, not the pedestrian like in the US. Also, when traveling to San José, be extra careful because there are more dangers there, such as stealing. But as long as you exercise caution and travel in groups - there is no need to worry!

This is the perfect blend of practicing Spanish, seeing the nature and wildlife, and interacting with the host culture.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Three meals a day are provided through your host family, except for weekend excursions. You can easily survive on $100 per week, but when you plan your own weekend excursions, expect those to be around $50-100+ depending on your own budget. I spent more than this because I splurged on special souvenir gifts for my family.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The directors encouraged us to use Spanish, but did not require it as we had varying levels of the language. The students, among ourselves, did not seek to practice, which was a bit disappointing for me. However, it is possible to find people to practice with!

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• Latin American Literature
• Excursions
• Host family

• Interaction with host culture in program
• Practice of Spanish among students
• Volunteer experiences

The Academic or Linguist