Unforgettable, unique, and once in a lifetime experience. Past Review
By Rachel Forrester (William Jewell College) - abroad from 07/14/2018 to 08/04/2018 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I gained various friendships and a love for the culture and language in Costa Rica. It was most definitely worthwhile, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Latin American literature I took was very informative and fun to take! My instructor was knowledgeable and taught us a lot about the subject. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors were amazing and they answered any questions we had and prepared us well for everything. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing! They were extremely kind to me and were patient with my Spanish speaking. They prepared every meal for me and everything was delicious! They also made it a point to include me in trips and daily activities they participated in! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program truly exceeded my expectations. Every component allowed me to grow in various ways and I was able to experience all facets of the country. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would say probably around a couple hundred dollars but mostly on souvenirs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just keep track of what you spend and you will be fine. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Advanced course or Latin American literature. |
| 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? | I would say try to speak Spanish as much as you can, even with your friends. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would've known a lot of the customs of Costa Ricans. Like eating all of your food and not slamming the doors and other little stuff. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
