Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing experience Past Review

By (William Jewell College) - 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?
Gained so many friendships and I learned how to live a "pura vida." It was absolutely 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

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Advanced Grammar 1 course compromised mostly of games and simple grammar lessons followed by grammar activities. I was not challenged in this course. However, I really enjoyed my Literature class. I learned about a multitude of movements, authors, and literature aspects.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

SOL was very organized and offered various culture classes that definitely enhanced my experience. However, they did not help with my transportation to the airport after a mixup.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mama was absolutely amazing. She was a great cook and was always a joy to talk to when I was home.

* Food:

My host mama prepared a variety of foods and always cooked it fresh.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I mostly spent time with the other American students in my program so I did not really connect with many locals unfortunately.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Luckily, this was not an issue to me besides a few sunburns.

* Safety:

I felt safe walking around with other students but I was uneasy if I was alone.

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

SOL was amazing and I love all of the people that I befriended while abroad.

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 saved a good portion of my budget during the week because I would eat at my host mama's house, which was amazing. However, the weekends were much easier to splurge on.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy souvenirs for anyone besides yourself. I know it seems harsh but it was YOUR experience so the souvenir really only holds sentimental value for yourself. Also, buy alcohol in bulk and share with friends. Fancy drinks are not necessary to have a good time.

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

It was easy to fall back into English around my SOLmates but I was force to speak Spanish with locals.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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
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? Try to force yourself through the awkward conversations at the beginning because it will get easier towards the end. Try to commit to speaking Spanish as much as possible with your fellow students.

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?
  • Included excursions
  • Director
  • Length of stay
* What could be improved?
  • Excursions past the first 3 weeks
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack as light as possible, be prepared to eat lots of rice and beans, relax because it will all work itself out.

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!