Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Heredia, Costa Rica: An experience of a lifetime Past Review

By (Western Michigan University) - abroad from 01/12/2019 to 04/13/2019 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made many lifelong friends, I gained more confidence in my Spanish-speaking abilities, and I've also gained the confidence to travel even more after this experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

I loved the organization of the program as well as how many excursions they offered throughout the semester.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Avoid buying unnecessary treats or snacks from the store. Your host family will provide you with an abundance of food and there will be no need to go out and buy food. Also, try to minimize the amount of times you go out to eat or drink, because the costs will add up.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Life and Culture: Hispanics in the U.S.
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? Engage in conversations at the dinner table with your host family. Go out exploring with your friends and practice ordering food and purchasing items using your Spanish.

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?
  • Organization
  • Location (Costa Rica is beautiful)
  • Small class sizes
* What could be improved?
  • Director/student relationship
  • Involve students from all countries (not only American students)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had realized how very important a wide range of vocabulary is.

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!