Studying abroad has created a humbling soul embedded in me. Past Review
By Melanie Ascencio (California State University - Fullerton) - abroad from 03/30/2019 to 04/07/2019 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it is all about what you make of the experience. You choose to interact with your host family and learn from them. You hear their experiences and it humbles you. You realize that there is a lot more to learn from the world when you see it for yourself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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
The culture, the family and the children were very welcoming. They created an unforgettable experience for me that I wish I could have stayed longer. |
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? | $360 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | In order to reduce spending have a range that you are willing to spend each week. Also, use the countries money and not your card everywhere. It is easier to swipe on not notice how much you are spending. Don't spend as if you are on vacation, choose what you spend on wisely. If you are purchasing souvenirs, look at many different places first and check pricing. |
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 Spanish |
| 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? | Download apps where you can have conversations in Spanish. Download a dictionary or translator to know how to respond. Get together with people who might know the language and have conversations with them. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How much the teen parents at Posada de Belen really needed donations. I wish I could have brought more for them. |
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. |
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