Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Finding a Second Home...Abroad! Past Review

By (Western Carolina University) - abroad from 06/01/2019 to 08/19/2019 with

Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What didn't I gain or learn?! My worldview was expanded, I discovered more career opportunities, and my second language skills were vastly improved.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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 already know how the program functions, so that wouldn't be something else that I have to get used to. SOL is also an amazing program that's affordable for students.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save more than you expect you'll need. Bring as much money as possible because you don't want to miss out on an experience because of financial reasons.

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? 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? Spanish Electives (past intermediate level)
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 speak with friends and other people learning the language. It helps you get more practice, but also makes you feel more capable and comfortable when you speak with natives.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host family
  • My roommate
  • My professors
* What could be improved?
  • Disperse excursions across the entire trip, not just the first three weekends.
  • Variety and availability of classes offered
  • the ability to choose excursions and cultural activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I would've know what classes were being offered when, because when I registered, I registered for classes that were being offered at the same time and I had to end up changing 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 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!