Incredible, beautiful, unforgettable Past Review
By Madison Young (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 12/26/2019 to 01/11/2020 with
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
I learned that I can successfully navigate the world and travel abroad, even in a different language. People are always willing to help. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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 |
Our directors were very nice and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our host mom and family was amazing, always helpful and clearly love having students. |
| * 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: |
Always stay in groups, avoiding walking in certain areas at night. Listen to your directors and host family for directions on how to stay safe as they know the area best. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had a great time and we packed in a ton of cultural experience for only being there for 2 weeks. |
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) |
With nearly every meal at the host home, it was easy not to spend too much money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take the bus! Eat at home when you can and just buy snacks when you’re out. |
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? | 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? | Upper level spanish courses. Minor completed |
| 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? | Practice with your fellow classmates! They’re in the same boat you are and you can help each other fill in gaps in your knowledge. |
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? | N/a |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
