Studying in Costa Rica was incredible! Past Review

By (BS Biology EEB, SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Binghamton: Traveling - Tropical Forest Workshop

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was really worthwhile, it made me a more independent and more confident. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about tropical ecosystems and want to experience something new.

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.

I did a tremendous amount of learning about the how incredibly complex neotropical ecosystems are and about how our everyday choices as Americans contribute to their decline.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our professor was extremely knowledgeable, if grumpy at times.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in very simple cabins, they were small but functional

* Food:

Some of the best food I have ever eaten

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went to a typical fiesta and got to see bull riding

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It is safe area, I never felt threatened at anytime

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

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? An average $100 a week, we had to pay for all food and lodging out of pocket.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? However much they tell you to bring, I would bring extra

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I was immersed about 50% of the time, so my Spanish really improved.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would be prepared for anything, you will see things that you never imagined.