deeply cultural and educational Past Review

By (Special Education, SUNY - College at Brockport) - abroad from 05/19/2012 to 06/29/2012 with

SUNY Geneseo: Heredia - Centro de Estudios Hispánicos de la Universidad Nacional

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the language and culture of Costa Rica from this program. Being that my Uncle is Costa Rican, learning about where he comes from meant alot to me. This experience was completely worth while and I wish I could do it again!

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

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)

I think that $100 a week is perfectly fine for the average person, but I am a shop-a-holic!

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? it varied, but roughly $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If meals are included in your program, don't eat out! I could have saved alot of money if I didnt go out to eat with other students in the program.

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? 400
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? I know facebook and other social networks are great to use to keep in touch with family and friends back home, but don't go on it otherwise! Spend as much time talking with your host family!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • my host family
  • the activites I did (i.e. ziplining, surfing, ect.)
  • the university
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
  • nothing
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that shorts were considered 'inappropriate'