BEST TRIP OF MY LIFE! Past Review

By (BA International Studies, Southern Methodist University) - abroad from 05/30/2012 to 06/10/2012 with

The GREEN Program: Peru - Water Resource Management & Sustainable Practices

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I knew nothing about Renewable energy before attending the program. I was able to gain a basic knowledge of all types of energy and an overall understanding how Costa Rica is really one of the world's leaders in the field. This program is worthwhile for any student wanting to make the world a better place!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program is one of the most incredible student programs out there. It was such an amazing trip and I learned so much not only about renewable energy but about Costa Rican culture. If you have the opportunity to attend this is the absolute best program !

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Great mix between local food and American- we all miss it eventually :)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was my favorite part of the trip because we were able to really meet and grow to love locals and all of the faculty at GREEN!

* 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)

Everything except spending money and the flight was included in the program costs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20-$30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy outside of the larger towns it is a lot cheaper!

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

It was encouraged for anyone who was comfortable. I am fluent in Spanish therefore I used it as much as I could.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I minored in Spanish at SMU - so senior 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? Talk with the locals and the plant visit leaders it is a great way to practice!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The staff
  • The plant visits
  • Cultural experiences
* What could be improved?
  • Longer time to chat with plant visit workers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light! I way over packed and all you really need is 4 pairs of jeans, 2 bathing suits and some shirts, jackets and a few going out outfits!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.