SFS Costa Rica Guapiles Study Abroad Past Review

By Daniel H (Environmental Studiea, Colby College) for

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Although I would choose a different program with a different focus I'd do so more because of personal reasons, not because the program was bad. My SFS experience was overall fantastic, much learned, many life lessons and friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I thought the workload and grading system was adequate and appropriate. Strength of teaching varied significantly, however. While some professors were quite good, some struggled to convey the material well.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Program size, organization, etc. were all very strong. The only thing I found frustrating was the limiting nature of SFS procedure. I don't think SFS does a particularly good job treating adults like adults, but I can understand why (liability concerns). It is important to note that I attended the SFS Costa Rica program in Guapiles.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Great housing situation, one of the best aspects of the program. Good for developing strong friendships between students.
* Food:	Food was great.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Fantastic field trips and experiences, ranging from soccer games to travel in Panama.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Great.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	While helpful, I found the Spanish language component to be relatively weak, I think it could have utilized the fact that we were in a Spanish speaking country a bit better.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Diverse students interests Directed Research Varied experiences
* What could be improved?	Consitency of teaching excellence Limiting student activity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Be sure to thoroughly evaluate what you want from your study abroad experience and work to find a program that matches those interests, rather than choosing the first program that is recommended.