Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best 3.5 months of my life, and I highly recommend this program! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2018 to 12/05/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new way to look at things by being surrounded by people coming from different universities and countries, and I also gained skills I'll take to the field one day. This experience was extremely worthwhile.

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.

* 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

Costa Ricans are the friendliest people you'll meet on this planet., everyone will make you feel like you are at home. The professors are amazing, and you learn a lot about environmental problems and successes of Costa Rica, while also learning about yourself in a beautiful country.

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
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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
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? This program is not a language immersion program, so if that's what you're looking for perhaps consider another one. Although this is not a program meant for cultural immersion, there are opportunities to practice the language, like talking to the staff in Spanish or participating in the Spanish table.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
  • Professors
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Plumbing in dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Keep an open mind, say yes to trying new things, talk to the professors (they're seriously so amazing)!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.