Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pura Vida Costa Rica Living Sustainably Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Wellesley 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?
It definitely was worthwhile.

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

My expectations were definitely met, and I felt comfortable at all times. Instructors were accessible at all times, it was great.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 to $70 dollars a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Probably higher transportation costs than what is estimated.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 259 Inhabiting Memory
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

With the staff and the different families and friends we were able to meet and practice our Spanish with. Not many people spoke English which was nice and refreshing.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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? Anyone who is outgoing and adventurous will love this program. I definitely think that one should be willing to experience new things and remain open minded.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Principles of Natural Resources Management

Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Achim Hager
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was definitely challenging, but also a lot of fun. It was great considering our location and the available resources we could use. The teacher was amazing he made things fun, interesting yet challenging.
Credit Transfer Issues: Nope