Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This experience changed my life. Past Review

By (Art Education Spanish Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/06/2013 to 07/29/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: San Jose - UNI Capstone in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I'm more independent than I knew. My Spanish improved immensely.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I participated in an internship and there was hardly an administrative supervision.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think a lot of the host families (based on my own experience and the experiences I heard about from friends) are in it for the money. I know by the time I left my host family was in need of a break from having students, even for just a month, but there's no way they would have taken it.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I stuck out like any gringa would, but I felt at home in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the university doctor and he wasn't very helpful.

* Safety:

You have to be smart when living in San Jose. Don't go out after dark by yourself or without a male. Don't have your cell phone or valuables out in public at all. Protect yourself. I didn't feel safe in the city, especially at night, but nothing ever happened to me because I protected myself.

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)

I hardly ever ate out but spent about $75/week on travel and expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep a budget, it's a must. Keep track of how much money you take out and where it's being spent.

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? Advanced
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? Introduction to Translation
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? Practice with everyone- even with your friends who speak English. Don't be afraid to talk to people, they understand that you're learning.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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
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?
  • Working at an orphanage
  • Traveling the country
  • Working at a school
* What could be improved?
  • Host families
  • Native conversation partners needed
  • Better internship program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How dangerous of a city San Jose can be.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!