Costa Rica Trip Past Review

By (English-Teaching, University of Northern Iowa) for

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in Costa Rica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The course here was specifically focused on three aspects: environment, technology, and society. Keeping these three focuses in mind, everything we did as a group impacted our thoughts and our preconceptions of the country. The greatest understanding of such issues was meat with the ability to have conversations and mingle with the locals. Having traveled to other Latin American countries, I have noticed similarities between the countries, but what I also have noticed is the fact that each country is quite different. This course has allowed me to see what I want in my future plans of teaching abroad. I thought that I would like to stay in Costa Rica for a year and teach English to the local students, but I do not know if Costa Rica is the right country for me. The trip has fortified my wanting to teach abroad, but the country choice is still up in the air. If anyone has the opportunity to go abroad, I highly recommend doing so, and when in the foreign country take as many chances as you can. You never know when you will be able to visit the country again.

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?

Other than hostels we stayed in ranger stations in Corcovado

* 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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Local Students
  • Americans