Pura Vida Past Review
By Leona K (Economics., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 07/01/2014 to 08/07/2014 with
USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies
I gained significant language skills, but more importantly I gained self confidence which will help me in every aspect of my life in the future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were not very challenging, but they left plenty of time to explore the country. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
So helpful and knowledgeable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish we could have had classes with local students, but my host family did a great job of integrating me in their neighborhood. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not need any health care prior to my trip, but I received an injury while abroad and had to visit a clinic. The service was quick, affordable. It was actually cheaper than it would have been at home! |
| * Safety: |
I only took minimal precautions (don't walk alone at night) and I never felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 spent about $100 a week but I also did a lot of travelling within the country. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
My classes were all taught in Spanish and my host family only spoke Spanish so I was definitely encouraged to use it. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to try. If you mess something up it's not a big deal. People are really impressed that you're trying, and you'll know better next time. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just because your language skills aren't perfect you shouldn't not use them. Practice is the only way to improve. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
