Costa Rica, nothing like it in the world Past Review

By (Spanish, Boise State University) for

USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was hands down the greatest thing i have done with my life up to this point. there is no reason that if you are thinking about doing it, you shouldn't. there are grants, help, scholarships, or loans that can be taken out, they are absolutely worth if for what you will recieve from the experience. It is something unexplainable, but so worthwhile. you learn about what you are capable of doing, going out of your comfort zones, and overall growing as a human being. If i could do it all again, i wouldn't even hesitate. It was amazing!!

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.

The teachers are great and very helpful. the workload is enough to learn but not too much to where you can't travel and get out and do things while being super stressed. it's a perfect balance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

we were always clear on what was going on and they were very helpful and happy to be there for us

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

i loved living with a family. i think it was by far the best way to do an abroad experience, not only for the language progression, but for the cultural experience especially.

* Food:

the food was great and i love most all of it. except the fact that they had fast food from america in many places.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

the people who live there are so easy going and easy to talk to. they are very helpful and i loved the culture!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

i never got any serious sicknesses and always felt comfortable. and as far as the safety, I never had any problems, basically you will get what you go looking for so don't do anything that you think or know would put you at risk if you are not looking for it.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I learned a huge amount and the teachers and people i was around were great with help and overall support

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Students who overall want to learn spanish and know and be a part of cultures that we are really not taught all that much about here in the states. Basically students who want to learn about themselves and their capabilities while enjoying one of the greatest countries on earth.