Studying in the jungle! Past Review
By Jennifer H (Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 07/03/2012 to 08/03/2012 with
USAC Costa Rica: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies
I learned a lot about the culture, the environment and the environmental policies. It was extremely worthwhile!
Review Photos
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. |
Amazing experience, great classes, Excellent teaching staff! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
If I EVER needed anything, there was always someone to help me out. I was overwhelmed at first by the new language, but I always had help, which made the experience so much better! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was patient and understanding while I did my best to learn the language. |
| * Food: |
If you like rice and beans, you will love the food. Not spicy, but rice and beans seem to be in every meal. I was not served anything overly strange, like monkey brains. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It's up to YOU to integrate yourself. You can stick with your English speaking friends, or you can go out, play soccer, and make friends with the locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not personally have any issues, but I am confident I would have had help if I had needed it. |
| * Safety: |
It's as safe as anywhere, but common sense still applies. A friend of mine got mugged because she was walking on the beach in town after midnight by herself. If you don't do anything stupid, you will be fine. |
| 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) |
Food is soooo cheap! Movies are cheap, buses are cheap, just be careful with money, because everything is so cheap, it's easier to spend it |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 20 because once or twice a week we ate out |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Because food is cheaper, it's easier to spend money. Just budget, don't let spending get out of control. |
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 |
It was greatly encouraged, but YOU have to take some initiative too. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | sophomore in high school, but it was 6 years ago |
| 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? | Learn the basics before you go if you can, and spend at least an hour or two a day strictly speaking Spanish |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | An extra battery for my camera would have been great to have |
