Puntarenas Costa Rica-have the best time OF YOUR LIFE. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers were really wonderful people, I really learned quite a bit from them and developed genuine friendships with them. I learned a great deal from them-really fantastic people. Especially Arturo and Marielos and Christian. Take their classes!

On-site administration of your program

The administration at the program sight were not as helpful or kind. I found them very frustrating and unhelpful. I came out of the program with a significant increase in my Spanish and cultural knowledge but very frustrated and annoyed by the administration. As annoying as they were, I wouldn't let them hinder the participation in this program, because the good definitely outweighs the bad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was spectacular. I was very nervous about living with a family because I could not speak Spanish at all when I arrived. But they were sensitive to this and were so kind and welcoming and helpful with my Spanish. I was able to practice everything I learned in school at home with my family. The food was incredible, I was treated with the utmost respect and hospitality. I felt like a member of the family but was given my own space and privacy. Living with this host family was one of the greatest aspects of my experience. I will definitely be back to visit them. I felt very safe inside my home. It wasn't in the best neighborhood, but there was always a male student available to accompany me home to secure my safety and my family made sure I was comfortable with getting into the house. I lived about a 5-7 minute bike ride to school, I'd ride my bike (provided by my host family) along the beach every morning to school and bike home for lunch. I was about the same distance from the nightlife. Puntarenas isn't very big so all the bars and dance clubs are within a close proximity so it was very easy to get there. Most students lived in close proximity to each other so there were always people to bike caravan with in case it was very late at night. I didn't need to buy anything at all. Completely at home with my family. The Flores family is definitely the best family in the Puntarenas program.

My family asked many questions in the beginning about my diet to make sure that I wasn't allergic to anything or didn't like anything they made. If there was ever a dish I didn't like (rare occasion) they would never make it again. The food was absolutely delicious. I was provided with three massive meals a day and snacks if I wanted them. I was completely at home in the kitchen and could help myself if need be. On request my host mom would let me cook with her to learn how she made this delicious cuisine.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The cultural aspect of this trip is exceptional. The city of Puntarenas itself offers quite a variety of cultural experiences. There's a good nightlife and it's fun because the town is small enough that you become familiar with the locals and the whole USAC group goes out together so when you're at a bar you get to salsa dance and drink pina coladas on the beach all night with a group of 50 of your friends and several other new local friends. Puntarenas is also very centrally located so it is very easy to travel. There is a ferry right in Puntarenas which gives you great access to the Nicoya peninsula (Montezuma is a must see.) Every weekend people would decide where they wanted to travel to and people would split off into groups depending on where they wanted to go. Somtimes you would go surfing in Santa Teresa with 20 other people, or go hiking in the rain forests of Monte Verde with 5 other friends of trek to the Carribbean with the whole group or head to San Jose for some city life for the weekend with one other friend. The Field trips offered by USAC are SUPERB. You are treated like a king. GO ON THE FIELD TRIPS. It is totally worth the money. Go go go! I had the most fantastic experiences. I got to snorkle with dolphins in panama and go to starfish beach and be surrounded by thousands of starfish and catch tuna in the bay off nicaragua and zipline through the cloud forest of monte verde and swim in coffee in san ramon. Go on the field trips. On all USAC trips. They are amazing.When

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The host city is safe enough, but there are definitely very sketchy spots. And you have got to be aware at night. Just use common sense. Don't go out by yourself. Don't go out with locals alone late at night no matter how close you are. DO NOT go to the beach at night unless you are with 50 other people. Don't do it. Don't. If you use common sense you'll be fine. I never had one issue. Some people were robbed and had some rough experiences so keep your head about you at all times. It's definitely a step away from suburban life. I never had any health issues so I can't really vouch for their healthcare.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I feel extremely comfortable in my language skills now thanks to this program.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family