Pura Vida in Costa Rica Past Review
By Katherine F (Business Marketing and Spanish, University of North Carolina - Wilmington) for
USAC Costa Rica: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies
This experience was so incredibly worthwhile. It stretched me and grew in multiple ways and I am so thankful I did this. I learned to speak Spanish, created lasting friendships, and would love to live down there one day.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
In this program you WILL learn Spanish. The professors genuinely care about helping and aiding you in your transition and your language abilities. I loved the class sizes and the professor to student ratio. My professors helped me learn so much about the Spanish language and culture and we took many amazing field trips around Costa Rica. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty in Puntarenas is always willing to help students and meet their needs. I never had any problems. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was interesting because you really are placed directly into another culture and society. We definitely learned how to live without the abundant amenities American's experience on a daily basis, but I am so thankful for that. I learned and grew so much. My host family treated me like their very own daughter and I felt so at home. The amazing thing is that my family's home was only a few short minutes walk from the beach. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If you love the beach, adventuring, hiking, exploring, surfing, or anything outdoors you will fall in love with this program in Costa Rica. It was amazing everything that I was able to experience from zip-lining, to horseback rides, to hikes and water slides you truly get to live it up down there. |
|
* 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
|
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are seeking a Spanish degree and you love adventuring and the outdoors then this is the program for you! |
