This was a breathtakingly beautiful yet humbling experience. Past Review

By (Washington State University) - abroad from 05/22/2016 to 06/24/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained cultural insight. It is a 3rd world country, so I left appreciating what I had back in the US. I learned how to interact with all kinds of people in different situations. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Review Photos

USAC: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies at Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica Photo USAC: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies at Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica Photo USAC: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies at Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica Photo USAC: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies at Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica Photo USAC: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies at Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica Photo

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.

Class rigor varied based on the class. Of course, I studied much more for my conversation class than dance class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful and friendly administration!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my host family. I grew so close to them and they only spoke Spanish, so I improved my speaking skills greatly.

* Food:

My family owned a restaurant, so I got to order off the menu everyday!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I'm on the cheerleading team here, and even found local Costa Ricans to throw me in the air!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues.

* Safety:

The location is a small, family-friendly town. I rode my bike to class everyday and never felt unsafe. Do no be alarmed when men whistle and yell at you, it is part of their culture and if you ignore them they will not bother you. Be careful if you go out at night, always bring a friend.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved everything about my experience.

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)

Everything in Costa Rica was very cheap and the program includes necessities like food so I only really bought souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10 if I stayed home. $100 if I went on a weekend trip.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring lots of cash and a credit card. It costs money every time you take money out of an atm.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I was always speaking Spanish.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200
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? Try and only speak Spanish, even with other American USAC students.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Family
  • Advancing my Spanish
  • Social aspect/adventures
* What could be improved?
  • Cockroaches (you get used to it!)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That on off weekends it's fun to explore other parts of Costa Rica. Plan ahead!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.