11 weeks of jumping off waterfalls & standing in the front row of dance class Past Review

By (Ohio Northern University) - abroad from 05/19/2017 to 08/05/2017 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 cannot believe I almost graduated college without studying abroad. If you can make it work - GO. I went to Central America, not somewhere like Europe, so I truly experienced what it was like to be in a brand new culture (sorry Europe travelers). It challenges you in so many ways - I cannot even put into words how much I grew during my time abroad.

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? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent staff, professors, and learning environment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

Puntarenas is small but beautiful. Everything you need is within walking distance, the centro is fun to explore, and the bus station can take you everywhere!

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Realize that even small purchases add up over the course of a semester! Monitor your spending!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school spanish
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? You just have to go for it and try using your skills. Invite feedback from those around you!

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?
  • Location/ Easy of Travel
  • Professors/ Staff
  • Other Students (from USAC and UCR)
* What could be improved?
  • Having up to date bus/ ferry schedules
  • Having a common place for students to gather to study or watch movies after USAC hours
  • More activities besides soccer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is wise to pack dramamine or meclizine in your carry on, even if you don't think you'll need it.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.