Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastic experience that cannot be described in words. Past Review

By (Wartburg College) - abroad from 01/16/2016 to 05/12/2016 with

USAC Costa Rica: San Ramón - Life Sciences, Spanish Language, and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish skills and was fully immersed in the cultural to have a great experience this way too.

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.

I think the intensity of the courses was appropriate. I am very happy with my experience and wouldn't change a thing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration is very friendly and extremely helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to push the family to do my laundry, but other than that they were very nice.

* Food:

I loved the food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very immersed into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I received great healthcare in San José and was surprised with how high of quality it was.

* Safety:

I think San Ramón might be one of the safest towns in Costa Rica. There was not a single moment where I felt unsafe.

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

I had an incredible experience with the program and do not have any complaints. It was a great experience in so many ways.

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)

Very easily. The cost was similar to being on campus excluding money spent on traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? a little less than $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money to travel and try new things!

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

The program pushed that we do not use English in order to better learn Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? College
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Push yourself to use the language as much as possible and don't use English as an easy way out. The more you use the language the better you learn to use it and the more natural it will become to understand and speak the language.

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?
  • Professors were great
* What could be improved?
  • Organization of the medical internship
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a sturdy umbrella with if you study in Costa Rica.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!