A new home in Central America Past Review
By A student (Wartburg College) - abroad from 08/11/2017 to 12/03/2017 with
USAC Costa Rica: San Ramón - Life Sciences, Spanish Language, and Culture
Embrace new cultures and new people. Very worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had two experiences with the healthcare system; one was for a stomach virus, the other was for a biking accident. Both experiences were positive and the programs works hand in hand with the healthcare available for students. I was well prepared for vaccinations. |
| * Safety: |
Very safe! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I liked the location and culture within the "town". It was also easy to travel anywhere. Mountains vs. beach. |
Finances
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* 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) |
HIGHLY depends on your preference and travel style. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Weekend trips included: $30-$60 Weekend trips not included: $15 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be smart with your money. Eat all meals provided at home if possible! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 300 level course |
| 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? | Talk to your host family. Utilize language in friend group |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing. Go with the flow! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA 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. |
