A blessed experience! Past Review

By (Environmental Health Science, Berea College) - abroad from 08/30/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

Veritas Christian Study Abroad: San Jose - Study Abroad and Missions Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a whole new culture and was able to connect to them through learning the language, ministry work, and having a host family that made sure I was always taken care of. It was definitely worthwhile!

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.

* 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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $130
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find cheap food places and buy things to prepare at your house for lunch. Plan weekend excursions well to make the most of your money!

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? 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? Intermediate
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? Practice the language with EVERYBODY. Your host family, American friends, it is the best way to learn!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • the ministry work that connected us to the community
  • practicing spanish
  • living with a host family
* What could be improved?
  • smaller excursion groups
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you go during the rainy season it will rain and rain hard. Bring shoes made for the rain and a sturdy umbrella.