Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best of both worlds. Past Review

By (Xavier University of Louisiana) - abroad from 05/20/2018 to 06/16/2018 with

XULA: Summer in COSTA RICA

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad has helped me discover that I love to travel and am eager to try out new things. Besides all the great education and learning that I was involved with, just being in another country and seeing different cultures is definitely worthwhile.

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.

I felt as if the academic rigor was challenging but definitely manageable. Resources were readily available and also, being in a Spanish speaking country, hearing Spanish everyday helps with the transition.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration at the clinics as well as the main building where the Spanish classes were being taught was very friendly and helpful in every way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with my living arrangements. Although I was in a host family with two other students from the program, I did not feel as if the living arrangements were too crowded or cramped.

* Food:

The authentic food in Costa Rica was very good. I especially liked the foods that were made with coconut in it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture because I had the opportunity to interact with the local residents everyday.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare in Costa Rica ranks in the top 3 in Central and South America. A lot of the technology was ahead of its time and very futuristic looking. I volunteered in clinics everyday during the week and was very impressed with the healthcare system as a whole.

* Safety:

The overall safety is very good in San José, Costa Rica. It is no different than any other city. As long as you are always with a group of people and do not bring a lot of attention to yourself you will be fine.

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

This program not only opened my eyes to the healthcare system of Costa Rica, but also to the Spanish culture and everything that it has to offer.

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)

Since food is included with the program you really should only be spending money on it when you go out on the weekends.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Maybe write down a specific number that you are willing to spend per week and make sure that you do not exceed that amount. Uber, food, and shopping should not cost that much in the end.

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

Everyday that we were in the clinics (five hours a day) we had to speak in Spanish in order to communicate with the nurses, doctors, patients, etc.

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 4
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? Don't get frustrated about not understanding the language right away. After a lot of time and effort, good results will soon be shown.

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

  • Other
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?
  • Clinics/Education
  • Culture/Food
  • Freedom and group activities
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now not to believe when people say "Costa Rica is not that expensive." Things are either same price as they are in the United States or a lot more expensive.

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!