Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing opportunity Past Review

By (Xavier University of Louisiana) - abroad from 05/20/2018 to 07/14/2018 with

XULA: Summer in COSTA RICA

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Everything about the people and culture. I also learned about medicine.

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.

it was an awesome experience but it did have some problems with how the program was supposed to be and what it was.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were great and did their best. Certain things that were unorganized so I missed out some opportunities that were key in the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

loved my host family!!

* Food:

Food was fantastic! My host mom was a chief.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It took some time but I got comfortable with the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did have any health issues but the administration was there always if we had a problem.

* Safety:

the city was really safe. but always travel in groups.

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

it had its problem but I still got experience and they did there best

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)

About a 3 on the scale 1-5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I learned the currency difference so obviously, learn that and count wisely and make sure you pay the right amount.

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

Very frequent encouragement to use and to be fluent.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2010
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? use apps and find people to speak the language with 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I like the activies and working with the doctors
  • I loved my host family and spending time with them
* What could be improved?
  • The clinic actitives and what students are to do
  • Having the appropriate time to study
  • Learning and improve the foreign language that you are studying. and have the appropriate medical experience.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? MORE SPANISH

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Spanish 2051
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Professor Farudi
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: It was challenging. The chapters we learned that we were prepared to before leaving for the trip. It was a lot to undertake. I made the best of the location by going on different trips and broaden my horizons. The teacher was knowledgeable and well prepared for the class. I participated in the class about the same. I was assessed based on exams, homework, and projects.
Credit Transfer Issues: NO, it was fine. NO worries