An integrative experience of Costa Rica. Past Review

By (Political Science And Environmental Studies, University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 02/06/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

CIEE: Monteverde - Sustainability + The Environment

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about sustainability and biology during this program than I have ever at my home institution. This program made me want to pursue my interests in environmental sciences

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.

The teaching style of each class was unique and integrative. I learned more during this semester than my entire time in college.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Because the course work was so rigorous, it was hard to find time to spend with my host family.

* Food:

Rice and Beans!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The majority of the time spent here was with other American students and the professors and TAs.

* 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)

5: there was no real need to spend additional money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $10 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use cash to avoid international debit card fees.

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

Only needed to speak Spanish when at home.

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
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? Be outspoken with your host family.

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?
  • The Field Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Balance between school time and free time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew it would be as time-demanding as it was.

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!