Costa Rica : Reviews (San Jose)

My favorite aspect of this program was the freedom it allowed me to create my own experience. I loved living with a host family, traveling on the weekends and getting to know other students.

My favorite part of the program happened every day at the university. I'd walk to class, maybe stop for a pastry or coffee, then learn about Latin American geography or Central American history on the gorgeous UCR campus. Getting to experience everyday life in Costa Rica was fascinating and rewarding.

My favorite part of this program was probably living with a Costa Rican family, because this allowed me to fully immerse myself in their culture, as well as be constantly surrounded by Spanish without simply sitting in a classroom. These people welcomed me with open arms, and I had the unique opportunity to experience a culture different than my own in a very personal and exciting way. I had friends from other exchange programs that did not live with families, and while their experiences were certainly enriching and exciting, they did mention to me many times that by living with a true Tico family, I had a greater opportunity to fully experience the Costa Rican lifestyle - and I definitely agree!

My favorite part of this program had to be the natural beauty Costa Rica has within its borders, despite being a tiny country. The high level of biodiversity means there are tons of species of animals, some which I had never seen before in-person. Fun fact: the first sloth I saw in Costa Rica was actually right on campus! it was right outside my classroom window!

I really enjoyed the freedom this program allowed me, as I could choose my courses from the entire course catalog at UCR. It gave me a really authentic experience, and allowed me to take classes which finished parts of my second major, not just Spanish courses.

My favorite part of the program was living with my host family! They were so welcoming and wonderful people. My Spanish improved so much through this experience, and I met so many wonderful people through them. I also loved having the grupo de Kansas students and coordinators to help with the process of adjusting.

Joining the Mountaineering Club at UCR (El Club de Montañismo) provided a loving and adventurous community alongside unforgettable trips into the Costa Rican jungle.

My favorite part of this program was definitely all of the traveling I got to do around Costa Rica. Every place was beautiful and completely enjoyable.

I found the academic environment most rewarding. While at times I felt like I was struggling and that I would not be able to complete all the assignments, now that I reflect on the semester I am most proud of the academic part of the experience because learning and thriving in an environment where no one speaks the same language is great and it amazes me that I was able to do it.

I found the classes to be most rewarding, as well as living with a host family. Both situations required constant use of Spanish which ended up allowing me to better my Spanish abilities when talking about academic topics or about everyday life topics.

Taking classes in Spanish with Costa Rican students was challenging but also extremely rewarding. The professors were for the most part very understanding and helpful and it was interesting to work in groups with the other students.

The intensive language immersion aspect of the program was very challenging, but super rewarding. My language skills improved so much last semester. I never would have made that much progress so quickly without taking classes at the UCR and living with a host family.

The most rewarding aspect of this program was that there were many times when we couldn't control the circumstances and we had to be flexible and patient.

I really enjoyed the trips that Zaida and Isa took us on. It was amazing to get to see different parts of the country and try local foods. It gave us another opportunity to practice our Spanish outside the classroom.

I deeply enjoyed the classes, being in class with students from my host country was incredibly immersive and was amazing for both my academic and everyday Spanish.

The most rewarding part of this program was watching my language skills grow and comparing my abilities from when I arrived to when I was leaving. I was able to speak and understand much more fluently.

The most rewarding elements of the program were meeting new people, challenging myself academically, and improving my Spanish. I also gained a different outlook on my own nationality by living away from my country for so long.

I think that studying abroad helped to teach me a new form of independence that comes from doing things like traveling on your own, going to classes in a foreign language, and making friends and relations in a new country.

Language learning stalls at a certain part in your studies and it is at this point that immersion in that culture and language are the only things that will help you. Costa Rica is a better program than the others because the UCR is an amazing University and the host families and directors are unlike any others.

I learned the importance of having patience with yourself and staying positive. Studying abroad can be hard in moments, but in reality is one of the best experiences you could have. You learn so much. In a language immersion experience you will get frustrated with yourself, however it is important to remember that learning a language is an endless process. I would say do not be afraid to make mistakes and keep trying.

I learned that it is important to ask questions when you don't understand something. All of my professors were very accommodating when I talked to them. I also learned that it is okay to make mistakes. They are going to happen but the important part is to continue speaking and learn from mistakes.