41 reviews
4.22 / 5 based on 41 reviews
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Kelly S
Academic
Course recommendations
There are only a few courses offered every semester - all of them hands-on. Classes take place in the rainforest, on boats, visiting villages, observing birds, catching butterflies, interviewing people - it's an amazing way to learn! You have to be willing to sweat a bit, but it's absolutely worth it!
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
The Spanish classes could have been better - but perhaps they have improved since I was there.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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Kelly S
Overall
I wish I had known...
It would have been good to know what to bring - if you go in the rainy season (I did) bring lots of water proof stuff, ziploc baggies, bug spray, sunscreen, bathing suit. You don't really need malaria pills (they are usually recommended). You really don't need much, so take out half the things in your bag after you've packed. Be prepared -- it is hot down there!!
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I loved my experience in Golfito - it is an amazing place, absolutely beautiful! The most diverse wildlife, incredible ocean views, beaches. The method of teaching is so unique. It was the highlight of my college career!
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Be open and ready for anything if you go to Golfito - explore all you can! The people of Costa Rica are amazing and the country itself is too. The south Pacific coast (where Golfito is) is the most untouched part of the country luckily so explore all you can while there (as a lot of the rest of the country is being spoiled by tourism). The Osa Peninsula is amazingly beautiful - check out Cabo Matapalo. Also Pavones on the other side of the Golfo Dulce. Enjoy! I wish I could do it again!!!
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Kelly S
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Everything is cheaper in Costa Rica (than it is in the U.S.) - take advantage of that fact and travel!!
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Telephone:
was the same price as at home.
Food, Nightlife, Overall, Housing, Travel:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Everything was cheaper, so you barely have to make an effort to save money in Golfito.
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Kelly S
Languages
Language of instruction: Spanish
Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish
How much did you improve your Spanish?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
All courses are in Spanish, which was great. I was not an advanced speaker, but still coped very well. Living with a host family definitely helped!
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Kelly S
Housing
Type of housing: With a family
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: With a family
Why?
This is the only option in Golfito. Finding an apartment on your own would be difficult and the conditions might not be the best. The families who host exchange students usually live in the nicest/safest area of town.
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Personal comments
Living with a host family was an amazing experience - I highly recommend it to anyone studying abroad! This is the best way to fully immerse yourself in a country/culture, understand the people, and learn a language as well!
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Kelly S
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Nightlife, Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Golfito is a small town - basically one road long - the thatched-roof open-air bars were my favorite. Coconuts Restaurant if you crave pancakes and hamburgers. Seafood restaurants abound and are very fresh! Playa Zancudo is a great day trip!
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