Sol Education Abroad: Study Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica

Sol staff was so knowledgeable and helpful during the entire program abroad, phenomenal experience that I would definitely do again if I had the opportunity. Our professors were so sweet and ensured that we had meaningful discussions about events happening in the world (e.g. climate change strikes) as well as events that were pertinent to specifically CR.

All of the places that we visited during our excursions were spectacular and unique in their own way and I really loved being able to know that we were visiting smaller, locally owned and operated Costa Rican businesses!

Sol Education was attentive and helpful from when I first applied to after my program ended. Their local staff are helpful and encouraging in whatever goals you have for yourself in your program. We had weekly activities that kept me busy, and excursions every few weeks. All the activities had cultural components, as well as in the classes, so you get a very thorough education. Additionally, all of the host families are so sweet and helpful for their students! You absolutely feel a part of their family for the semester. It was absolutely the right decision for me.

Loved my time spent abroad with sol. Learned so much Spanish while also making new friends and participating in amazing weekend trips and day plans. My moma tica loved me like her own child, asking me questions, preparing me food that I liked, and always helping me improve my Spanish. My favorite weekend trip we got to go white water rafting. The rapids were amazing, and made for an exciting ride. We also got to go zip lining over the canopy, swimming in Manuel Antonio beach, and hike a waterfall. While they were all amazing, I loved seeing the wildlife. One day we took a trip to the Toucan Rescue Ranch and they showed us all the amazing animals they take care of and hope to release back into the wild. We got to see sloths, monkey, otters, and even some cool looking owls. Overall the trip was amazing

My trip to Heredia, Costa Rica was abosolutely amazing. I went through SOL Education Abroad. While I was there in Costa Rica for three weeks, I was able to stay with a host family to connect with their ways of life and learn the language with other people from the United States. During our trip, we were able to talk with our host families, take classes in Spanish at the local university, visit historical sites, go to the beach, zip lining, and much more. SOL Education Abroad was so organized in helping me get through the early stages process, during the program, and after the program as well. Everyone from the program sets up many activities to keep you busy. Another thing I really liked is that everyone in the program was really nice and friendly. They weren't afraid to help you with anything you may be confused on. I highly reccomend SOL to anyone interested in learning more Spanish or if they would like to learn more about Hispanic and Latino culture.

The program was an overall great over experience. I believe students would benefit if orientation was on the first day rather than the second day. It would have been nice to get more information about the culture on the first day, as well as knowing where other students are staying. Also it would be nice if the city tour was done earlier in the week as well to help learn to navigate the city.
The host family was very welcoming and friendly; it would be good if peers were able to live closer together. This way when walking to the meet up area and walking back home students are able to commute together.
Volunteering at La Posada was one of my favorite parts of the program; it was great to be able to work with the students of all ages. I believe it would be comforting to get a list of need for the teen mothers.

There aren't words to adequately express the impact that my three months in Costa Rica had on my life, and on me. I am eternally grateful to SOL for giving me the opportunity to experience first-hand the beautiful culture and traditions of Costa Rica and to explore all the beauty it has to offer. From short cultural activities, like traditional dancing and cooking, to more extensive trips, like La Fortuna waterfall and Volcán Arenal, SOL provides a wide variety of activities and trips that give you a glimpse of the richness and variety of this beautiful country. Staying with a host family is a precious, and unforgettable experience; I shed so many tears leaving my Mamá Tica who truly is like a mother to me and took such great care of me during my stay. I left with so many sweet friendships and priceless memories that compel me to come back, but also to live my life here in a new way. I will be forever touched by the lifestyle of Pura Vida, which reminds me to worry a little less, walk a little slower, and love a lot more. Part of my heart will forever remain in Costa Rica. Thank you, SOL!!

My experience in Costa Rica was amazing. Although it was only a week long, it was enough time to witness the positive outcomes that your work influenced. We were required to prepare lesson plans that would be presented to the students in Costa Rica and assist them in completing activities that go along with the lessons. Students also live with a host family. This experience allowed me to engage in new relationships and fully immerse myself in the Costa Rican culture. Interacting with the family is an important part of this experience as it allows students to gain life long friends and supporters. This experience has allowed me to become more confident and will forever be held close to my heart. I am looking forward to where I can return to Costa Rica to continue changing lives.

I had such a fantastic experience! We spent the mornings volunteering with kids and and afternoons doing cultural activities. I loved cooking, dance class, fruit tasting, and the Tucán Rescue Ranch. We got to see baby sloths and many other animals! They are trying to rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild. I also loved the waterfall! It was so beautiful! The stairs leading down to it are totally worth it and a great workout! The volcano in the distance was really pretty and the hot springs were so nice. Our two Sol representatives that took us everywhere were wonderful! They were so kind and fun! I felt really welcome with my host family too. They fed us really delicious food! Overall I had an amazing experience in Costa Rica.