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STUDENT EVALUATIONS:
We are constantly trying to improve our programs and we always ask for student evaluations; they enable us to make improvements to provide the best program for our students. The comments honestly and thoughtfully expressed provide a picture of the experiences of our students. What recent participants had to say about the program at the MLSA/Universidad de Costa Rica. THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM: "I have been a teacher (not Spanish) for 30 years and a good
test is a test in which you learn. I learned from each of the four
written tests and each of the four oral presentations. Excellent!" "We had the opportunity to learn quite a bit about linguistics
and current theories in language teaching, which I will be able
to apply in my classroom." "My literature instructor was full of enthusiasm and her knowledge
of the subject matter and interest in the topics covered were evident.
She told the class that she was giving us 100% of her time and effort
and expected no less from us in return. She paid for several class
materials out-of-pocket. She really did care for us. I enjoyed my
experience in her class immensely." "I was really impressed by the textbook, but I think the teachers
were the best feature of the course." The small class size and comfortable atmosphere in the conversation
class helped me learn. I thought the field trips with the culture
class were an excellent way to learn about culture, especially since
this could not be done if I had taken the class in the U.S."
"The instructors were great, I loved that everything was explained
well and in Spanish." "My instructors were genial and engaging. Clearly, they had
great respect for all of us and insisted that we do our best. The
teachers made the classes fun with interesting projects, assignments,
games." "I was very impressed with Carla's instruction. She was always
well prepared, presented the material well, and linked everything
together in an effective and comprehensible manner." "I loved every single text I read here-two amazing literature
classes! The exams were a challenge, which I was looking forward
to this month. I really enjoyed the way the teachers taught the
classes, listened very carefully to our responses, and were there
for us when we needed help." Both instructors exceeded expectations. They were incredibly knowledgeable,
brought in interesting and current materials, and even took us on
a field trip to see the play of a book we read." "The instructors were amazing. They always answered questions
and came prepared with new ideas and activities to help us review."
"Excellent instructors, well prepared and well organized.
Varied teaching techniques, good sense of humor, very patient."
The exams were very fair and covered the material we were taught.
We were informed on the materials and told ahead of time when they
would be. The instructors were also very fair. They were easy to
understand and always willing to help." Sergio was wonderful and communicated everything in an understandable
and fun way. Maria Madrigal was also great-she filled in a lot of
gaps I'd missed and made class fun." "For the conversation class, the teacher was very interactive
and creative. She had new things for the students to do every day.
She made each day very interesting. For the composition class, the
teacher was very willing to give me extra help in writing and I
improved exponentially." "I learned more Spanish in one month than I have in all of
my other classes." "Both courses were stimulating, motivating, reinforcing (that
I knew a lot already), and revitalizing." "My teachers were good, and the lessons were at a good pace." "Gabriela is very nice and challenging. I really enjoyed
her class. The same goes for Marta Madrigal. Marta made
my very early mornings enjoyable." "My instructors were awesome. They took the time to
make sure we understood concepts that were complicated, but important." "Ilse was awesome; she went out of her way to make the material
interesting, entertaining, and informative." "The instructors were both excited and eager to teach us the
language." "Both instructors are wonderful--very knowledgeable, willing
to do multiple examples, and clearly explain things that we don’t
understand." "The teachers were really thorough with the material.
They were very patient with the students." "Instructor for 530 was very good. She is passionate,
intelligent, and creative. She projects her ideas well.
I was pleased." "Both of my instructors were friendly and enthusiastic when
teaching. They were very knowledgeable about their subjects." "The instructors challenged us and yet were fun and creative." "Excellent! Gabby and Cindy are wonderful teachers." "The instructors were great. They were both eager to
answer any questions we had and repeat things that we were confused
about." "My composition teacher was very good. She is funny
and made the class very fun." "Students are required to be a major part of class instruction." "Gabi and Cindy were both wonderful. I felt like they
wanted us to learn and understand and went out of their way to give
individual help and feedback." "The instructors were fantastic. I wish we had near
as fine of instructors in our university." "My two instructors, Karla and Ilse, were amazing! A
million times better than any I have ever had in the U.S." "Courses are intense and cover a lot of material in a short
amount of time." "The instructors are awesome! They know what they are
doing, and they understand where we are coming from." "The instructors were fabulous; they are very kind and helpful
and generous on the scoring. I’ve learned a lot in the
classes because of them and had an excellent classroom experience." "Both did an excellent job. Karla was full of life and
made every class enjoyable. Her English was unbelievable.
Rocio did wonderfully teaching a subject I normally find unexciting
(grammar)." "My teachers are great. They make the atmosphere in
the classroom really fun. The class was very small, only six
people, so it was very intimate setting where the teachers could
work more one-on-one with you." "We went on field trips in our one class, which was a good
break away from the classroom." "Professor Amoretti is unforgettably amazing. She will
be in my heart forever." "Both of my instructors were great. They guided the
discussion of the classroom and left plenty of space for everyone
to express their own beliefs and ideas." "Both instructors were great. Carlos has such a passion
for what he does that it makes you want to do that much more to
show appreciation for his work. Irene was patient and helpful
in our conversation class. She didn’t make you feel
stupid if you made a mistake. She encouraged us and made us
feel confident with the language." "Very nice instructors. Very patient and helpful.
They make me want to return and continue learning Spanish." "Maria Amoretti brings literature to life! As a teacher,
I learned how to excite students about challenging subjects." "My classes were interesting and insightful. Everyone I met
was o nice and helpful. My professors (Professor Murillo and Leda
Rodriguez) were incredible They made the classes fun and interesting.
They showed a genuine love of what they do and that made the classroom
and enjoyable place to be. They were the BEST!" "I had the best instructors for both my classes. Dona Flor
did an excellent job with the composition class. If students were
having trouble with an area of study, she went out of her way to
make sure we understood the material. Don Alvarado made the class
very enjoyable to attend. His teaching techniques gave me, taught
me how I would like my classroom to be someday." "Maria Amoretti is the best! I truly appreciated the passion
with which she taught! I learned a lot! Jorge Murillo is an awesome
instructor. He knows the material extremely well. I learned a lot!"
"Both instructors were awesome. They are very knowledgeable
in their areas and friendly. Prof. Amoretti came up with very creative
ways to get us to learn, and Prof. Arias. " "The teachers were my favorite part of the program! They were excellent! They really knew how to teach Spanish and were very patient to explain things clearly. We had a great discussions in class too (in Spanish) about culture, life, and people. They were so kind and so helpful and made class really enjoyable." "In the conversation class, I loved or group discussions,
and our presentations. They were on fun topics and really challenged
me to better my Spanish. I really enjoyed our discussions in grammar
class also; we went through the material at a pace where we would
really learn it well." "Maria Amoretti; no hay palabras para explicar esta maestra.
Ella es una maestra maravillosa! No me gustababa la literatura antes
de tomar su clase, pero despues de tomarla estoy enamorada de la
literatura." "Both instructors, prof Murillo and Prof. Amoretti were highly
qualified and very animated. I truly enjoyed the culture course
because of the captivating lectures and the skills used by Profesora
Amoretti. Prof. Murillo made learning fun in a really relaxed atmosphere.
I will take both experiences to heart." "My literature instructor was such a passionate teacher, she
infused the class with passion and energy." "In literature class, Maria Amoretti was the best feature
of the course, because the poetry and literature would not have
come to life is she did not involve her passion in the course. Mara
Amoretti was a very passionate teacher and I have never been more
challenged in all of my life." MLSA ADMINISTRATION - ORGANIZATION: "I have traveled in 94 countries and this entire experience
was one of the great highlights of my life. The courses were extremely
well-structured; the professors were magnificent. The country is
absolutely breathtaking and Ticos are the most tranquilo, amiable,
simpatico, paciente gente en el mundo." "I think you've done a great job of addressing many levels
of student proficiency. Students at all levels comment positively
about being challenged here. I would recommend this program to both
former students and colleagues (teachers)." "I have been part of this program for two years and it is
well organized. Everyone has been helpful and accommodating. I felt
that any time we needed something, help was there." "The program is wonderful, well organized, and well run. The
directors were always concerned and extremely helpful and ready
to do anything to make sure our experience and our classes were
positive." "It's an awesome opportunity for any student to study a language
and to learn about another culture. You get the opportunity to meet
students from all over the world." "Costa Rica 2007 was everything I had hoped it would be and
more. I was glad that I was able to challenge myself academically
but still have plenty of time to meet Costa Ricans and travel to
many of Costa Rica's breathtaking destinations. This mix of education
and travel opportunities is exactly what a study abroad experience
should contain." "Awesome program! Well organized and very fun. I feel like
I have learned a lot here. The work has challenged me to become
better at Spanish. Plus, having the opportunity to travel on the
long weekends was fantastic." "It was a great learning experience and I made memories that
I will cherish for the rest of my life." "It was well organized, professional, and an awesome value
for the price." "I would highly recommend this program to other students as
well as other individuals I know who are interested in learning
Spanish." "Great work putting together a program for so many different
levels. Thanks! No matter the level of current achievement, there
are courses to continue one's learning of Spanish in a fresh way."
"Costa Rica has been interesting and the total immersion has
been a great way to learn." "A+ ! Very helpful, super nice, informational. Makes everything
clear for you. Great prices, great university, and great professors."
"Very good program. I enjoyed it greatly and learned a lot
of Spanish. Everyone is very helpful and they make you feel 'at
home'." "There is nothing like instruction followed by practice. Living
with a family and in a community in which Spanish is spoken is an
irreplaceable experience." "Great staff of workers to set up such a successful program."
"It was good to have everyone's contact numbers in case we
needed to reach them. Everyone seemed so nice and helpful; it really
made this process a lot easier!" "I liked having the educational aspect of the classes along
with the home stays and the cultural aspect of the program! I thought
it was a very positive experience overall." "Is a great program for a tight budget." "I loved my study abroad experience with MLSA. I would definitely
recommend this program to others." "Its well-organized, uses an excellent university with excellent
teachers, wonderful excursions, great host families, etc., etc."
"The program is great, its up to the student to make it a
good experience." "If you want to meet good and very kind people, go through
MLSA." "The program was really organized. The program organizers
knew me by name. We learned so much. It was definitely an experience
to remember." "If you want to learn Spanish and experience the culture of
a Hispanic country, this is the perfect program." "It has been the experience of a lifetime!" "Very good. Would definitely do it all over again. MLSA was
on top of things." "I was really impressed by the program overall." "Excellent job in communicating prior to the trip--efficient
and timely getting information to us." "I was very pleased with the program and directors. It is
clear that a great amount of effort, time, and thought goes into
planning this wonderful program. I learned more than I expected.
I challenged myself and experienced many new and wonderful things.
Many intercultural relationships were formed and I am extremely
thankful to MLSA for providing me with this incredible experience." "Anyone wanting an intense immersion in Spanish and the Costa
Rican culture should consider this program... but prepare to work
hard, its not just a party and a beautiful place, its an education." " I learned a lot and got to see so much of this beautiful
country. This experience was way better than I expected. It was
a great way to spend a month." "I was pleased to see that the directors truly cared about
our comfort in our homes and our comfort and accurate placement
in our classes." "I thought the program was well run. Someone always responded
to me via email/phone when I had a question. The program was well
organized, and Nancy the director was approachable." "The program was the best one I could have chosen to go on.
Pura Vide!" "I think it is a great program. Whenever I had a problem,
the directors always helped me." "MLSA is the perfect balance of pre-planned and organized
activities and independent activities. I loved MLSA; if you have
any problems there is someone to help you! My family was amazing.
And the experience was unforgettable." "Second to none! It was a great program, well worth the money." "I liked the program. It was challenging, yet possible to
succeed. This program is really personable and supports all of its
students." "MLSA is a wonderful program. It is very well organized, with
great professors who challenge you and take you to the next level,
while making sure you have fun at the same time. Nancy Ruiz is amazing!
I didnt want the month to end. Thank you, MLSA!" "It is a program that includes many different types of classes
from beginner to grad level classes. For me, it was great to find
a program that offers grad level classes at the price that MLSA
offers." "Everything about this program has proven to be a rewarding
experience for me. From the host family I stayed with to the directors,
the teachers, and all the wonderful people I met during my stay
here. Just being surrounded by everything tico and being able
to tour the country has left a lasting impression. Ive discovered
(once again) the passion of a culture and everything it entails.
The memories and friendships I created will last a lifetime." "Very well planned program. I will definitely consider returning
if possible." "The program was great, I hope my university picks up the
program so other students can enjoy studying abroad. The price was
great and affordable." "MLSA is a superb program. This is my second experience in
San Jose with MLSA, and they only seem to improve." "Nancy and Vicky were extremely helpful and concerned with
the students. It was an amazing experience that I would recommend
to everyone." "The MLSA program overall was an amazing experience for me.
I really feel that this program change me as a person. In the short
time I was there, I feel I have grown so much. I learned so much
about the Costa Rican people and their culture.. The MLSA staff
was always helpful and there when we needed them. The staff is wonderful,
intelligent and energetic with a wonderful spirit. They have created
an exceptional program. Nancy Ruiz is also another exceptional person
who is extremely helpful, well organized and caring. I give compliments
and my gratitude to all that have made this program possible. I
enjoyed myself immensely and I look forward t studying with MLSA
in the future." "This is an amazing program. It is affordable to students
and so well organized. Dr. Ruiz and Nancy were incredibly helpful
and gracious, and I always felt like they were going above and beyond
to make sure that everyone was having a good experience." "The program was awesome. Throughout the whole process I was
always informed about what I needed to do and what to expect. The
director were so kind an so helpful, they did a lot of work so that
we students would have a great experience, which I did. " "The directors are awesome. If I ever had a problem or a question,
it would be handled as soon as possible. Thank you very much for
the experience. I don't think I could have asked for a better summer."
"This was my first trip outside of the United States. It has
been a month now and I can not stop talking about my experience
in Costa Rica. Besides my wedding, this was probably one of the
best experiences in my life. This experience makes me want to travel
more in order to experience other countries and cultures." "Everything was great! It would be extremely interesting to
see an MLSA program in South America. I would definitely go! The
price is the best, and the education received is top-notch."
"Esta experiencia fue fabulosa en muchas maneras. Ustedes
saben como hacer un programa bien organizado. Nunca olvidare este
viaje. Gracias por hacerlo posible y por toda su bondad y trabajo."
"Overall, I enjoyed the time I spent in Costa Rica and I think
that a lot of that enjoyment comes from how helpful and organized
the people of the MLSA are. I would go back to Costa Rica through
this program in a heartbeat." "Overall, the program was well organized and the directors,
I could tell, knew what they were doing and how important it was
for us. I thought everything ran smoothly and I had a great time."
"Dr. Ruiz and Mrs. Ruiz were more than helpful throughout
the process. Overall, they made the transition of America to Costa
Rica very smooth. I give them a 10." "The program was well organized and run, and I would do it
again in a second. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to
learn , have fun and experience a new and interesting culture." "This program was much better than I expected. Thank you to
everyone who has been involved! I learned more in the program than
I did in 2 years of studying Spanish in college." FAMILIES: "Every member of my family was very kind and accommodating. Many of them took me places: shopping, sightseeing, out for meals, visiting other family members, and friends, etc. They also helped me to find my way around the city, e.g., internet cafι and bank, and to make long-distance calls, and to change money."Anne Chavez, Lexington, MA, 2007 "I could not have asked for a better family! They treated us like
one of the family and were so helpful and open; I already have plans
for my Tico family to visit me in my hometown in Michigan, USA!"
"Dona Rita had her family are amazing. She always made me feel
as if I were a part of the family and she always tried her best
to help me and make sure that I had fun and explored Costa Rica
and stayed safe. She never complained once about anything and always
made me feel completely comfortable and at home." "My madre tico treated me like a son. Any individual would be extremely
lucky to have someone as wonderful as her. I cannot speak highly
enough of her. She made me feel as if this was my country." "This family was the best. They really made my experience in Costa
Rica a memorable one. I enjoyed living in their home. They were
always willing/available to help with my Spanish conversation and
that helped me learn a lot as well." "This was a wonderful family to stay with. They were never anything
but kind. My meals were always delicious and my room was always
immaculate. I am going to miss them very much. They are wonderful
people who genuinely care about the well-being of the students in
their charge." "My husband and I loved our family. Maria has been one of the best
teachers I've had; she is always willing to sit and talk with us
and correct our pronunciation. The food is amazing; she keeps the
house clean; and her husband and children are wonderful-they have
made us feel at home and like we are part of the family." "My family was amazing! You can't get better than this family.
It seemed like I never left home at all. I am looking forward to
coming back next year." "Host family was incredible. Very professional and warm. Felt welcome
in home. Family was very resourceful in studies and Costa Rican
life." "The experience I have had with my Costa Rican family is priceless
because of immersion not only in the tico culture but because of
the love that they gave me." "My family was excellent, very accepting and willing to help; the
food was great and there was plenty of it. The family was awesome,
very kind and respectful to me. I could not have asked for a better
family." "The family was a wonderful supplement to the overall experience.
I was able to practice speaking with my house mother for several
hours a day. The situation was relaxed, which helped greatly with
the comfort level." "They were like the grandparents I never had-I just love them.
The food and living condition was amazing. They are very nice and
understanding. I would come back just to visit them." "My family was great, we all got along well. They were all
very helpful and talked to me a lot." "They were wonderful and very sweet." "I loved my tica family. They did everything to make me feel
at home." "My family was/is great, and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay." "I love my family!" "I had a great living situation--the family was wonderful,
very kind, willing to help with any questions I had, and took good
care of me." "I loved my family! I couldnt have hoped for a better experience." "Myrna is a delight--always cheerful and she goes overboard
to help us out." "Isabel was absolutely amazing! I was very fortunate to have
her as a host mom. I felt right at home from day one." "Fantastic host family--could not expect any better--very
gracious, open, helpful--I felt very welcomed and loved. Shes a
wonderful cook--exposing us to new foods, but always concerned about
our preferences. All family members eager to help with homework/general
info." "I was extremely pleased with my host family placement." "I love my family. They were very nice and hospitable. The
food was great. They made me feel at home and welcome." "They welcomed me with open arms. They were friendly and funny
and extremely helpful." "Maritza was a wonderful host mom; full of life and wisdom." "Giselle is an amazing person. She worked so hard to make
every day a good one for me." "This family consists of some of the nicest, most caring people
I have encountered in my life." "The best thing about this whole trip was my family. I automatically
felt at home." "The family was great. They were very kind and treated us
with respect. They talked with us and helped us with our homework.
They are a spectacular family." "I have nothing but amazing things to say about this family!
I feel like I am a part of this family, and did from day one! She
only wants the students to be happy and enjoy their stay in her
home, and she does everything possible to make sure of it. When
I went away on the weekends, I would actually miss my tico home
because they are awesome." "This family is amazing! My mama taught me how to cook some
Costa Rican dishes, did our laundry, cooked for us al the time,
and kept everything very clean." "This family is simply wonderful. They welcomed me into their
home not as a guest but rather as a son." "I feel my tico mother helped me learn a lot and always helped
me when I needed it. Very loving and special family." "This has been a wonderful homestay. They are very kind people.
I felt very taken care of, and that they truly did care about me
as a person." "I really enjoyed the stay I had with my family. They helped
me with any information that I needed and were very welcoming." "I came in not knowing what to expect, and was very pleasantly
surprised. She helped me learn more Spanish and treated the students
as if they were her own children. And her family is awesome." "My family was amazing! They were wonderful. Great food. I
had my own bathroom. We did a lot together." "The family I was in made the experience so much richer, and
I know that was true for all our students (Jamestown College). I
was so pleased with how smoothly everything went for us all. Excellent!!!.
" "Maritza was a wonderful hostess. Her family was so caring
and considerate. They made me feel like a daughter in their home.
We have become family even in the short time I was there. They demonstrated
how caring and friendly Costa Rican families are. They made my trip
comforting in a very caring way." "Spending time with my host family was the best valuable part
of my trip to Costa Rica. Immediately after I arrived. I felt like
part of the family. I learned very much from them about culture
of Costa Rica. I can't wait to go back and visit with them again.
This family was very warm and welcoming. My host mom prepared excellent
food and the house was very comfortable. Instead of leaving town
on weekends with other students I stayed home with my family and
even went to my mom's sisters home with her." "My family was so kind, generous and loving. I felt at home
from the moment I stepped through the door. I honestly believe that
my family was the reason I had such an amazing experience."
"!Mi familia era fabulosa! Margarita era una anfitriona buenisima,
ademas una persona con un corazon de oro! Ellos me trataron con
mucho respeto y como un miembro de su familia." "I have done home stays before in other countries, and this
was the best experience. The house was very clean and I had my own
room and bathroom. My laundry was done every day. the family was
very nice and made me feel at home. We talked every night at dinner.
" "My family was wonderful! They treated me like I was a member
and really helped me to practice my Spanish and encouraged me, never
making me feel dumb, if I messed up. They were so hospitable and
had great food! I love them." "It was a pleasure to have been a guest in Hannia's house.
From the moment I stepped in the house, she and her family made
me feel welcome. They treated me as one of their own. The home stay
was the most rewarding and personally fulfilling aspect of the trip."
"They (the family) excelled in every area. I would go with
them again and recommend any student to go with them as well." "I lived with Aida Munoz Murillo. I can not express how amazing
these people are. When I arrive in Costa Rica, I thought I was going
to be unhappy. It just seemed like a place that I was not going
to able to get used to. However, within about four days, my feelings
on Costa Rica changed a great deal, mainly due to my host family.
They are the most loving, caring and wonderful people I have ever
met. I lived with a host family once before in Spain for one year
and I loved them dearly. Before arriving in Costa Rica I thought
I could never be as lucky as to find a family like my family in
Spain. I was wrong, the Murillo family surpassed all of my expectation.
I grew closer to them in the month that I spent with them than I
ever did with my host family in Spain. Every person in host family
took care of me, not just my host mom. They cooked for, me washed,
ironed and folded my laundry, even straightened up my room. But
more than this, they treated me like a member of the family. I genuinely
felt like they wanted to spend time with me. Some nights after dinner
we would watch television together or play a game of dominos or
cards. I loved spending time with them. Since returning home, I
miss them terribly.. This is such a change coming from a girl who
at first didn't think she would survive the four weeks. I can't
express how much of a difference this family and the program in
Costa Rica has made in my life and how great they made my overall
experience in Costa Rica." "The family was very attentive and hospitable. Elizabeth and
her daughter really made me feel at home. The home cooked meals
ere very tasty and delicious! I would definitely visit them if given
the opportunity. Elizabeth has an ease and understanding nature.
She is welcoming from the beginning and makes the short process
very memorable." |
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