Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This was an unforgettable experience and I’m happy to share my story! February 06, 2023

By (Psychology/Spanish, University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 01/07/2023 to 01/15/2023 with

Abroadia: Havana - Cuban Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the history of Cuba and the everlasting impact of the revolution which ended in the 20th century. I learned about food, architecture, culture, and more.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host family went above and beyond what was expected of them.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe, day and night, at my host city.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300

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

It was tough having the opportunity to converse with locals in Spanish, given members of our group did not know Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Spanish II
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? Duolingo appeared to be very resourceful for my classmates who were just starting to learn Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Tropicana Cabaret
  • Meeting new people
  • Sightseeing
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities for fluent Spanish-speakers taking the program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is much more to Cuba than what is portrayed in the United States

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!