An Unforgettable Experience Immersed in the Cuban Culture January 25, 2024
By Kaitlyn J (Fine & Performing Arts, University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 01/06/2024 to 01/13/2024 with
Abroadia: Havana - Cuban Culture Program
I gained a better understanding of myself and the world around me. I was very nervous at first since I had never flown abroad alone before, but the second I stepped out of the Havana airport I was greeted by Abroadia and I knew I never wanted to leave.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Abroadia provided amazing in person lectures and a diverse array of activities in Cuba |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Host Country Program Organization was fantastic. The only thing there should have been more communication about was cell service/obtaining Cuban SIMs. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Host family is a MUST. It added so much to our experience and we loved our family dinners! |
| * Food: |
Needless to say, I miss the food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt welcomed and almost everyone was friendly |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We had a COVID case and all were tested/offered tests promptly. Our administrators remained calm cool and collected which many appreciated. |
| * Safety: |
Typically the streets are pretty safe but we had a few issues at bars with some creepy old men... Just make sure to be aware and NEVER go anywhere alone |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program was fantastic. Everyday was something new and every place you turn there's a smiling face and an "Hola!". I miss the sense of community and disconnect from technology the most, but let's not forget the delectable food. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| 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? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Your world is going to change in the best way possible. Get ready to see and learn so much! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
