Cuba: My New Friend February 27, 2024
By Katie P (Experiential Trip, Nazareth College) - abroad from 01/10/2024 to 02/19/2024 with
Abroadia: Havana - Cuban Culture Program
Cuba, a country only a five-hour plane ride away, I did not know much about before my experience. I was able to build an intimate connection with its friendly people, history, politics, and economy. Cuba is a beautiful country, and their struggles should not be overlooked. I learned the importance of changing American attitudes and the need for reconnection with Cuba. On this trip, I have made new memories and friends that will last me a lifetime. So thank you, Cuba, my new friend!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Each day was filled with a new piece of historical information about our friend, Cuba. Especially when walking around Old Havana, either with our knowledgable tour guide, Abel, or subject-specific historians, there was never a moment where you couldn't learn something new. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Staying with host families changed the whole experience. We were able to make intimate connections with Cuban families and gain a better understanding of what it's like to live in their country. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As mentioned, staying with host families made the trip much more immersive. We had many experiences of learning about various religions, such as Santeria, were able to watch dancing and music performances, and even dance a little bit ourselves. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Cuba's healthcare system was available to everyone, as it is believed to be a human right, and the nations top priority. Their healthcare system is efficient and healthcare workers are very skilled. We were able to receive two lectures on Cuba's healthcare system. |
| * Safety: |
Cuban people are very friendly. Just make sure you look when crossing the street! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | Not even 10 dollars a day, unless you are buying a lot of souvenirs/food/drinks. |
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? | I wish I had done more readings about Cuba before coming to get the most out of what my speakers had to say. |
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. |
