Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My reflection of my time abroad. Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 08/31/2019 to 12/12/2020 with

API (Academic Programs International): Havana - Universidad de la Habana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being on an island that not that many go to and actually getting emerge with the local people to see how they live and view life within theirs and looking out. It opens your eyes and makes you reflect on your own life how they view your home country.

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.

I enjoyed having classes with the local students in the city!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration handled anything that came up but even that was rare.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wanted to stay with a host family but the living arrangement was great with all the wonderful people who were helping around the house.

* Food:

The food was great! I was familiar with the food and enjoyed the varieties.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated with my neighborhood and my local and international friends and families!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program assisted with urgency and the healthcare system was issued in a different way but they made sure your health issues were being handled.

* Safety:

I completely felt safe walking around at any time of the day. As long as being smart and aware of your surroundings.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would want to do all over again and live with a host family and get to see a different family's perspective on their island and the outside world.

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)

It depends on the person and how much they are willing/ knowing how to handle their money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50/week would be how much I spent throughout my time abroad.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Going into the trip, the best way to manage your money would be dividing the amount of money your taking in by the number of weeks you'll be abroad.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? SPAN 345
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? By getting emerge with the community, if that is with the host family or with neighbors and local friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • My neighborhood
  • Meeting international students
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Housing arrangements
  • NA
  • NA
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What I wished I knew before going into the program would be the dialect of the Cubans but at the end of the program, I was fluent in their dialect.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.