Amazing Opportunity to live in Havana Past Review
By Leah K (Sociology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 12/20/2015 with
IFSA: Havana - Study Abroad at the Universidad de La Habana
Completely worthwhile, one of the best experiences I've ever had. A flexible program in an amazing country
Review Photos
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
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* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My RD was incredibly unhelpful with health concerns, but we were lucky that clinics were easily accesible around the city and our "host" parents were involved enough in our lives to help with health issues |
* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 incredibly expensive but still a significant monetary commitment for the whole semester |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 90 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Allot money for each week and potential extra traveling because you have to bring it all at the beginning |
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 |
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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? | 202 |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Get involved with the locals, make local friends, talk to the host family, don't be embarrassed about a lack of language skill initially |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | The climate is ridiculously different and academic spanish is not the same as Cuban spanish by any means |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |