Life-Changing Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/30/2017 to 12/16/2017 with
IFSA: Havana - Study Abroad at the Universidad de La Habana
Definitely worthwhile. The most enriching experience of my life. Still processing all the lessons.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Michelle is incredible!!! Her and Rose Ana have an incredible network. If you have an interest such as drumming, history of slavery, salsa dancing, fishing, yoga -- whatever it is you want to pursue in Cuba, they can help connect you to the right people! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Fantastic location. 10 minutes to the malecon. 5 minutes to the university. A lot of cheap eateries within a few blocks. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had too many meetings. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Havana is SUPER safe. I felt 100% comfortable walking around at all times of night. Practically 0 violent crime. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would definitely go to Cuba, no doubt. I would choose IFSA because of the great location and fantastic staff. |
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? | $30-$40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bring your student ID with you everywhere. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
BIGGEST DISSAPOINTMENT. ALL OF OUR MEETINGS WERE IN ENGLISH. ALL STUDENTS SPOKE ENGLISH WITH EACHOTHER. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Start conversations with everybody. |
Other Program Information
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* 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? | Those little rolled up cylinders of white paper that vendors hawk near bus stops are filled with peanuts! And they are only one cuban peso each! Great source of non-animal protein! |
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.' |
