Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a lifetime experience Past Review

By (Laney College) - abroad from 07/12/2014 to 07/18/2014 with

Peralta Community College District: Cuban Culture and History through Dance Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Cuba has been on my bucket list for over 15 years. Yes, I would say without a doubt that it was worthwhile. I learned about some of Cuba's history and culture and would love to go back again in the future to get some more exposure to this wonderful country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program included an excellent mix of cultural experiences. The dance classes, lectures, tours, and exposure to various cultural experiences was well worth the intensive schedule.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The tour guide/translator Alex was excellent. He had infinite patience, would answer all our questions, took any requests into consideration, and was a wealth of information. 5+ stars for him. I hope the program employs him in the future.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotel was "ok". I understand we were in a different country and standards are different, but there were probably other accommodations that could have been better. I would recommend that you bring an adjustable cable lock to go around the hotel safe as an added precaution. During one of our breaks I went back to my room to shower and walked in on one of the hotel maids trying out my flat iron. She was very apologetic and I let it slide, but after that I locked up anything I didn't want gone through in my suitcase.

* Food:

We had breakfast in the hotel, and lunch off-site each day. The lunches were generally at nicer restaurants that appeared geared towards tourists. It was nice, but I would have preferred to eat at places where the locals go.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A.

* Safety:

I felt incredibly safe in Cuba. Honestly, I felt safer there than I do in San Francisco. There were no instances while we were out and about that I felt threatened or unsafe in any way. See my thoughts above regarding securing your belongings in the hotel.

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

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)

Bring at least $400 for dinners, taxis, souvenirs, and going out at night for the week. You can definitely get by on less but I think $400 is a comfortable amount to have on hand.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $600

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • History and culture
  • Dancing
  • Music
* What could be improved?
  • Communication and follow up pre-departure
  • Lodging
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do more research on additional places to visit before going.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.