You thought you knew something about Cuba? Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Work load was generally less, mainly because consideration was given to my level of Spanish. Music courses at ISA were intense, but definitely worth it. Graded on a scale 1-5, which were converted by Sarah Lawrence on the transcript.

On-site administration of your program

The Sarah Lawrence program in Cuba is by FAR the best program of those available in the country. It is the oldest, and has conenctions with nearly every institution in Havana. Our program director lived just minutes away, and the assistant director lived with us in our very private small dormitory. Although we did not have internet and our amenities were few, we enjoyed a peaceful environment and a wonderful staff at our house. We also got to travel throughout the island on trips that we arranged with funds from the program, and went on my excursions and performances in and around Havana. The best part, for me, was the ability to take classes at ISA, the superior institute of art, and be surrounded with such high artistic talent. My only issue was breaking to the social scene, and not being view constantly as a distant foreigner who would be leaving and never returning at any moment. I would have loved to actually live in the dorms at ISA, but on the other hand I would not have liked to give up the incredible experience of living with the members of my program and experiencing the city of Havana. In the end, none of my expectations were realized except that I wanted to have an incredible abroad experience--in other words, I could never have predicted a single aspect of the experience before hand! Would recommend highly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was quite an issue. The living situation was very comfortable. We all felt very safe, although there were a few incidents that occurred around our building. Also the staff was excellent, and my experiences with them were some of the most in-depth insight to the Cuban people that I managed to get while there. However, we lived exclusively with americans (those from our program and that of Harvard), and therefore we very rarely spoke spanish in the house. This was a major problem, because it did not benefit my learning of the language hardly at all. Also, it was difficult to make friends my age from the university. I definitely did not get the amount of interaction with Cuba people that I had expected and desired. Living in the situation, the onus is completely on you to get out and meet people. Otherwise, the location was prime--the perfect mix between proximity to and seclusion from the city.

Breakfast and dinner was served daily at the residence. It got a little repetitive after a while, but it was a always a substantial, good-tasting meal that we could look forward to and experience together. Bring sauce.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was all wonderful: traveling around the island, spending time with those in my group. I just would have really liked a more robost social experience with the local people.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Socialized medicine. I never had to wait to see a doctor, and I was always very well attended to--even OVER medicated, I felt. I always felt safe too, at all hours and places in Havana. This has to do with the fact that the media does not report any crimes, but also because there are very severe laws about messing with foreigners.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Music

• Social integration