It was Dope Past Review
By Dilcia M (Sociology., Swarthmore College) - abroad from 01/22/2014 to 05/22/2014 with
Sarah Lawrence College: Havana - Sarah Lawrence College in Cuba
I learned that exploring the world is one of my passions and I want to continue to do it.
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. |
The overall educational experience was good. I felt like the professors were dedicated to teaching us what we needed to learn, they were always ready to answer questions and expected us do well. The only problem is that we started classes 2 weeks late, and we didn't have anything going on academically for about a month, which kind of threw me off. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I feel like our program was administered well. They did a good job of letting us know what was happening and what we were going to be doing. It would have been nice to do more stuff at the beginning though, more group bonding activities. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were good. The staff kept the house clean and they were very friendly. It was nice. |
| * Food: |
The food was good. There wasn't a lot of variety though, I wish I had known that. I would have brought more money for food, but it was good. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt somewhat integrated with the local culture. It took a while to make some friends that were cuban. I did feel integrated with the local culture when I was around them or when I was in the house talking to the staff. Other than that, not really because it was difficult to talk to people at school. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't get injured or sick, but for the people who did, it seems like it was handled well. |
| * Safety: |
Overall, the house was pretty safe. There were some stealing incidents, but I never felt like the students were in danger. |
| 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) |
I didn't spend that much money, but I did find myself wanting to go out more and had some money saved for emergencies. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Food= $10-$20, travel=$10-$20, fun not sure |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bring more than you need in case of emergency and if you don't like eating the same thing everyday, bring extra money for food. |
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 |
We were always being encouraged to speak spanish. Always! |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I didn't take any spanish courses, but I spoke some spanish because of family |
| 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? | Find people that are native speakers and talk to them because the standard language is very different from what people speak. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Making friends with locals abroad is not easy, so start as soon as possible. |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
