Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Couldn't Have Been Better! Past Review

By (Sociology, Hispanic Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/21/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

Sarah Lawrence College: Havana - Sarah Lawrence College in Cuba

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about Cuban culture in a very meaningful way. I was also able to gain insight on the complicated place that Cuba is, particularly in its relationship to the United States.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although classes were not as rigorous as at Brandeis, they were very stimulating and there were many academic talks outside of class that Sarah Lawrence put together for students. Overall, my academic experience was excellent.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food is not the reason you come to Cuba. As a vegetarian, the options are pretty sparse, but it was 100% worth it for the experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Extremely accessible and easy. Healthcare in Cuba is also some of the best in the world.

* Safety:

Havana is a very safe city, you just have to be smart!

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)

Living in Havana is very cheap.

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

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • "Charlas" with Cuban experts
  • program directors
  • commitment to an intellectual experience
* What could be improved?
  • better organization at times, but I think a lot of that has to do with the nature of living in Cuba
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything I wish I had known beforehand.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!