Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Caribbean support system July 29, 2025

By (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/14/2025 to 05/07/2025 with

The Caribbean Student Support Network: Contemporary Caribbean Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned how to thrive in a new environment and how to connect with people, and adapting to a new culture. Incredibly important experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program had a incredibly supportive staff and the program director Roannta really tries to make a unique connection and time for all the students in the cohort. Having no international exposure prior, this program was a great entry and support group of people to experience the Caribbean. During the spring semester, we did a study tour for Jamaica which was a great opportunity to look at another Caribbean country. I think acclimating to the style of learning at the university was quite difficult and I dont think I enjoyed the style of teaching. But the directors help and direct to so many resources both on campus and for your personal wellness which is super helpful. Very rigorous academics so utilizing resources is very needed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

UWI housing was not managed properly. I stayed on Freedom Hall and it was constantly rife with many problems, both with the rooms, the kitchen, mosquitoes,etc. and hall admin were in a place where they could do very little about it.

* Food:

Navigating local food was quite challenging as a vegetarian and trying to find options felt super difficult.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Had to look for extra funding to live as a student, especially if youre looking to participate in Carnival holiday related events, requires saving before trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Interaction with local people
  • Intimate cohort
  • Opportunity to make friends
* What could be improved?
  • Connecting to academic resources
  • More immersive activities within the country
  • More program events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would be more strapped for cash than expected, and that many things in Trinidad are pay-to-play so saving before coming is crucial. Also that academics are more rigorous than expected.

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.