Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A dream come true Past Review

By (Moraine Valley Community College) - abroad from 02/16/2017 to 02/26/2017 with

ThisWorldMusic: Music and Dance Programs in Cuba

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned an incredible amount about Cuba, its African heritage and influence, the wide range of music, culture, the people, and even worked on my Spanish. It was 100% worthwhile.

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.

I couldn't have asked for a better program. It was everything I wanted and more!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were a half block away from the center where we had lectures and the studio where we had dance and drum instruction. Extremely convenient. Plus a lovely view.

* Food:

No complaints. Especially the flan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We interacted with quite a few Cubans who gave us more detail about the history and culture of the country. I learned so much about Cuba's African roots, religions and music, especially.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

No problems.

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

I had been looking for a short-term music immersion (specifically drumming) in Latin America, particularly Cuba. This fulfilled my needs with the bonus of learning dance, which I also love. I learned so much. I was so happy every day.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Music immersion
  • Learning the history and culture
* What could be improved?
  • Make it longer!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't need to pack as many extra layers because it was so hot...in February!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.