An amazing experience to understand Afro-Cuban culture Past Review
By Todd Rober (Kutztown University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 02/16/2017 to 03/26/2017 with
ThisWorldMusic: Music and Dance Programs in Cuba
The program was very worthwhile. Take advantage of the new accessibility of Cuba to see it now before it changes with excessive American influences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The music and dance lessons were geared toward cultural understanding and immersion in Afro-Cuban traditions rather than intense study for dance or percussion specialists. Those with less background in each area were made comfortable, and the opportunity for more intense private lessons was available. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Logistics were well handled for a smooth experience |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No issues |
| * Safety: |
There was never any time during the trip that I felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This was a great way to learn about the African roots of much of Cuban music and dance. The program balanced drumming and dance classes, lectures, and site visits to give students a thorough understanding of an important cultural legacy of Cuba. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Program fee covers vast majority of all costs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I felt I was given enough background on what to expect before leaving. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
