A life-changing journey exploring an incredibly beautiful culture! Past Review
By A student (University of Cincinnati) - abroad from 06/24/2017 to 07/04/2017 with
ThisWorldMusic: Music and Dance Programs in Cuba
There aren’t enough words to truly articulate how incredible this program is. The lectures were riveting; and drumming and dance classes were absolutely incredible. Our final performance was truly transformative. It was a life-changing experience as a teacher and human being. I can’t wait to go back again. My advice is GO!!!
Review Photos
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. |
I found ThisWorldMusic while researching my final project for my DMA. In 11 days this program gave me richer studies and understanding of Cuban culture than the year of research I had done preceding it. This course beautiful weaves together the Santeria religion and how through it Cuba was given the basis of its stunning music and dance. The days were perfectly planned for your stamina as well as to assure one lesson flowed into the next. My only regret was that it had to come to an end. I can’t wait to go back again. It is a program that you absolutely could do again into order to delve deeper into your studies each time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I would go to any program that was run by Jeremy Cohen and Claire Kelly. I have never experienced a more organized program as theirs. This program is spectacular because of the culture, music, beautiful people... and Jeremy and Claire. They have developed an INCREDIBLE program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing was beautiful. More than comfortable, clean, and run by a truly loving family. The location in Vedado was perfect. We had a lovely breakfast each morning on a beautiful patio. |
| * Food: |
The food selections were incredibly varied and excellent! The portions were plentiful and consistently of high quality. There were only two dinners were not covered in the program fees. All meals were incredibly organized and planned. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It is hard to imagine such a life-changing experience could come in 11 days. This program was an incredible gift in so many more ways than I ever imagined. The experience felt truly authentic due to the incredible planning that went into every second of each day by ThisWorldMusic. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Luckily no one was injured or sick on our program. However, should someone have become sick Cuba offers an incredible Healthcare system. |
| * Safety: |
ThisWorldMusic was certain to plan with great thought about our safety so what was left for us to do was have an amazing fun and wonderful time without even giving this a thought. This applies to EVERY aspect of our safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It is a program that you absolutely could do again into order to delve deeper into your studies each time. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Between $25- $50. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Unless you want personal souvenirs, there really aren't expenses. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
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? | Personally, I would have studied the course material more before my arrival. This is not necessary by any means but could allow for you to delve even deeper in your studies. |
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! |
