Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exhausting yet exhilarating Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 12/26/2016 to 01/14/2017 with

USAC Cuba: La Habana - Cuban History, Society, Politics, and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent and learn about a different culture on my own. I learned that there were many misconceptions about their system of government. I learned about the Cuban history and the present outlook that Cuban citizens have. It was definitely worthwhile. I am actually planning to eventually return one day and stay with my host parents.

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.

My classes challenged me while still allowing me to emerge into the culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very welcoming and helpful. Always going above and beyond to make sure my experience was great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host parents and roommates were incredible. They had breakfast ready for us every morning, and their cleaning staff cleaned our rooms and restroom every day (they have a maid because they are professional airbnb hosts outside of hosting students through USAC). They were so easy to talk to, and I would sit down with them every day and ask them all the questions I was curious about, and they did the same.

* Food:

Food was different than I was used to, but glad I had the opportunity to experience it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did a lot of self-exploring and was able to learn through my host parents and through my university.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My roommate had stomach issues, and the director of our program came to speak with our host mom on how to keep an eye out for her. They offered to take her to the doctor but she soon got better.

* Safety:

My host city was VERY safe! My roommates and I walked around late at night, safely.

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

I had such a wonderful experience with my host family and the USAC staff, that I would love to do it all over again with the same knowledge I have to continue learning about the Cuban culture.

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)

Since my program was only for 3 weeks, I was able to live comfortably and affordably for the 3 weeks I was there. I had the opportunity to save up for this. All of my spending was spent on a taxi ride, desserts, food, wifi cards, and souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $50, not including souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes - don't do most of your souvenir buying at the first stores you go to!

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

Everyday, everywhere,

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300-level Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Please know at least a few basic sentences. Only a few of out of the group were fluent in Spanish, so we were bombarded with questions or "come translate this for me." Made it difficult to enjoy some moments.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Host parents
  • Location
  • Field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between higher administration and students
  • Tour of city on first day
  • Organization of administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had done research on where we were going to be staying and know what restaurants or places I wanted to visit BEFORE arriving (and having limited internet so I couldn't do must research while there).

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.