The best way to spend July. Past Review
By A student (English Education, Utah Valley University) - abroad from 06/28/2012 to 07/27/2012 with
Utah Valley University: Havana - History, Peace and Justice, Spanish
As this was my first experience out of the country, I feel it gave me a new understanding of the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes weren't as rigorous as they were exhausting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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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? |
The hosts made us feel very welcome, but the language barrier and how much of a spectacle we became walking as a group prevented full integration. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We talked briefly about the measures that would be taken in case of emergency and we were insured, but nothing ever arose to put that to the test. |
| * Safety: |
Safer than I was led to imagine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
I spent $350 over the course of four weeks. I could have budgeted more carefully, but I wasn't terrible. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $350 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Avoid buying books and food at places that charge in CUC. There are markets where you can pay for things in the Cuban peso. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Japanese. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Speak to people. Cubans are very friendly and love to talk to foreigners. However, be aware that they may ask you for money, so prepare to handle that in whatever way you choose. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 think my experience would have been better if I'd have known more spanish before going. |
