A reflective experience Past Review
By Thyme Morton (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/31/2019 to 12/14/2019 with
API (Academic Programs International): Havana - Universidad de la Habana
Definitely worthwhile. I learned to be grateful for what I have in the US because so many people have so much less
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 was able to focus on advancing my spanish and truly immerse myself in the language and culture. The classes were not difficult and I enjoyed working with my peers |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My host program was amazing and had everything thought out and was always available. They were incredible and I would never choose another program |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved all the workers and the owner of the house. They were so nice to us and really took us under their wings |
| * Food: |
While I did miss some comfort foods from home, the food was amazing and diverse. I will miss fruit as fresh as that; nothing in the US compares. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Its a hard culture to integrate yourself into. There are a lot of norms and cultural little things that can be hard to pick up on. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Everything was free and covered and nothing was difficult. It was easy to go to the doctor if needed. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe, even in a machismo culture. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Great trips, everything was covered |
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) |
Easily. Cuba has a very low standard of living |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 25-50 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take advantage of the food given to you by your host family. You do not have to eat out everyday |
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 |
There is no other way you could have gotten around without using the language |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPAN 241 |
| 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? | Don't be ashamed if you are not as advanced or if you mess up. You are there to learn and part of learning is failing. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how much free time I would have on my hands. That was not something I was used to |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
