Amazing Opportunity to live in Havana Past Review

By (Sociology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

IFSA: Havana - Study Abroad at the Universidad de La Habana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Completely worthwhile, one of the best experiences I've ever had. A flexible program in an amazing country

Review Photos

IFSA-Butler: Havana - Study Abroad at the Universidad de La Habana Photo IFSA-Butler: Havana - Study Abroad at the Universidad de La Habana Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My RD was incredibly unhelpful with health concerns, but we were lucky that clinics were easily accesible around the city and our "host" parents were involved enough in our lives to help with health issues

* Safety:

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

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)

Not incredibly expensive but still a significant monetary commitment for the whole semester

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 90
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Allot money for each week and potential extra traveling because you have to bring it all at the beginning

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

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? 202
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? Get involved with the locals, make local friends, talk to the host family, don't be embarrassed about a lack of language skill initially

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Flexibility
  • Freedom
  • Language Focus
* What could be improved?
  • Structure
  • Organization
  • Support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The climate is ridiculously different and academic spanish is not the same as Cuban spanish by any means

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'