A semester in Cuba: politicized Past Review

By (Gettysburg College) - abroad from 01/18/2016 to 05/20/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
VERY worthwhile. I learned a lot more Spanish, about the politics of Cuban-American relations, and about a country with a rich history.

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 IFSA-Butler: Havana - Study Abroad at the Universidad de La Habana Photo 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? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Class grades are based almost solely on the finals, but professors are very willing to work with you on them.

* 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?

It was hard to join clubs and besides classes, it was hard to find ways to interact with other students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

IFSA gives you lots of individual freedom to choose classes, travel, and in extra circular activities.

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)

Everything was very cheap- I was not fiscally responsible during my semester abroad and only spent $1,500.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20

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? Advanced
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? 300-level
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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 family
  • Classes
  • Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Organized excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about the sexual harassment that happens on the street. I got great support from my fellow abroad students and resident director once there, it was just shocking initially.

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 Linguist
You 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!