Life-Changing Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/30/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. The most enriching experience of my life. Still processing all the lessons.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Michelle is incredible!!! Her and Rose Ana have an incredible network. If you have an interest such as drumming, history of slavery, salsa dancing, fishing, yoga -- whatever it is you want to pursue in Cuba, they can help connect you to the right people!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Fantastic location. 10 minutes to the malecon. 5 minutes to the university. A lot of cheap eateries within a few blocks.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had too many meetings.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Havana is SUPER safe. I felt 100% comfortable walking around at all times of night. Practically 0 violent crime.

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

I would definitely go to Cuba, no doubt. I would choose IFSA because of the great location and fantastic staff.

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 including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30-$40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring your student ID with you everywhere.

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

BIGGEST DISSAPOINTMENT. ALL OF OUR MEETINGS WERE IN ENGLISH. ALL STUDENTS SPOKE ENGLISH WITH EACHOTHER.

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
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? Start conversations with everybody.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Location
  • Immersion
  • Revolution
* What could be improved?
  • Speak Spanish
  • Speak Spanish
  • Speak Spanish
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Those little rolled up cylinders of white paper that vendors hawk near bus stops are filled with peanuts! And they are only one cuban peso each! Great source of non-animal protein!

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.'