Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IFSA Butler Havana Cuba Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/31/2017 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?
I learned a lot about my limits, my skills, and gained a lot of confidence -- in addition to Spanish skills!

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.

Classes directly enrolled in the University were phenomenal, an excellent window into many aspects of life and history in Cuba. The Core Course was lacking, but IFSA took a lot of feedback on it and is aware of the issues we had.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Michelle and Rose Ana could not have been better, I'm so happy to have met them and could trust them at all points of my experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Perfect living situation, feel so lucky to have lived with a host family

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found it harder to connect with Cuban students due to few fall activities, but had access to a plethora of cultural events targeted to locals, which i really enjoyed

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare in Cuba is really accessible to students abroad. When I was bitten by a dog I received excellent care through my rabies series and felt very safe.

* Safety:

Just like in any city, keep your wits about you.

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)

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? 200
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? Make sure to practice with the other students on your program to get skills speaking casually and socially

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
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?
  • Foreign language
  • New city
  • new cultural perspective on colonialism
* What could be improved?
  • core course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The best way to learn is to get out of your comfort zone and ask people questions! Don't be afraid to make mistakes speaking a foreign language -- it's worth it to have incredible interactions.