Viva Cuba Libre: A transformative experience Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 05/15/2019 to 05/30/2019 with

KIIS: Cuba

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained friendships and a stronger connection to my heritage -- something I am extremely grateful of.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think that the overall educational experience was great. I think I was able to connect the work and a lot of the education opportunities through my own identity having Cuban heritage -- this was a really enriching and beneficial experience for me.

* 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?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would go to study a language or for agriculture -- something that could help me with my major.

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)

it was very easy. I went with $300 and still had money left over.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? less than or equal to $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Account for how much would be needed for meals and divide money up for the amount of days you'll be abroad. It helps with budgeting and financing the costs of the trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • bettering my Spanish
  • Cuban Culture
  • traveling around the island
* What could be improved?
  • more accessibility for people with certain disabilities and conditions. I struggled with back issues and asthma due to the amount of walking and heat.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More colloquial Spanish terminology

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.'