I didn´t want to come home yet! Past Review

By (Anthropology and Human Rights, Barnard College) - abroad from 01/22/2014 to 05/22/2014 with

Sarah Lawrence College: Havana - Sarah Lawrence College in Cuba

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was an amazing experience in Cuba, however personally I would have preferred not being with other American students. I enjoy being in place alone more than with a giant group. However, Cuba was an amazing place to live in, full of amazing people and experiences, and ultimately gave me a lot of perspective on both Cuban culture and politics and our own. It forced me to evaluate where I come from and the system I participate in.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

I had an appendicitis my first week in Cuba and spent a week in the hospital. They took amazing care of me and the program insurance covered the small cost.

* 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 including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

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? Spanish literature
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Attending the art school
* What could be improved?
  • housing. we never practiced spanish while in the house together because we were all americans.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I wouldn´t be able to access my school gmail account.

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.'