Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cuba Experian February 2017 Past Review

By (Gordon College) - abroad from 02/13/2017 to 02/26/2017 with

ThisWorldMusic: Music and Dance Programs in Cuba

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Since I had limited preconceive notion's about to Cuba and its people, I learned a great deal about the Cuban culture and the music of the African Cuban culture. Daily participation in dance and drumming classes was very valuable.

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?

* Safety:

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

The group size was just right. The group leaders and interpreter did a wonderful job making sure our needs were met. Our time was spent wisely.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school Fench 1 week. Then a Language Diction course at Barrington College
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Dance classes
  • Daily field trips were very valuable.
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything. Our time was used very well.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The two hour phone conference with Jeremy and Claire before the trip was very valuable. As was the handbook for the trip. It was also nice to have the itinerary I had of time.