Amazing experience! Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 06/03/2017 to 07/23/2017 with

USAC Cuba: La Habana - Cuban History, Society, Politics, and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to come out of my comfort zone and learn from experience.

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.

Even though the resources are limited in Cuba, the professors were very understanding and helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program adviser and faculty were kind and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great living situation making me feel very comfortable and safe.

* Food:

Limited resources of food so don't expect a lot of variety. But good non the less.

* 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

This program was not expensive but you would not have known with the things that were provided to me. The people and the classes helped make it such a wonderful experience.

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

It all depends on you, but the class I selected was in my foreign 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? SPAN 202
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? Use it as much as you before hand as you can.

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

  • 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?
  • The faculty and staff
  • the students
  • my new friends
* What could be improved?
  • Understanding the status of your host country
  • limited supplies
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How limited Cuba was to resources such as water and toilet paper.

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.'