Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun, amazing, unique, beautiful, enriching, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Past Review

By (Xavier University of Louisiana) - abroad from 06/02/2018 to 06/30/2018 with

XULA: Summer in CUBA

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

One of the hosts of the house was extremely rude to my roommate and I. She was very condescending and she made comments in Spanish thinking that we would not understand. We were told that we were using too much toilet paper and were scolded for having a pizza delivered to the house. There was also another male guest that was staying in our home which we had to share a restroom with.

* Food:

The food was very good and we were always served plenty of food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the area that we lived in because it was centrally located and surrounded us with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was very easily accessible. I had a severe cough and sore throat. My host directed me to the doctor office right across the street from where we lived. The doctor examined me and prescribed over the counter medicine, which was easily accessible as well. There was a pharmacy a few blocks from our house. No prescription was needed and the price was very affordable.

* Safety:

Havana was very safe. People would speak to you as you walked passed them on the street, but never did they approach or follow you. Everyone was friendly. We were also informed by program directors that Havana is very safe and crime rates are low.

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

Yes, Cuba was very unique and so rich in culture. I think it was the perfect program for me.

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)

Very easy. You could get a meal for about 1 U.S. dollar. This would include a pizza or sandwich. Ice cream was 40 cents.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100, but I bought souvenirs and many non-essentials.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Give yourself a daly budget.

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? Upper level/4000 level
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? Talk to locals. Speak the language with your fellow peers and roommates. Avoid using any English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • culture
  • food
  • excursions
* What could be improved?
  • The Cuban program directors should not have spoken to the study abroad group in English. It was very counterintuitive to us practicing Spanish.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing.

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.'