CLC Year Abroad Podcast - Havana

Welcome to the CLC Year Abroad Podcast - a new podcast series that aims to provide a deeper insight into what it’s really like to live abroad, whether that be for students currently planning their Year Abroad or for those fascinated by the cultures and customs of other countries. There’s lots to consider when planning a Year Abroad, which is why this series has been made to help break down living abroad into a less abstract concept. Featuring interviews with students who have already completed their Year Abroad, this podcast asks questions that help to paint a picture of life in a specific part of the world and yield valuable pieces of advice learnt through the experiences of those who have already lived in these places.

In this episode, Alex Fice and Liv Bonsall reflect on their experience living and studying in Havana, covering subjects from culture shock and homesickness to discovering hidden gems and participating in local customs whilst on the Year Abroad.

See below for episode highlights.

Liv on the steps of La Universidad de la Habana. Credit: Alex Fice

Coconut taxis in Old Havana. Credit: Alex Fice

Collapsed building on the Malecón. Credit: Alex Fice

The Malecón at sunset. Credit: Alex Fice

Our favourite method of transport! Credit: Alex Fice

Episode Highlights:

1:10 - Why choose to go to Havana?

2:48 - What was it actually like?

4:16 - Culture shock

5:07 - Using the language / Cuban Spanish

6:11 - Homesickness

7:55 - First impressions

10:58 - Studying at the University of Havana

12:09 - Hidden gems (Café Mamaine, Fábrica de Arte Cubano)

13:52 - What are the people like?

16:16 - Finding ideas for the Year Abroad Project

16:56 - Divide between locals and tourists

21:00 - Local customs (La noche de las antorchas)

25:56 - Opportunities to travel

29:20 - Quickfire round (the Malecón, the Hotel Capri, La Cabaña, Coppelia)

Credits:

Created and edited by Alex Fice

Music by Shaolin Dub (Ketsa), ‘Some Thoughts’, licensed by Creative Commons