Cuba
Cuba: Culture, History and Politics
June 7–20, 2023
For more information, contact Professor Christina Perez
STA 330 Cuba: Culture, History, and Politics is a unique interdisciplinary course offered by Dominican University in collaboration with FLACSO-CUBA and the University of Havana. Course participants will be spend two weeks in the capital city of Habana, learning about the country’s pre-and post-colonial and revolutionary history, contemporary political and economic system, cultural landscape including music, art, and religion, and social institutions including schools, medical systems, and urban farming. They will also travel to Barcoa and Santiago de Cuba.
Academic Program
This three-credit study abroad course is offered during Summer Session. The in-country trip is preceded by mandatory pre-trip classroom sessions and orientation meetings, all on the campus of Dominican University. In Cuba, we will be based in Havana, the capital of Cuba, with excursions to the countryside.
- Fulfills the multi-cultural requirement for Dominican students.
- Fulfills requirements for the political science, sociology, and study of women and gender majors.
- Currently enrolled students may not opt for the satisfactory/unsatisfactory option for this course.
- Please see advisor for details.
Program Details
- The course will be based in Havana, the capital city of the country. Course participants will attend morning lectures given by FLACSO at the University of Havana and then participate in site visits in the afternoon. Themes will include: economics, democracy, social development, health, gender, Afro-Cuban religious expression, agriculture, and Cuban-US relations.
- Havana highlights: On site lectures led by national experts: Havana Vieja, Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro, National Museum of Art, Hemingway’s Cuban home Finca Vigía,
- Visits to social institutions: local political offices, health centers, maternity home, urban farms. Day trip to Soroa, Pinar del Rio—located in the Sierra del Rosario mountain range in an internationally protected Biosphere Reserve participants can swim in a waterfall, view the orchids, and hike on park trails.
Application
- When this program is offered, individuals will need to complete an online application form
- Two faculty/staff recommendations are required for student applicants
- After acceptance, a $500 deposit and a Travel Medical Form signed by a licensed practitioner will be due by the advertised deposit deadline
Cost and Financial Aid
Estimated Costs
- Dominican students, faculty, staff and alumni: $4300 (includes housing, group excursions, all meals, in-country transportation and international airfare). Tuition for three credits is included.
- Personal expenses: $400 (estimated)
Due to fluctuation of exchange rates, the cost of the program is subject to change.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Existing financial aid applies to study abroad programs. Consult with the Office of Financial Aid regarding your aid and loan eligibility for this short-term program
- All students should apply to Dominican University's Excellence in Experiential Learning Awards (ExcEL) to earn up to $2000 off the cost of the program
Requirements and Eligibility
- Freshman, sophomore, junior or senior standing, qualified adults
- 2.7 DU GPA
- No prior knowledge of Spanish required
- Students must attend at least one information session
- Completed application packet: application form, recommendation forms, essay
- Medical form due at time of deposit
Excursions, Housing and Transportation
Excursions
Participants will not be permitted to travel independently outside of Havana.
Housing
In Cuba, students will live in guesthouses and small hotels, with two to three sharing a room with a private bath. Breakfast and most meals are included.
Transportation
Group flight arranged by program director who will accompany the group.