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Cuba

Life in La Habana passes by surrounded by music, tradition, culture, national monuments and natural attractions. Dances and Cuban “sones”, customs and traditions remain untouched making it THE Caribbean destination.

Havana, Cuban capital city, is located in the western side of Cuba and even when is the smallest of all the provinces, its over 2,000,000 inhabitants make it Cuba’s most populated one. Throughout its 15 districts, particularly in Playa, Plaza de la Revolucion, Centro Habana, Habana del Este and Old Havana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982), travelers will find numerous places of architectural, cultural and tourist interest.

Spanish and Cuban Culture in Havana, Cuba

Overview

íBienvenidos a Cuba!  A rich cultural heritage and the allure of a country whose literacy rate is 99.8% await in your winter study abroad program to Cuba.  A beautiful Caribbean Island soaked in sun and steeped in history, this tropical island is located just 90 miles from the U.S. mainland.  You'll take in the splendor of a vibrant land filled with Spanish colonial architecture, Caribbean cuisine, and amazing historical sites and museums all while making friends with local students.  This program gives you the unprecedented opportunity to visit this incredible country, learn about its culture and history, and explore the similarities and differences among us.  

Information sheet
Advisor John Dunleavy
Advisor Email John.Dunleavy@csi.cuny.edu
Minimum GPA 2.5
Class Standing 1 Freshman, 2 Sophomore, 3 Junior, 4 Senior
Language of Instruction Spanish
Housing Option Homestay
Program Open to CSI Students, Non-CUNY Students, Other CUNY Students

Studying 

During this summer program at the Universidad de Havana, you will become become familiar with Cuban culture while earning 4 credits in Spanish.  Placement exams will be given on site, so it does not matter your level - beginner to advanced, this program is for you!  Your studies are supplemented with visits to local sites and museums.  Optional activities are offered in:

  • Photography
  • Videography
  • Dance
  • Music
  • Sports
  • Health

Living

What better way to practice your Spanish than with a Cuban family?  In Havana, you will be staying in guest houses with local families.  Breakfast and dinner will be provided.

Exploring

While in Havana, you will:

  • Visit a farmer's market
  • Take salsa lessons
  • Go on a walking tour of Old Havana

Eligibility

Students must have at least 12 credits completed when opening an application.  

Dates & Costs

 Summer 2021    Dates: June 4 - July 3, 2020   $3,890

History and Pedagogy of Cuban Education in Havana, Cuba (Outgoing Program)

Overview

íBienvenidos a Cuba!  A rich cultural heritage and the allure of a country whose literacy rate is 99.8% await in your winter study abroad program to Cuba.  A beautiful Caribbean Island soaked in sun and steeped in history, it is located just 90 miles from the U.S. mainland.  You'll take in the splendor of a vibrant land filled with Spanish colonial architecture, Caribbean cuisine, and amazing historical sites and museums all while making friends with local students as warm as the island's tropical climate.  This program gives you the unprecedented opportunity to visit this incredible country, learn about its educational history, and explore the similarities and differences among us.  

Studying

During this winter intersession program at the Universidad de Ciencias Pedagógicas Enrique José Varona (UCP), you will become
familiar with and interact with the Cuban educational system through daily observations, seminars, and engagement with K-12 students as well as students enrolled in teacher education programs.  You will expand your knowledge of the history and pedagogy of Cuban education by comparing the Cuban education system with that of the United States.  While working in teams with Cuban students and learning from local teachers and faculty, your studies are supplemented with visits to the Literary Campaign Museum as well as Trujillo's former residence within the university's Ciudad Escolar Libertad.  

Living

When you return from class or exploring Havana and the vicinity, you will rest comfortably in your shared apartment.

Exploring

Your exploration of Cuban culture doesn't stop at UCP's campus.  Organized excursions on the weekends encourage you to grab your Guayabera and get ready to explore!  Some possibilities for field trips include the small, picturesque town Trinidad and the city of Santa Clara in the central region of Cuba, site of Che Guevara's mausoleum.  

Eligibility

  • Completion of curriculum and methods courses                                                                       
  • Instructor's approval
  • 2 years of college Spanish or equivalent preferred

Dates & Costs 

Below you will find the current dates and costs for all terms available.  Please note all dates and costs are subject to change.
 

 Winter, 2019   Dates: Jan 3 - 26, 2019  Cost: $3,895

Basic Program Cost Includes:
     Overseas tuition, housing (shared student apartment), orientation in the US and abroad, sickness and accident insurance, administrative fees.

Costs Not Included: 
     Airfare, personal expenses, cost of 1 credit (paid to home school Bursar)

Please ask for application cycles currently open, and any applicable extensions.