Politics, Society and Culture in Cuba

Cuba 

This is an example of a past Summer program offered by CSB/SJU. This program is currently not offered.

 

Program Highlights

  • Learn from Cuban academics on a range of topics from religion to economic reforms on the island to US-Cuban relations

  • Meet with Cuban University students

  • Attend Cuban cultural events, including music, art, and dance

  • Visit Las Terrazas, a sustainable rural tourism community and nature preserve

  • Travel to Villa Clara to visit the Che Guevara Memorial

  • Meet representatives of Cuban political organizations, including the Federation of Cuban Women and the Municipal Assembly of People's Power

  • Tour of the city of Havana including its colonial sector

Course and Program Information

Course Name: Politics and Society in Cuba

Course Number:  LLAS 280C

Credit Number: 2 credits

Designation: fulfills Intercultural (IC)

Study in Cuba provides a unique opportunity to learn about a nation's past and present, in large part because the past is present in Cuba. This island nation remains a mystery to many. Hostile relations between the governments of the United States and Cuba sharply limited contact between the two countries for over fifty years. While current U.S. law has somewhat relaxed restrictions on travel of U.S. citizens to Cuba, travelers must still qualify their trip as educational and/or a "cultural people-to-people exchange." This course is both, and provides legal travel to Cuba. It provides a focused immersion into the history, politics, economics and culture of Cuba, one of the world's few remaining socialist countries. Students read about the historic background of the area and then focus on contemporary political, socio-economic and cultural issues through meetings with resource people: professors, political and religious leaders and groups, artists and grass roots organizers. The course will be conducted in English and knowledge of Spanish will definitely enhance one's appreciation, but Spanish language ability is not required. 

Program Cost & Financial Considerations

The estimated program fee was $4,125 for the 2020 program. Additionally, students will pay the cost of the required 2 CSB/SJU credits at the reduced summer tuition rate.

The program fee includes:

  • Housing in shared room in casas particulares (home stays)
  • Breakfasts and evening meals in casas particulares
  • Local Transportation for program activities
  • Program-related excursions & entrance fees to museums & cultural attractions
  • Roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Havana, Cuba.
  • CISI Medical & Evacuation Insurance

The program fee does not include:

  • Passport application fee ($145)
  • Most lunch meal expenses
  • Non-program travel or activities
  • Personal expenses

The Short-Term Abroad Financing Brochure includes estimates for the items not included in the program fee, along with information regarding scholarships for study abroad.  

See which Scholarships you may qualify for with participating on this program. 

Accommodations

Students will stay in Casa Particulares, which are private accommodations with a Cuban family. The concept of a casa particular is similar to a bed and breakfast or room rental. This is common in Cuba, in which private family establishments provide lodging, usually on a short-term basis. Rooms are shared doubles with air conditioning, shared bathroom and access to a refrigerator and safety box. All linens are provided. The housing includes two meals per day, typically breakfast and dinner. 

Program Director Information

The director of this program was Corey Shouse. He is a professor in the Hispanic Studies Department and an experienced faculty director, having led many study abroad programs in Spanish-speaking countries.