Location:

Havana, Cuba

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

The University at Albany-SUNY offers a unique opportunity to study the history, culture and politics of Cuba, plus intensive Spanish language classes. Spring and Fall semester programs offer 16 credits, and five-week Summer programs offer 6 credits. Learn from some of Cuba's leading intellectuals, political figures and cultural icons. The program includes academic classes combined with experiential learning, cultural experiences, and home stays with Cuban families. The program is based in Havana, with frequent trips outside the capitol to visit farming and fishing cooperatives, historic sites, environmental projects, and tourist centers. Please note: YOU MUST BE ENROLLED AS A DEGREE-SEEKING STUDENT AT UALBANY OR ANOTHER SCHOOL TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS PROGRAM! Otherwise, you will not be able to obtain a visa.

Students should have studied some Spanish prior to the start of the program, either in college or in high school, or have equivalent background. You must be in good academic standing in order to apply; applications are welcome from students in all majors. Dr. Hansen will interview students by phone as part of the application process. Because of restrictions under the US embargo of Cuba, the Office of International Education at UAlbany must provide a letter to the student signed by the on-campus coordinator designated to manage travel to Cuba. For more information on the nature of travel restrictions to Cuba for US citizens, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers the embargo and the relevant regulations are reproduced below. Please see our website for more information.

Please see our website for more information.

Setting Description:

The University at Albany hosts an orientation prior to the start of the program, and advisers are available to you at any time. The staff of CMMLK makes the on-site arrangements. There will be two types of internet access available in Cuba. At the MLK Center there will be sporadic access in the evenings and on weekends. It is VERY slow. You won't be able to access pages with lots of graphics or videos, and you will not be able to access email clients like Yahoo or most university based accounts. You are encouraged to open a gmail account set to download html format only. Housing is arranged by the program. Students live with families in Marianao who are associated with the Martin Luther King Memorial Center. Marianao is located on the southwest side of Havana, about 20 minutes from the city center. It is a popular barrio with a large Afro-Cuban population. Families are carefully screened by the MLK Center, perhaps Cuba’s most important non-governmental organization with a 25

Cost:

Please see our website for more information.