Study Abroad in Cuba
Study abroad programs in Cuba offer students the opportunity to visit a country where time has stood still. After years of embargo, Americans are finally being allowed to visit this picturesque Caribbean island. Situated just 93 miles south of the US, visitors are transported into another world as soon as they step off their plane. Contrary to many of its neighboring territories – the Bahamas to the west, the Cayman Islands to the south, and the Dominican Republic to the southeast – Cuba has much more to offer than just scenic beaches.
Students studying abroad in Cuba will find a culture rich in art and music, which lends well to a variety of academic programs. Programs are offered in art history, literature, colonial/regional studies, international relations, Spanish language, philosophy, political science, and sociology just to name a few.
Studying abroad in Cuba will never leave students at a loss for social activities. Students can learn more about Havana’s culture by simply walking along Havana’s Malécon; check out the wildlife at the Zapata Peninsula; hike the Cordillera de Guaniguanico mountains; or just enjoy the music in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba’s second largest city.
Living in Cuba
Cuba is home to over 11 million people and is comprised of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana, the capitol, is the largest city in Cuba. Cuba is defined as a socialist state with the Communist Party of Cuba being the leading force of society and of the state. The currency of Cuba is the Cuban Peso. Students studying abroad in Cuba should pack for a tropical climate. November to April is the drier season, with May to October bringing rains. Students should keep in mind that given its geographical location, Cuba is prone to hurricanes. These typically happen in September and October.
One of the first things students studying abroad in Cuba will notice is how welcoming and passionate Cubans are. Students will have the opportunity to meet people in all walks of life; farmers, professors, dancers, artists, entrepreneurs and more. Thanks to years of having to make due with very little, the people of Cuba are incredibly creative and resourceful. They enjoy exchanging ideas about everything from work and food, to medical care and education. If you speak Spanish conversing with Cubans will be even easier, as Spanish is the native language.