Summer Research Study Abroad Program in Cuba

2024 Application Deadline: 11:00pm on Sunday, January 21, 2024

Why Study In La Habana (Havana)?*

The La Habana program offers an unparalleled opportunity to visit this enchanting island and legendary city to learn about its culture and society. It will also provide a unique occasion for understanding—firsthand—the multiple layers of history that make Cuba significant in North America and in Latin America. The courses will examine not only the history of former Spanish colonies, but also the 20th century, during which Cuba played a significant geopolitical role. The La Habana summer program will give you the opportunity to experience the past, present, and future realities of Cuban society and its fusion of Spanish, African, and American flavors to create a rich culture of its own.

The summer La Habana program offers the choice of one three-week session or the two sessions back to back to create a six-week session—plus an optional one-week tour of Southern Cuba. Many of these courses include enticing field trips offering hands-on experience with the subject matter. The courses and your experiences outside the classroom will focus on the history and society of Cuba, with particular attention focused on exploring the impact of slavery and Cuba’s African roots on its culture and religions, as well as the present-day political and economic factors Cuba faces in its future. This is your opportunity to examine not only the history of former Spanish colonies, but also the 20th century, during which Cuba played a significant geopolitical role.

*https://usac.edu/study-abroad-programs/cuba/la-habana

Program Details

Summer

Program Duration - Select One of the Following

1. 3-week program
2. 6-week program

• For either option, students may add -on a one-week tour of Southern/Western Cuba.

Program participants may earn up to 4 credits.

Note: Students selected to participate in this program must complete Office for URaCE pre-training (to be completed before departure to Cuba), and additional activities during and after the experience.

Eligibility

Student Applicants must:

• Be current, degree seeking undergraduate students in good academic and judicial standing at the time of application, and during the program.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Meet the Program Eligibility.
• Successfully complete all application steps listed below.

Before You Apply:

Make certain you meet the eligibility requirements and pre-requisites listed above.

Please visit the USAC program website and make certain you are familiar with the elements of the program, responsibilities, and expectations of the program, and USAC program requirements.

The UTC program application includes two questions based on information posted HERE. Please review this webpage BEFORE you begin an application.

Required Application Materials and Instructions

Save application materials (items 1 and 2 below) as either PDF or Microsoft Word files. Items 1 and 2 will be uploaded to the UTC e- application form.

1. Statement of Interest. Submitted with the e-application form.

The statement must address the 4 items listed below.

1. Background Information: Include your major, academic interests, extra/co-curricular activities, involvement in clubs and organizations, and any other non-academic information or accomplishments you wish to share.
2. Why do you want to participate in this program, and how do you see your participation “fitting in” with current and future academic and professional goals?
3. Seven course topics are listed on the USAC program page. Please identify up to 3 courses from this list you might want to take as part of this program. For each, describe why you selected the course, and what you hope to learn about the topic.
4. Explain why you selected this program location specifically. Also address how you will prepare to study abroad in the selected location. What do you know about this location? Culture? Language?

2. A copy of your CV or Resume. Submitted with the e-application form.

Application Process

1. Review the program eligibility and responsibilities carefully.
2. Submit the UTC e-application form.
3. Meet with Laura Livermore in the UTC Study Abroad office to discuss the program, application process, fees, and program responsibilities.  Once you apply, you will be contacted to schedule a meeting.
4. Meet with Dr. Lisa Piazza in the Office for URaCE to discuss research responsibilities and expectations.

Students selected to participate in the program must:

• Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Students selected to participate in the program will receive the SA application link via e-mail once steps 1-3 above have been completed.

Note: Students selected to participate in this program must complete Office for URaCE pre-internship training via Canvas in May 2024. Participants must also attend an in-person orientation meeting in late April or early May. Before you apply make sure you are available to dedicate time to this program in May.

APPLICATION

Participant Responsibilities

Prior to Departure to Cuba

• Complete Office for URaCE Canvas training modules prior to departure. (Specific dates TBA)
• Attend orientation and program related meetings prior to departure. (Specific dates TBA)

During the Program

• Follow UTC policies and code of conduct.
• Follow USAC Study Abroad policies and code of conduct.
• Successfully fulfill all responsibilities and requirements of the program.

At the Conclusion of the Program

• Submit post-experience materials to the Office for URaCE.
• Present a poster at the Virtual UTC Fall Research Conference in August 2024, and the 2025 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference (for students registered for class during the spring 2025 semester).
• Complete Office of Study Abroad Post-Study Abroad Scholarship Requirements.
• Participate in the Office of Study Abroad Fall 2024 study abroad fair.
• Present at Center for Global Education cultural spotlight (either during the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semester).