Havana is a beautiful city with historic neighborhoods, a captivating water-front and a diverse cultural heritage makes it the perfect setting for a meaningful cross-cultural learning experience.
The Cuban people are outgoing, friendly and interested in meeting Americans. The attitude of Cubans is one of the most remarkable features that distinguishes them most markedly from Americans. It is a positive attitude, a defiant resistance to the despair and adversity that permeate their lives. How do Cubans express their “choteo?” By sharing stories (often very humorous!), telling jokes, playing or listening to music, or complimenting a beautiful woman. A Cuban writer said it best when he wrote, “En esas levedades, a veces sanas, otras premeditadas, el cubano desarrolla una resistencia que le permite encontrar luz donde todo parece apagado.” This best captures the Cuban choteo: to find light where there is total darkness. Perhaps the biggest lesson that American students can learn when they go to Cuba is one regarding perspective of life.
Spanish Studies Abroad offers students the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Cuba’s rich blend of African, European and American cultures, and to experience it from within.
Lake Forest College students can participate in either the Spanish Studies or the Integrated Studies program in Havana.
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To be eligible to participate in this program, students must meet the following requirements:
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Founded in 1514, this Caribbean gem was a key to the Indies and one of the most prosperous ports in the Americas. As you explore the streets of Havana, the rhythms of rumba surround you, along with the sights and smells of Cuban culture. The Cuban people are outgoing, friendly and interested in meeting Americans. Cubans, including fellow students at Universidad de La Habana, take pride in their country and in their diverse cultural and political heritage. Recent changes to US government regulations allow students enrolled in a college or university to travel to Cuba. Spanish Studies Abroad offers students the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Cuba’s rich blend of African, European and American cultures, and to experience it from within. |
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Spanish Studies Abroad offers you a unique opportunity to study in Cuba, one of America’s nearest and most significant neighbors. All courses are taught by Cuban university professors with extensive experience in teaching American students. You will take classes at the Universidad de La Habana (UH), Cuba’s principal and oldest institution of higher education. Our programs also include participation in an array of cultural activities and study trips designed to encourage direct interaction with the Cuban people. Information on the courses available can be found here. |
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To enhance your cultural experience in Havana, Spanish Studies Abroad organizes various excursions, study visits and other activities throughout your semester. These activities are coordinated to enhance your class studies. Some sample cultural excursions may include:
Aside from the considerable entertainment of just walking around and watching people in this safe city, there is much popular music. The cafes and restaurants in areas popular with visitors all seem to have groups of guitar, bongo and flute players drifting in and out. Many young people get together at neighborhood meeting places to play dominoes in the daytime and to dance salsa and rumbas in the evening. In addition, there are several popular salsa dance halls and discos in Havana, with entrance prices from 5-20 CUC. Dancing is something that moves all Cubans and they love to have you join in! |
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While in Havana, participants in our program will reside with local families in a homestay option unique to our program.
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For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Lake Forest College tuition plus a program fee. The program fee for the SSA Havana program includes orientation, on-site director, university fees, housing, most meals, and insurance. Here is an estimated budget for the Fall 2018/Spring 2019 programs:
Tuition rates and program fees are subject to change each year, but this information was up-to-date as of February 2018. We will notify applicants, and update this page if the program fee or other estimates change. You can discuss with Financial Aid your specific aid package and your expected family contribution. Keep in mind that you may spend more or less in certain areas like personal expenses, travel, meals, or airfare, depending on exchange rates and your own spending habits. Classroom or lab fees are not included in this estimate and will depend on your course registration choices. Don’t forget to apply for scholarships! A great listing can be found here. |