Cuba Semester Program Abroad: Another Update

The semester program in Cuba has been full of activity per usual.  The recent death of Hugo Chavez provided a very unique context for learning and students were able to visit Revolution Park to observe the official mourning of his death.

The program has also made official visits to the University of Havana and the Latin American Medical School to learn firsthand about higher education in Cuba.  Students have also enjoyed coordinated exchanges with Cuban students (those studying English) at the Pedagogical Institute in Havana.

Students are traveling this week in Cienfuegos and Santa Clara for spring break.

^^At a traditional Cuban "peso" market - learning about currencies, buying power, and other everyday economic realities.

^^At the University of Havana.

^^Literacy Museum.

^^Havana street scene.

Feria del Libro y mucho mas!

As a mid-week treat last week, we got to attend the Annual International Book Fair here in Havana. I think we all went into the experience without knowing what to expect and were wonderfully overwhelmed by the gorgeous setting, myriad of book vendors, musical acts, food stand, and generally beautiful (albeit it hot and sunny) place to spend the afternoon.

This trip came in the middle of an extremely full week of programming including a visit to the Literacy Museum, a tour of the University here in Havana, a night out dancing, all of our regular classes, our weekly evening of Cuban cinema and a weekend trip to the beaches of Varadero. Needless to say, we all slept soundly last night!

--Rebekah Menning, International Resident Advisor, CGE in Cuba