Photo by Rebecca Bellinger.

Fifteen graduate students, enrolled in the various specializations in SIS and with the goals of studying civil society, revolution, globalization, corruption, and other topics, will participate in “Culture, Economics, and Contemporary Politics in Cuba,” a two-week intensive program at the Universidad de la Habana, sponsored as a study abroad trip from the School of International Service. 

Associate Professor Clarence Lusane, director of the Comparative and Regional Studies program, will lead the group through site visits, focusing on historical, cultural, and educational locations. Relevant themes of the project include the Cuba Revolution, race and gender politics, and the country’s current economic and tourist status.

However, coordinating the trip has had its own challenges, according to Rebecca Bellinger, director of International Program Development.

“Because the Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations regarding Cuba have changed recently, and because of foreign and domestic policy in both the U.S. and Cuba, the logistical preparations, such as securing academic visas for the group, have been tricky,” she explains.

Warnel Lores, First Secretary from the Cuban Interests Section in DC, apprised the students of the country’s history and current political climate at the pre-departure meeting on December 14. Cuba’s unique situation has led, he notes, “to a very different way of life … our most important value of life is solidarity.”

Cuba may see itself one way, but many of the SIS participants are examining the ways in which the island nation is perceived by other countries. Rebecca Walker, SIS/MA ’12, a student in the International Communication program, plans to observe a few aspects of changing Cuban society.

“I am partaking in the Cuba program is order to untangle the myths … that are all too often splashed across the front pages of U.S. media. While there, my focus will be twofold,” she explains. “I will be looking at their impressive education system and how it has (or has not) adapted to the expanding economic market. Then I will be exploring the changing media landscape, looking into what means of communication civil society is finding most useful to convey the messages of the people.”

Projects like Walker’s will help reopen a diplomatic and intellectual channel, according to Bellinger.

“When the travel regulations changed at the beginning of this year, we knew that it was an opportunity we wanted to be able to offer our graduate students, who are studying Latin America and the Caribbean. We are pleased to reestablish our academic ties with the Universidad de la Habana, and open routes for intellectual exploration of U.S./Cuba relations.”