Inside the Revolution: Life in Socialist Cuba

This course is closed for the Winter 2013 term.

UMAIE Course Number:  T3913
SAU Course Equivalency:  +IS 210, Topics in International Studies (four credits)
Instructors:  Dr. Cory Conover, Department of History, and Dr. Stephen Minister, Department of Philosophy, Augustana College, South Dakota
Prerequisites:  None
Tentative Dates:  January 3 -25, 2013. SAU Spring semester begins January 16.
Location: Cuba (Havana, Varadero, Viñales), Miami, Florida
Price:  To be determined. Range will be within $4,500-$5,500.

Program description

Cuba offers students a unique opportunity to see a strikingly different culture, one of the few remaining socialist states, and a formerly forbidden destination. See for yourself the reality and surreality of Cuban life in the ongoing socialist revolution.

We will spend three weeks based in Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but we will also travel to Cuba's premiere beach, its tobacco-growing region, and a self-sustaining eco-village. We will visit with academics, government officials, and ordinary Cubans to learn their insights into Cuba's socialist system in such areas as racism, political freedom's jobs, education, health care and food distribution, as well as their views on U.S.-Cuban relations.  The passion of the average Cuban for lofty ideals of equality and shared sacrifice will help us evaluate more critically the ethical choices behind economic systems.  You will also live the culture of Cuba through its music, dance and street life. Exploring Cuba is made easier by its extremely low crime rate and few restrictions on travelers. Recent changes to U.S. regulations have again allowed students to travel legally to Cuba.

In a unique twist, we conclude our course by visiting with Cuban-American's in Miami's Little Havana about their perspective on Cuba and their dreams for life after Castro. By the end of the course, students will be able to recognize the achievements and failures of the socialist state and how each has affected the average Cuban.

What is included

• Round-trip airfare from Moline, Chicago or Minneapolis
• Airport transfers
• Visas (if applicable)
• Transportation to most course activities while abroad
• Lodging
• Continental breakfast daily (exceptions may apply)
• Other meals (as indicated on course syllabus)
• Entrance fees for required course activities
• Planned excursions
• Administrative costs
• International health insurance
• When rail passes or entrance fees are included, they are based on the utilization of youth rates (25 years or younger) and a valid university ID will be required to be shown at the entrance. Any additional amount incurred will be the participant's responsibility

What is not included

• Passport fees
• Transportation to/from airport
• Fees for textbooks and materials
• Meals (when not included in program fees)
• Personal baggage fees

How to apply

Priority Deadline: April 13, 2012
Complete the online study abroad application and submit a $500 application deposit to the Center for International Education (300 Ambrose Hall).

Applications will be accepted until October 1.
Students that apply after the April 13 Priority Deadline may find that their desired program is full.

• Follow the application instructions carefully.
• Applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been received.
• Make checks payable to Seminars International.
• The $500 application deposit is deducted from the total program cost.
• If you are not accepted into the program, or if the program is cancelled, the application deposit is refundable.
• If you are accepted, the application deposit is non-refundable after September 17.

Payment deadlines

• November 5, 2012:  remaining balance due

Payment details

• Failure to meet payment deadlines may jeopardize your place in the program.
• Please submit your final payment to Student Account Services by November 5.
• The final payment is non-refundable after November 5.