Travel Study: Introduction to Cuban History and Culture
Note: This Travel Study will take place during the 2025 Intersession.
Discover the beauty of Eastern Cuba while learning about Cuban Aboriginal people and their legacy to Cuban culture.
Welcome to Holguin, Cuba
Explore the Northern part of the Eastern region of Cuba. Experience the rich culture of Holguin, a city founded in 1545 and the fourth biggest county of the island. The county is rich in natural scenary: high mountains, fertile plains, and white sandy beaches.
SPAN 2213 Travel Study: Introduction to Cuban History and Culture
This study tour of the Northern part of the Eastern region of Cuba offers a harmonious blend of language, history, and culture. The course focuses on Cuban Aboriginal history and culture. Highlights encompass visiting various cultural sites and native settlements in Holguin County and experiencing a unique immersion into art, architecture, cuisine, literature, history, religion, music, fashion, and current events as part of a forty-hour history course at the University of Holguín. (3 credits).
This is a four-week course. The first two weeks online preparation period (May 26 to June 4) and the last two weeks in Cuba (June 6 to June 20). During the preparation period, participants will review useful Spanish phrases and will learn information on Cuban history, culture, and law (such as cannabis use) as well as expected cultural differences.
NOTE: This course has Experiential Learning components. STU students can check with the Office of Experiential Learning to find out if you qualify for financial assistance.
The course is open to everyone (18 years of age or older) for credit or non-credit. Participants do not have to be students at St. Thomas University. All members of the community can participate.
Contact Dr. Haydée Saínz Program Director hsainz@stu.ca
Travel Study Details
Required:
- A valid passport. International students need to check with their Embassy or Consulate for specific information. Participants need to demonstrate proof of travel health insurance and will be required to sign a liability waiver.
- $ 2490.60 per participant (with 10 participants) / $2758.34 (with 8 participants). Participants can audit the course and do all the daily activities for the same cost.
Cost Includes:
- Course registration
- 14 days lodging in double or triple rooms in licensed private homes that collaborate with the university of Holguín in hosting Canadian students. Clean, A/C, cold/hot water, TV. 10-15 minutes’ walk to the main park
- 3 meals per day
- Transportation to all academic activities, and to the 2 excursions included in the program
- Fees for all lectures, talks and organized visits.
- Translation from Spanish to English as needed
Not Included:
- Air transportation to and from Cuba.
- Passport/Visa International medical/travel insurance
- Transfer for students arriving individually
- Hotels (other than the private houses coming with the package)
- Additional excursions.
- Eating in restaurants, other than the ones providing meals at a lower cost/arranged by the University of Holguín.
- Drinks and beverages, bottled water
- Spending money/souvenirs, sundry expenses
Other Details:
- Payment: STU Financial Services in GMH. Cheques or Money Orders are written out to St. Thomas University
- Security deposit $ 500.00 CAD required by January 30, 2025
- Full payment is required by March 15, 2025
NOTE: If you are planning on arriving at a different date/time let the instructor know to arrange transportation and fees.
Information sessions at the Spanish Resource Center ECH 230:
Friday, November 22, 2024 at 3:00 pm.
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 10:30 am