SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The University of Rhode Island will offer a study abroad semester-long program in Cuba for the first time next spring at the Institute of Philosophy in Havana.
The announcement comes as the United States and Cuba reopen embassies in each other’s capitals, ending a diplomatic freeze that lasted more than half a century.
Maureen Moakley, political science professor, and Richard McIntyre, an economics professor, have been working to create the program since they traveled to Cuba on a 10-day trip in January with students.
“We’re thrilled that we finally worked through the details and are able to offer our students an exciting experience,” Moakley said in a statement. “Our students will have a chance to explore a country that is undergoing incredible political, social and economic changes.”
The semester will run from February through April and offer a 15-credit curriculum in classes that include economic development and social movements in Latin America, introduction to Cuban society, politics of Latin America and political change in the Caribbean.
Students also will complete an internship of their choosing, and be exposed to Cuban culture as part of the program.
Students will attend lectures by artists, diplomats, musicians and journalists, and visit museums and other historic sites. They also will visit farms and tobacco plantations and participate in community events.
“We want students to experience not only the political and urban life in Havana, but also be able to interact on a more intimate level with Cubans in smaller communities,” Moakley said. “We feel this is a great way for students to understand the day-to-day realities of Cuban life – and the transitions in Cuban society.”
Students will live in an apartment complex in Havana that has a swimming pool and is near shops and food markets. Students will receive an allowance to buy food to prepare meals in the apartments’ kitchens.
The program is tailored to students studying economics, Spanish, history, political science, art history, urban studies, Latin American Caribbean studies and international relations.
Cuban professors will teach the classes and will work with Moakley and McIntyre to create the program.
The semester cost for in-state and out-of-state students is $6,400 for tuition and fees. Program fees, including room and board, transportation, day trips throughout the semester, insurance and visa application fees, and round-trip airfare from Miami to Havana is $7,700. Financial aid and scholarship grants are available.
Two Cuban professors who will teach courses in the program also will visit URI for several days this fall to talk to students, faculty and administrators about Cuba and the program.
For details, contact Moakley at (401) 874-4055 or moakley@uri.edu. Applications will be available Aug. 1 at the Office of International Education.
