Havana, Cuba | Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish

Havana

The city of La Habana, founded in 1514, and named after a local aboriginal chief, is Cuba’s cosmopolitan capital. Havana was once one of the most prosperous ports, and the third most populous city in the Americas. A beautiful city, with idyllic landscapes, captivating bays, and a rich, diverse culture, Havana is the site for an ideal learning experience.

Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish
Deepen Your Spanish in the Heart of Cuban Culture! 

Immerse yourself in our Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish program in Havana, Cuba, tailored for a semester-long journey. This program is meticulously designed for students aiming to escalate their Spanish proficiency while immersing themselves in the intricate cultural, historical, and social tapestries of Cuba.

Program Highlights

• Advanced Spanish Instruction: Engage in intensive Spanish language courses aimed at enhancing fluency and comprehension of sophisticated linguistic constructs.
• Rich Academic Offerings: Delve into deeper topics of Cuban history, literature, politics, and art, all instructed in Spanish to broaden your academic and cultural outlook.
• Direct Enrollment at La Universidad de La Habana: Experience true academic immersion by enrolling directly in one or more regular courses alongside local Cuban students. This direct enrollment ensures a comprehensive integration into the university setting, providing full access to campus resources and immersion into the university community. Our on-site resident directors support each student with course selection, registration, and provide a tutor for academic assistance.
• Immersive Cultural Experiences: Step beyond the academic confines to embrace Havana’s vibrant cultural heritage through guided excursions, events, and personal interaction with the local populace.

Havana’s unique fusion of historical depth and cultural vibrancy provides the ideal setting for students aiming to refine their Spanish while delving into a rich Liberal Arts curriculum. Our Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish program is tailored for those eager to confront academic and cultural challenges in one of Cuba’s most iconic cities.

Living in Havana

• Language: Language in Havana, Cuba, reflects its rich history, with Spanish being the predominant language, interwoveshredded beef) and Moros y Cristianos (black beans and rice) tantalizing taste buds. From paladares, privately-owned restaurants, to vibrant street food stalls, Havana offers a diverse gastronomic experience that celebrates the island’s rich culinary heritage.
• Cultural Immersion: Immersing yourself in Havana’s culture means embracing lively music, dance, and the warmth of its people, participating in local festivals, and discovering the rhythm of daily life in this vibrant and resilient city.

Housing
Casa Particular - Host Family
Staying in a casa particular with host families in Havana, Cuba goes beyond mere accommodation; it offers a unique opportunity for students to deeply immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture. Beyond the comfort of these homes, the real magic lies in the personal connections forged with the hosts. Many students find themselves exchanging stories, learning about Cuban history, and even partaking in local activities recommended by their hosts, creating lasting memories that extend beyond the duration of the stay.

These casas particulares are strategically situated in various neighborhoods, providing convenient access to Havana’s historical sites, cultural gems, and local experiences. The homes offer comfortable rooms, shared spaces for socializing, and the chance to savor homemade Cuban cuisine prepared by the hospitable hosts. From breakfast featuring tropical fruits to dinner showcasing traditional dishes, guests get to experience the rich and flavorful Cuban cuisine in an intimate setting.

Rest assured, our team carefully selects each casa particular to ensure a safe, welcoming, and enriching experience for a memorable stay in Havana.

Cultural Activities
Your program in Havana offers more than just academic enrichment; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Cuban culture. The cost of your program includes a variety of cultural activities and outings, thoughtfully curated by our Resident Director to enhance your experience. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you in Havana:

• All-inclusive program-sponsored study trips: Visits to locations such as Old Havana, the Museum of the Revolution, Farmers' Markets, grassroots community centers, jazz, salsa and hip-hop concerts and a day trip to Las Terrazas.
• Welcome to Cuban Flavors: Start your adventure with a friendly welcome dinner, where you’ll savor local dishes like Ropa Vieja and Moros y Cristianos , connecting with fellow students and our local team.
• Ceremonia del Cañonazo at Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña: Experience the nightly cannon-firing ceremony at this historic fortress, providing a glimpse into Havana’s military history.
• Explore the Cultural Highlights: Stroll through the four main squares of Old Havana, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco, and Plaza Vieja, each with its unique charm and historical significance. Wander through the grand Craft Stores to witness and purchase exquisite Cuban handicrafts, providing an opportunity to support local artisans.
• Night at the Ballet: Attend a spectacular ballet performance, showcasing the grace and artistry of Cuban dancers, deeply rooted in the country’s cultural traditions.
• Gastronomic Workshops: Delight in an immersive culinary experience with a Cuban cooking workshop, where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes and savor the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine.
• Giving Back: Engage in a day of volunteering at a social project, contributing to community initiatives and gaining a deeper understanding of local challenges and efforts.
• Museum Visits: Indulge in Cuba’s rum culture with a visit to the Rum Museum, exploring the history and production process of this iconic Cuban spirit. Appreciate Cuban and international art at the Museum of Fine Arts, home to an extensive collection spanning from colonial times to contemporary works.
• New Connections: Partake in cultural exchanges through activities like enjoying a snack at a literary café, watching Cuban cinema, indulging in ice cream along the Malecón, and experiencing a vibrant night at Fábrica de Arte.
• Fiesta Finale: Wrap up your stay with a delightful evening of local cuisine and perhaps even join in on local musical activities or festivities.

Please note that while most activities are included in your program’s cost, some may require a small additional fee. Availability of activities can vary depending on the program schedule.

Fields of study

• Anthropology
• Art and Art History
• Cuban Culture, History, and Literature
• Caribbean Studies
• Film
• Economics
• History of Ibero-American and Caribbean Culture
• Humanities
• Latin American Culture, Film, Literature, and Society
• Linguistics
• Mathematics 
• Philosophy
• Politics
• Sociology,
• Spanish Language

Academic Requirements

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Successful completion of two semesters of advanced college-level Spanish or the equivalent

Program Inclusions

• Tuition 
• Room and board
• Health insurance
• Study tours and excursions
• Local activities
• On-site support
• Transcripts

Contact       
SSA Education Abroad
433 West Street
Suite 8
Amherst MA, 01002
tel: (413) 256-001
email: info@ssabroad.org
website: ssabroad.org