Closed off to the majority of Americans for the last five decades, Havana is the subject of some of the world's best songs, painting and films.  A mix of African, Spanish, American and Taino cultures, Cuba reveres baseball, dominoes, humour and speaking one's mind.  Within Havana, students will find that art of all kinds is plentiful, accessible and often free.  Beyond the tourist attractions of Habana Vieja and the resort town of Varadero, there is a world of highly educated, politically aware citizens who know above all how to make something from nothing.  

The Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria exists alongside (and often within) Catholicism, Judaism and a host of other African religions that have a uniquely Cuban twist.  At times frustrating or confusing, Cuba is always endearing, and visitors find themselves plotting their return as soon as they board the plane for home.  Students here will have a chance to see one of the last few functioning Communist states, and be able to examine the changing nature of Cuban domestic and international politics. 

The Lexia in Havana Summer Photography program is designed to give students the visual and technical photography skills to produce their own body of work. With its colonial architecture, vibrant color palate, and welcoming people, the subjects to be photographed in Havana are endless. Coursework will involve photographing daily in and around Havana, increasing students' confidence behind the lens in both informal and formal settings. Students will be exposed to multiple high level professional photographers from around the world who will join the Lexia program for a week or two at a time to teach students their craft and area of specialty. 

No prior knowledge of Spanish is required. However, language is integrated into the photography program as a conversational workshop, encouraging students to become more immersed in the culture of Havana. Social encounters with Cuban artists, as well as organized field trips, all contribute to a greater understanding of Cuba.