Study Abroad in Cuba
Do you march to the beat of your own drum? Want a unique, interesting, and cutting-edge study abroad experience that few others have had? Then Cuba might just be your perfect study abroad destination.
A vibrant, lively, and culturally rich place, Cuba is the perfect destination to learn Spanish but also to be immersed in a world that seems to be frozen in time. But don’t let the antique cars fool you – Cuba is on the precipice, about to leap forward into a modern world and you can be part of it all by studying abroad in Cuba.
Language & Cultural Immersion Programs
Many study abroad programs do require intensive Spanish language courses to be taken by participants, and they place you in certain classes based on your current level of knowledge. Some programs also have course instruction in Spanish, so be sure to check this if you are not fluent or take a Spanish language course in Cuba.
Many programs offer homestays, which give students a unique opportunity to experience life as it is lived by the locals. This is also a great option since it provides a source of income for Cuban host families. Cultural immersion programs allow students to study politics, economics, art, history, and society. There’s no better way to understand the long, complicated story of Cuba.
Study Abroad / Direct Exchanges
All universities are public making education extremely accessible for Cubans and creating a highly achieving and highly literate society. Many study abroad programs to Cuba are focused on politics (since Cuba is a unique and interesting case study), international relations (because of the infamous relationship between Cuba and other countries), Latin American studies, and Spanish language studies
Havana
Havana is a lively city full of passion, color, and culture. The city’s major school, The University of Havana, is one of the oldest university in the region. Nightlife, concerts, and theater is abundant in this tropical, somewhat dreamlike city.
Though there are wonderful universities in many parts of the country, access to these institutions is rare for study abroad students.
For study abroad students, you'll almost definitely end up in Havana. That’s not to say it is the only city you will see! Be sure to travel the country during your time abroad to experience all the Cuba has to offer.
Many scholarship opportunities specifically state that the money cannot be used for studying abroad in Cuba, so definitely check that before filling in any applications. Here are a couple that allow Cuba as a destination:
- Boren Scholarship allows recipients to study in Cuba.
- FEA scholarships also do not have restrictions on students studying in Cuba.
- USAC study abroad scholarships
- More Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships »
