College of Charleston in Havana, Cuba
Program Overview
The College of Charleston study abroad program in Havana, Cuba is designed for students majoring or minoring in Spanish, History, Political Science, Art History, Urban Studies, Latin American Caribbean Studies, and International Studies, or others who can apply this study towards their degree program.
Program Dates
February - April 2012 for Spring 2012 semester
Program Requirements
- Interested students must be degree seeking full-time students at the College of Charleston
- Students must have an overall 2.5 GPA
- Students must either already possess a valid passport, or be able to obtain a valid passport
Program Highlights
There are many opportunities for students while studying for a semester in Cuba. Some of the program highlights are that the students will be exposed to an array of cultural activities and study trips designed to encourage direct interaction with the Cuban people and explore Cuba’s rich African heritage. Classes will be taught by College of Charleston faculty and Cuban scholars from several academic institutions in Cuba through the Instituto de Filosofia in La Habana. Some classes will be held at the National Botanical Garden, the Casa las Américas, Casa de Africa and the Instituto de Filosofia among other sites.
Courses Offered
Students must enroll in at least 12 hours (4 courses) to maintain full-time status.
LACS 103: Introduction to Contemporary Cuba
POLS 321: Latin American Politics
POLS 335: The Cuban Revolution
POLS 339: Social Movements in Latin America
Opportunity for one or two Spanish language courses may be available.
Note: Students should meet with their academic advisors to verify which courses meet the requirements for their major or minor.
Program Costs
Students will pay their normal College of Charleston semester tuition, plus a program fee. The program fee of $4,950 (estimated for Spring 2012) includes the round-trip airfare from Charleston to Cuba, housing and a meal stipend, lodging and some meals during study trips, all ground transportation within Cuba (except personal trips), and entrance fees.
Additional costs beyond the tuition and program fee are: passport fees, some meals, and any personal travel and other personal expenses/spending money during the semester.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Any financial aid that a student currently has at the College of Charleston will apply like normal for their semester abroad in Cuba (ie. Life Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Academic Scholarships, Federal Student Loans and Grants, etc.). Students should meet with an advisor in the Office of Financial Assistance to determine exactly what aid a student is eligible for. Additionally, the Center for International Education awards scholarships for the semester that are worth up to $2000.
Application Process
Application deadline is December 1, 2011 for the Spring 2012 program. Students must submit a completed study abroad application to Julie Swigert (swigertj@cofc.edu), Study Abroad Coordinator, Center for International Education. Applications can either be downloaded or can be picked up in the CIE office. A $250 deposit will be posted to the student’s MyCharleston account once the application has been submitted to, and approved by, the CIE.
