"Experience Cuba" History, Culture, Tourism and Sustainability
TENTATIVE DATES:
January 2 - 17, 2013*
Application Fee
$100
Program Fee
The Program Fee includes tuition and program expenses. Click on Program Fee for details.
Airfare from Miami to Havana included in Program fee. Personal expenses are not included and are the responsibility of the participant.
Application Deadline
October 5, 2012
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students with a cumulative GPA of 2.25, including students who do not attend George Mason University.
Credits
Undergraduate
3 semester credits in Tourism 340 or 490, History 398, Honors 240 or New Century Learning 399
Housing
Double-occupancy in three-star hotels
Excursions
Too many to list!
See the itinerary below.
CONTACT: Denise Elles-Mdahuar via email or by calling 703.993.2155 or toll free at 866.468.1243. The toll free number does not accept calls from the 703 or 571 area code.
Faculty Info
Study abroad this Winter Break at the crossroads of the Caribbean in Cuba where lush mountains, verdant blue-green seas, and genuinely hospitable people offer a unique opportunity to immerse in the culture, climate, rhythm, and mystery that is Cuba!
Is what you’ve always heard about the exuberant Cuban nightlife, distinct procession of vintage automobiles, and innate creativity of the Cuban people true? Explore this question and more during your time in Cuba while staying in numerous cities throughout the island from the coast to the mountains. You’ll engage residents and fellow students in cultural exchange; visit museums; learn about biodiversity and the island’s flora and fauna; and even become actively involved in a local cultural and sustainability project!
Highlights of the trip include a stay in the magnificent and resilient city of Havana, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982; short trips to the Vinales tobacco fields; the colonial city of Trinidad; and the beaches of Varadero. Other highlights of your time in Havana may include visits to the National Museum of Fine Arts; street performances of the popular rhumba dance; and conversations with contemporary writers, artists, and film makers.
Imagine experiencing Spanish colonial architecture up close as you feel cobble-stoned streets underneath your feet. Wonder for yourself how Cubans have created such a culturally rich and sustainable oasis as you enjoy views of mountains, lush-green tobacco fields, and picturesque bays.
Make no mistake--this is not a typical study abroad program--this is Cuba!
ROUGH PROGRAM ITINERARY FROM LAST YEAR'S PROGRAM:
Wednesday |
Jan 2 |
Group Arrival in Miami (overnight stay at a Miami hotel) |
Thursday |
Jan 3 |
Depart for Havana,Cuba |
Friday |
Jan 4 |
Old Havana |
Saturday |
Jan 5 |
Visit University and UNESCO Sights |
Sunday |
Jan 6 |
Visit Valle de Vinales in Pinar del Rio |
Monday |
Jan 7 |
UNESCO Tour Las Terrazas |
Tuesday |
Jan 8 |
UNESCO Tour II |
Wednesday |
Jan 9 |
Transportation to Cienfuegos (app.5hrs.) |
Thursday |
Jan 10 |
Cienfuegos City Tour |
Friday |
Jan 11 |
Depart for Trinidad |
Saturday |
Jan 12 |
Day in Trinidad Service Learning Project |
Sunday |
Jan 13 |
Depart for Mantanzas |
Monday |
Jan 14 |
Mantanzas |
Tuesday |
Jan 15 |
Visit to the University of Havana |
Wednesday |
Jan 16 |
Havana |
Thursday |
Jan 17 |
Transfer to airport for flight to Miami |
Academic Director
Adriane Alfred is an adjunct professor from George Mason University's Recreation, Health, & Tourism Department. She has worked in the tourism industry for more than 25 years and founded an organization to teach cultural competency, Peace thru Culture. After living nine years in Central America, her unique insight and experiences in the Americas have lead her to develop two Study Abroad curriculum's in History,Culture and Tourism and Sustainable.
Dates: January 2 - 17, 2013*
You should plan to arrive in Miami at least one day prior to the program start date to arrive in Havana for the first day of the program. You can schedule your return from Miami for the last day of the program or choose to travel independently.
Do not purchase airfare until you are advised by your Program Officer.
Program Fee: $4,180
The Center for Global Education Program Fee includes:
Tuition
Roundtrip airfare from Miami to Havana and transportation from the airport to the hotel
All lodging
Daily breakfasts, one welcome dinner, and a farewell group dinner
A local English-speaking guide
All tours in an air-conditioned motorcoach with driver & guides
Pre-departure orientation
Emergency medical insurance, including medical evacuation and repatriation
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to George Mason students. George Mason students can click here to download the CGE Global Perspectives scholarship application. Mason students may also use financial aid to cover a program's cost. If you are not a George Mason university student check with your study abroad office or office of financial aid to learn more about how to cover the cost of your study abroad.
How to Apply
Consult the How to Apply section for detailed instructions. Start by completing the online application. Pay the $100 application fee.
Note that all supplemental documents are required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Contact the Program Officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.