Selection Criteria:
Pre-requisites: None
Destination:
Havana, Cuba
Program Dates:
May 3 - May 15, 2024
Communication in Cuba
Program Details
Cuba is a unique island nation that provides an excellent opportunity for students to engage in experiential cultural and academic learning. It is rich in native, Caribbean, African, and European influence. From an intercultural perspective, its history, complex blend of socialist and communist leadership as well as vibrant food, music and arts communities gives students a firsthand understanding of its influence and impact on the global community. From a mass communication perspective, limitations on digital communication, state-run journalism and media, limitations on internet access, provide insight into the influence of mass communication on culture.
Cost
Cost: $3,400 (Not including airfare)
Scholarships are available! Visit our scholarships page for more information.
Suggested Payment Schedule (This does not need to be followed exactly. It is a guide so you do not have to pay so much at the end, but you can pay as much or as little as you want so long as the trip is paid in full before you leave):
- Deposit: $500
- Dec. 1: $700
- Janurary 1: $700
- February 1: $700
- March 1: $400
- April 1: $400
Deposit: $500
Deposit is due 72 hours after registration. If not paid in that timeframe, you may be dropped from your trip.
Payments can now be made online! Visit this website for instructions on how to pay your deposit and future payments online. Charges should show on your account within 24-48 hours after registration. If you want to pay with cash or check, please pay at the Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning.
Includes: insurance, tuition, room and board, local transportation in-country, excursions, and most meals.
Not included: airfare (less expensive to purchase your own tickets), $100 entry fee required by Cuban government, passport, visa, incidentals, excess baggage costs, any unscheduled travel, and some meals.
Itinerary
May 3 - depart SLC for Havana, Cuba
May 4 - visit agricultural cooperative, explore old Havana, dinner, music, etc.
May 5- Cuban economy experience, visit Plaza Revolucion and Key sites/neighborhoods of Havana.
May 6- Discussion with state-approved media journalist, Santeria expert, Sunday festivities at Callejon de Hamel.
May 7- Drive from Havana to Playa Giron, visit the Bay of Pigs and the Museo de Playa Giron, drive to Cienfuegos, Trinidad, exploration.
May 8- Explore Trinidad, visit artist Reyniel Correl's studio/gallery
May 9-Meet Poet Luis Martinez, visit Valle de los Ingenios
May 10- Drive to Santa Clara, visit the sites and Grand Tributes to Che Guevarra, return to Havana
May 11- Visit La Corona Cigar Factory, meeting/discussion with Independent journalists and Activists, Museo de Bellas Artes
May 12- Drive to Vinales Valley, one of Cuba's main tobacco growing regions, visit a tobacco farm and learn about the production process.
May 13- Beach day, free day
May 14- Reflect, final exploration day in Havanna
May 15- depart for SLC
Academic Courses
Students may enroll in (3) of the following credit hours:
- For undergraduate students:
- COMM 4500 - Special Topics
- For graduate students:
- MPC 6500 - Special Topics
Program Directors
Dr. Aaron Atkins is an Assistant Professor of Digital Media in the Communication Department at Weber State University, loves experiential international travel, and can't say no to a good adventure. He has led or otherwise been involved in multiple student-focused study abroad programs. His teaching experience, professional experience, research, and PhD are focused on mass communication. He is responsible for the logistics and academic and experiential portions of the trip.
datkins@weber.edu
Trip Cancellations
If Weber State cancels a trip for any reason, all participants will be refunded 100% of funds paid to the school. If a participant withdraws from the program for any reason, they are subject to the refund policy found on the first page of the application. Deposits are always non-refundable, unless the program is canceled by Weber State. No refunds will be issued 30 days prior to program start date.
Refunds will NOT be given to students due to COVID-19 concerns. Before programs were canceled in 2020, every student was given the option to withdraw from programs without penalty due to COVID-19. This year students are applying, cognizant of the pandemic. Weber State will not intentionally place students into high risk situations. We will work together with Program Leaders and Departments on canceling should the destination demonstrate increased risks, be they from COVID or any other concern. As such, students must abide by the standard refund policy.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Study Abroad Office at (801) 626-8715.