Ramapo College Offers Exciting Study Abroad Course in Cuba this Summer

February 7, 2019 Ben Goldman Entertainment 0

Ramapo College Study Abroad in Cuba Poster. PHOTO/Ramapo College

By BEN GOLDMAN

MAHWAH – A local college is giving students a chance to learn about the history of Cuba, and take part in its culture, as part of a study abroad course on the island for two weeks over the summer.

The Ramapo College of New Jersey is offering the course “Cuba: Revolution and Evolution” this upcoming June during the school’s 2019 Summer semester. The four-credit class will be taught abroad in the Cuban capital city of Havana, where students will be given the opportunity to learn about and experience the culture of Cuba firsthand.

“Location is only one factor important in making a choice as to where one should study abroad,” said Benjamin Levy, Ramapo College of International Education/SIO and head of its Study Abroad program. “Cuba is a country in transition, which positions it as an incredible case study for students to analyze in-situ.”

“It is a unique opportunity to engage with the Cuban people and organizations, especially during this time in its history. Our Cuba study abroad programs provide students with incredible access to truly observe and analyze the complexities of the revolution from a variety of perspectives,” Levy added.

“Cuba: Revolution and Evolution” is a course that hopes to involve students in a learning experience that will enrich their knowledge on the island of Cuba, its history and changes over time (during its revolution in particular), how it functions in the global climate and with the United States, as well as its culture.

Flag of Cuba PHOTO CREDIT: Google Images.
Flag of Cuba
PHOTO/Google Images.

“Students learn about Cuba’s rich culture and history and develop an understanding of hemispheric relations,” said Professor Iraida López, professor of Spanish language and literature at Ramapo College. “They are also able to see what an underdeveloped country, with little connectivity outlets, ‘feels like. The challenge is to make students understand that while they enjoy what for them is a temporary, ‘exotic’ situation, for most Cubans it is a way of life.”

López is set to be the teacher of the “Cuba: Revolution and Evolution” course for Ramapo this summer in Cuba.

While the course is sure to be exciting in its own rite, the excitement doesn’t stop at just having class in a different country; those who apply also get treated to some incredible cultural experiences on the island. Students will get to explore Old Havana and several other well-known Cuban locales, various art and history museums such as the famous Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution), and tour organic Cuban tobacco farms that produce one of the island’s most prestigious exports. Participants will also get the opportunity to learn how to Salsa Dance with provided lessons!

With such activities included, and a course rich with knowledge about a foreign land, students are highly encouraged to apply for studying abroad in Cuba this summer.

“Being able to travel is one the most pleasurable experiences in life because each travel experience teaches one about a different culture and a different perspective on life.” Lopez added. “It teaches about how we are different and the same. Travelers leave a piece of them behind, and this makes them care for the place they just left. In my experience, one becomes a better and more informed citizen of the world.”

Despite great encouragement, there is very little increase in students studying abroad. According to the NAFSA Association of International Educators, an association for advising and admitting international education programs such as study abroad, the amount of U.S. college students who studied abroad in the 2016-17 school year grew over 2 percent, from over 325,000 students the previous year to well over 333,000. This number of study abroad students still only counts for about 1 percent of college students enrolled in colleges or universities in the country; the bare minimum to say the least.

Ramapo College Study Abroad in Cuba Poster. PHOTO/Ramapo College of New Jersey
Ramapo College Study Abroad in Cuba Poster. PHOTO/Ramapo College of New Jersey

However, college abroad programs are now becoming more diverse, targeting select countries that peak student’s interest. Along with these excursions becoming more accessible and affordable, as is the case with Ramapo College’s summer course in Cuba and various other countries, this trend of growth for these programs shows promise of escalating exponentially within the next few years.

“We are committed to increasing accessibility to ensure that all students, regardless of demographic or economic realities, academic focus or other contexts is able to realize an international experience during their tenure at the College,” Levy added.

“Cuba: Revolution and Evolution” will be provided through Ramapo College’s Study Abroad program, and is set to run this summer from June 1-16, 2019. Applications and first payments for this four-credit course are due this February.