15 Days in Cuba: A Unique Study Abroad Experience
By Barbara Bordon –After the relaxing of the US embargo to Cuba in 2016, the island has received a considerable number of US travelers. The University of St. Thomas organized a study abroad trip to Cuba in August, and there were several undergraduate and graduate students interested in enrolling. I was not the exception. As a student in the Master of International Business program, I was excited to experience the real change that Cuba is going through. We, as part of an American university, applied for a specific visa for cultural and educational purposes.
Cuba’s History
During our stay in Cuba, we visited several cities and villages. We landed in Havana, where we stayed for 6 days. We went to several museums, including the Revolution Museum, and we enjoyed the Cuban music. We had conferences with Cuban scholars and professors, who explained the current and historical economic conditions of their country. We analyzed the factors that lead to the opening of Cuba, and what the possible future scenarios might be for the country.
Cuba’s Economy
The Cuba economy is based on the production of sugar and tobacco, which produce products such as ron or rum and habanos or cigars. Since 1960s, Cuba has developed a strong medical sector; doctors from Cuba are well known for their expertise. Currently with the gradual opening of their economy, they aim to attract foreign investments. With the n. 118 law of 2014, the Cuban government regulated the way foreign capital enters the country. The main goal is to finance technology in the medical sector. We acknowledge that Cuba has a serious deficit in many areas: Investments in communication, infrastructure and tourism are all needed.
Cuba’s People and Culture
Cuban are a very friendly population. They are always ready to talk to foreigners, and when they can, they will ask you for some help. Help includes giving them some money or a gift. Cubans don’t have access to many consumer goods, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc.
We also visited two community projects which involved the teaching of artistic skills to the locals. They sell paintings, give musical shows, and sell local products. The revenue of the projects is distributed to the community and its members. It is a good way to contribute to the neighborhood.
In my opinion, what we enjoyed the most about Cuba was their fabulous music. In every place we would go, there was a band or a singer playing music. They have a great enthusiasm for music, and you can see happiness in their face while they play.
Exploring Cuba
After our stay in Havana, we went to the west of the island, to Pinar del Rio province and Viñales city. We visited a tobacco plantation, a reforestation project and a local community. We took a long hike; it was a good opportunity to explore the natural flora and fauna.
Our journey then continued to the east, where we stayed one night in Varadero and then drove to the city of Sancti Spiritus. It is a colonial city with a long history. Here, we had the chance to have direct contact with the local Cubans. After two days, we traveled to Trinidad, a city that was named UNESCO world heritage site. It was a very picturesque city, with a central square surrounded by the colonial houses that are painted with pastel colors. We then went to see the Museum at Playa Giron, near the Bay of Pigs, where the US forces landed in 1961 to try to overthrow the revolution.
Conclusion
I personally enjoyed our trip to Cuba very much. It was a great experience to learn how a society managed to live after almost five decades of isolation. Many self-sustainable projects were developed in order to replace the access to global markets. We learned that there are several business opportunities after this first rapprochement between US and Cuba governments. I believe that the Cubans are now ready to open their country, culture, and lives to the world and show everyone how incredible their country truly is. Finally, my advice is to travel to Cuba as soon as you can and experience it all by yourself!
UST – Cameron School of Business, MIB candidate.