Global Experiential Learning

Environmental Justice in Cuba, Spring 2024

Join a 15-day global experiential learning adventure in Cuba!

 

Travel Dates

• Monday, April 8, 2024 (arrive in Havana, Cuba) 
• Tuesday, April 23, 2024 (depart Havana, Cuba)

Program Description

Theme: Environmental Justice in Cuba

This program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and sustainable development of the Cuban context, while learning about Culture, Social Justice, Interculturality, and Global Perspectives.

Through immersive experiences, academic rigor, hands-on experiences, community engagement, workshops, discussions, and reflection, participants will delve into the complexities of environmental challenges to contribute to local efforts toward a more just and sustainable future, as well as being advocates for positive change in both local and global contexts.

Program Highlights

3 Cities: Havana, Playa Girón, and Viñales

• Environmental Justice Seminar
• Cultural Activities & Field Trips
• Casas Particulares (Family Guest House Program)
• Local Immersion
• Community Service Opportunities

Program Objectives

• Study Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) using a holistic and immersive approach
• Discover Cuban Culture and Perspectives
• Foster Global Citizenship and Cross-Cultural Skills
• Participate actively as a responsible tourist for more sustainable Community Development
• Engage in meaningful Service Learning and Community Service Activities
• Promote personal growth and adaptability
• Develop skills in critical analysis and media literacy
• Empower advocacy and change

Program Faculty

Kathryn Maurer, Ph.D. (Anthropology & Global Studies)

Program Host

Foothill College is partnering with CELEI Regenerative Education in the program design and infrastructure of this Spring 2024 Cuba program. 

Participant Options: For-Credit & Not-For-Credit

Participants who select the “For Credit” option will enroll in 6 units of coursework in a short-term Spring 2024 session through Foothill College. Classes will continue online upon return from Cuba through May 3, 2024. 

Participants may also select a Not-For-Credit option through Foothill College Community Education without enrolling in the coursework. Not-for-credit participants will be invited to attend all lectures and activities embedded in the for-credit courses, but will not be required to complete the readings and assignments, and program participation will complete upon program departure from Cuba.

Courses Offered (For-Credit Option)

• GLST 2 Global Issues (4 credits)
• SOSC 79 Introduction to Community/Civic Engagement (1 credit)
• ANTH 55 Applied Cultural Anthropology Field Methods (1 credit)

Application and Costs

As part of the application process, please complete the interest form to tell us a bit more about yourself. If you meet the initial program eligibility criteria, we'll provide the official program application.

Pre-Application Interest ForM

Program Cost, Fees and Deadlines 

• Application deposit (applied towards program fee): $100
• Application Deadline: Rolling deadline. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until program is full. Application closing date: February 29, 2024. 
• Remaining program fees for for-credit Foothill students: $3850 (total $3950) + Enrollment Fees (see below) 
• Remaining program fees for not-for-credit Community Ed participants: $4650 (total $4750)
• Final payment deadline: February 29, 2024.
• Enrollment Fees & Tuition (for-credit only): Variable by units and residency status – see Student Fees & Tuition

Program Components

Included in program fees

• Pre-departure and on arrival orientations from CELEI program coordinators, including a comprehensive participant information packet with culturally relevant information for appropriate and safe travel to/from and within Cuba
• Faculty-led lectures and seminars, field trips, integrated experiential (out-of-the-classroom) learning opportunities in places of great cultural and ecological interest
• Workshops with local experts, e.g. scientists, artists and activists 
• Service learning/volunteer opportunities 
• Guided activities including city tours, heritage site visits, hiking, horsebackriding, and snorkeling
• Cultural immersion experiences, including guest stays in family homes
• Accommodation in double rooms (an upgrade to single occupancy may be availble) and half board (full breakfast and dinner) 
• Airport transfers in Havana and all in-country transportation as part of program itinerary
• 24/7 emergency support

Optional (additional fees required)

• Group Flight. Option of joining a group flight from SFO-Havana, departing SFO on the evening of April 7 and returning to SFO on April 23 for $615 RT (fees may increase or decrease slightly at time of purchase). Reserve your space early! 

Not included in program fees

• Airfare and visa/license for entry to Cuba
• Any meals not listed above
• Medical insurance (required) and travel insurance (recommended)
• Personal spending money
• Foothill tuition and enrollment fees (for-credit students only) 
• Anything else not named above

Program Eligibility

Open to adults of all ages and experiences who:

• Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Are able to travel to Cuba (hold/able to obtain a U.S. passport or a passport from a country with eligible entry to Cuba)
• Are ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Questions?

For more information, please reach out to the Office of Global Experiential Learning at globalexperiences@fhda.edu