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Pitt in Cuba

Havana, Cuba

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Program Terms:

Spring

Program Dates & Deadlines:

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Fact Sheet:




Program Type:	Panther Program	Housing Options:	Dormitory
Language Prerequisite:	4 terms of college-level language instruction	Number of Credits:	Full term (12-15)
Internship/Research?:	No	Open to Non-Pitt Students:	Yes
Language of Instruction:	Spanish	Program Length:	Semester
Courses of Study:	Film Studies, History, Spanish Language and Literature	Certificate Program:	Global Studies, Latin American Studies
Minimum GPA:	2.75

Program Description:

Pitt in Cuba

Havana, Cuba

Program Overview

Pitt in Cuba welcomes non-Pitt applicants! If you are interested in this program and are a degree-seeking student at a university in the United States, please contact Ben Pilcher (bjp10@pitt.edu or 412-383-7165) for application instructions.

Pitt's Center for Latin American Studies, in collaboration with the University of Havana, is pleased to offer a semester long program in Cuba every spring term. This program builds on the earlier summer Pitt in Cuba program and a 40-year relationship with the University of Havana.

This program aims to give university students with adequate Spanish skills the opportunity to study Cuban history, politics, health and environmental policy, economics, culture and society from a Cuban perspective while living in Cuba.

As the only country in the Americas with a continuous communist government for over 50 years, Cuba has unique social, political and economic conditions which make the country a dynamic and academically enriching study destination.

Location Information

La Habana, Cuba, is one of the 14 provinces and the capital of Cuba, and it is the leading port and urban center of the island nation. Founded in 1509, it is rich with history of the founding of the New World by Spanish conquistadors and the hope for creating a gleaming civilization. Experience Cuban music, food, dancing, culture and baseball, which is considered the national sport. The population is about 2.2 million, and you will meet people from many walks of life. Havana is a popular tourist destination, and you will be able to explore the many historically significant churches, museums, palaces, public squares, fortresses and many other attractions!

Academics

Students will enroll for 12 credits on the Pitt in Cuba program. All courses will be conducted entirely in Spanish.

Core courses- All students will take the following courses

Cuba: Civilization and Culture in the Cuban Society

Spanish Language
The University of Havana requires that students enrolled in this program have completed at least 4 semesters of Spanish language instruction or the equivalent before they apply. All students will be assessed upon arrival in Havana and placed in the appropriate level of Spanish. All courses will be approved by the chair of Hispanic Languages and Literature at the University of Pittsburgh.

Cuban Society Viewed through Cuban Film

Elective courses- All students will choose one of the following courses

Historia de America Latina y el Caribe
Historia de Cuba
Pensamiento Cubano
Jose Marti
Cine Cubano
Panorama Cubano
Literatura Espanola I
Literatura Cubana I
Estudios Afrocaribenos
Historia de la Cultura Cubana I
Literatura Cubana III
Apreciacion Litereraria II

Program Dates

Spring 2013

Arrive in Miami: 29 January 2013
Arrive in Havana: 30 January 2013
Depart Havana: 25 May 2013

Prices

All prices subject to change.

PA residents: $11,600
Non-PA residents: $16,319

Included: tuition for 12 credits, housing and most meals, mid-term excursion, airport transfer, city of Havana tour, cultural events and activities

Additional Expenses: Program deposit ($250, to be credited to your program bill), Study Abroad Administrative Fee ($400), visa fee ($100), airfare(~$1000), personal expenses (~$1000), Student Residency Card (~$40)

Students should plan to bring all funds for expenses incurred in Cuba with them in cash. The use of ATMs and credit cards is not permitted.

Airfare

Airfare is not included in the program fee for Pitt in Cuba. It is recommended that students budget at least $1,000 to cover flights. Keep in mind that many airlines charge for additional checked baggage.

Housing Information

Students are housed in a hotel within walking distance of the University of Havana. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily at the hotel. (Students with dietary restrictions should speak to Ben Pilcher prior to applying.) A variety of very affordable lunch options are available near the hotel and the University of Havana.

Students will purchase a Student Residency Card upon arrival which will allow them to pay for items such as cab fares and non-touristy restaurants using the native currency (Cuban peso) as opposed to the CUC, a currency designed for tourists.

Admissions Requirements

Minimum 2.75 GPA
Completion of at least 24 on-campus credits (sophomore standing or higher)
Good judicial record on campus
At least 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

Pittsburgh-based Staff

Ben Pilcher has been part of the SAO team in various roles since 2006. Currently serving as a Program Manager, he administers semester-long and short-term Panther Programs, including programs in Italy, Ghana, India, Cuba, and the United Kingdom, among others. A Pitt study abroad alumnus himself (Dominican Republic, 2004; Mexico, 2005), Ben enjoys helping students to realize their own dreams of studying abroad. Contact Ben Pilcher

Dates / Deadlines:

Term	Year	App Deadline	Decision Date	Start Date	End Date
Spring	2014	09/27/2013**	Rolling Admission	TBA	TBA
** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.