University of Pittsburgh
| |




program and courses
program dates
costs, expenses and financial aid
housing and meals
application, deadline, and requirements
contacts

View the Photo Gallery - coming soon


Download the Spring 2009 Brochure -
coming soon



The Program

The Center for Latin American Studies in collaboration with the University of Havana is pleased to introduce a semester long program in Cuba to begin in spring 2009, and to continue in the spring semester in subsequent years.  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 students at the University of Pittsburgh 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 CubaCuba represents the only country with a continuous Communist government for close to 50 years in the Western Hemisphere.  As a result, social, political and economic conditions are unique in Latin America.  With a strong program in Cuban studies here at Pitt, students with an interest in Cuba can achieve a comprehensive and balanced view of contemporary Cuba


Academic Program
Students will enroll for 12 credits on the Pitt in Cuba program.

Core Course
Pitt in Cuba will be organized around a core course (s) and language instruction, with students electing an additional course(s) based on availability and their interests. We are building on the model already implemented by Harvard University in their program in Havana

Language Instruction
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.

Students will also be assessed upon arrival in Havana and placed in the appropriate level of Spanish.  The levels of Spanish will be matched with the appropriate Pitt course number for the level of Spanish.  All courses will be approved by the chair of Hispanic Languages and Literatures at the University of Pittsburgh.

Additional Courses
Students will also take two additional courses, at least one of which will be from selection of offerings in the School of Arts and Humanities. There may be a second course for all Pitt students to take. Details of this course are still being finalized and will be published as soon as they are confirmed.

Program dates for the Spring 2009 program are as follows:

Depart for Cuba
late January
Arrive in Cuba
late January
Program Ends / Depart Cuba
late May

Program Costs
Spring 2009 Program fee
In-State Students
$11,250.00
Out-of-State Students
$14,750.00


Fee includes:

  • Tuition for 12 credits
  • Room and Board
  • Mid-Term Excursion
  • Airport Tranfer
  • City Tour
  • Cultural Events and Activities


Additional Expenses:

Students will need to budget for airfare, meals, books, personal expenses. Note that these prices are estimates only. Please keep in mind that personal expenses vary widely, depending on lifestyle and travel plans.

Pitt non-refundable application fee
$50
Administrative Fee $350
Visa $100
Airfare $1000
Student Residency Card (paid when students arrive in Havana $40
Additional Meals $100
Personal Expenses $1000

Students planning to extend their stay or travel extensively through Latin America after the program is finished should budget more for personal expenses.

Please visit the Scholarships and Financial Aid Page for information funding possibilities.

Housing and Meals

Students will be housed at Hotel Kohly. The Hotel Kohly is a short distance from the University of Havana by taxi or public transporation. Students will purchase a Student Residency Card upon arrival which will allow them to pay for items such as cab fares and non-tourisy restaurants using the native currency (Cuban peso) as opposed to the CUC, a currency designed for tourists.

Visit the Study Abroad Office to view a brochure of the facility. All students will receive two meals per day in the hotel's cafeteria.


Excursion

Details of the program-organized mid-term excursion will be release shortly. Continue to check this site for updates.


Application Deadline and Requirements

Application deadline for Spring 2009:

Friday, 3 October 2008

Pitt-developed program applications are available by clicking here. Students will receive notification of admission status within two weeks after the application deadline. Applications must be received by 4:00pm. Late applications will not be accepted.

Admission Requirements

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in any academic major with at least a 2.75 QPA are encouraged to apply. Juniors and seniors who have a 3.00 QPA or higher are preferred. Pitt students that do not have a 2.75 QPA will need approval from their school. If you would like to spend your final term abroad, you must also obtain special approval.

Contact Information

For information regarding the program, please contact:

Jeff Whitehead
Senior Program Manager
Study Abroad Office
802 William Pitt Union
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

phone - 412.648.2299
whitehead@ucis.pitt.edu


Back to Study Abroad Programs

last updated - 17 October 2007