| Term | Year | App Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 2025 | 02/05/2025 | 02/14/2025 | 05/21/2025 | 06/20/2025 |
Cinema, Culture, and Performance
May 21 – June 20, 2025
Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Program Overview
Summer in Cuba offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity for linguistic and cultural immersion facilitated by Tulane faculty experts. During this four-week program, we travel across the island, exploring the island’s contemporary social and cultural landscapes, learning from local civic and artistic leaders, and visiting important national sites. While catered to Spanish majors/minors, we welcome applications from students in all disciplines with advanced or heritage Spanish skills and a broad interest in the Caribbean, Latin America, cinema and/or theatre. By dividing time between the major cities of Havana, Camagüey, and Santiago, the program challenges students to consider Cuba beyond its iconic capital city and recognize the diversity of Cuban communities and cultures.
Cuba, an island nation rich in history and vibrant culture, offers an unparalleled study abroad experience for those eager to explore its unique heritage. From its indigenous Taino roots to centuries of Spanish colonial rule, Cuba's past is a tapestry of resilience and transformation. The Cuban Revolution of 1959, led by figures such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, dramatically reshaped the island's political landscape, giving rise to a distinctive socialist state. This pivotal moment not only altered the course of Cuba’s history but also influenced global politics during the Cold War. Today, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cuba's dynamic culture, where art, music, and social change intersect in powerful ways. Exploring the colorful streets of Havana, engaging with local communities, and studying the complexities of its political and social fabric provide invaluable insights into a nation that continues to captivate the world.
Housing
Participants will live in double-occupancy rooms in "casas particulares" (Bed and Breakfasts in private homes). Accommodations will be equipped with WiFi, shared bathrooms, bedding, towels, shared bathrooms. Hosts will provide at least 1 meal per day. The program will provide transportation to/from the airport and for all program activities.
Tuition and fees include 6 Tulane credits, Cuban visa, shared housing, at least 1 meal/day, transportation to/from airport, all costs associated with group excursions. Tuition and fees do NOT include airfare to/from Cuba, passport expenses, vaccinations, communications expenses, laundry, and other incidentals.
NOTE: Because U.S. Debit and Credit cards do not work in Cuba, students should bring enough cash to cover all personal expenses during the trip. It will be very difficult to access additional cash after arrival. Administrators will have access to lockboxes where students can store their money, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own portable lockboxes. Though Cuba is a safe country with very low rates of crime, it is best to take precautions.
Financial Aid
Summer in Cuba will offer a limited number of partial scholarships on a fully needs basis. Students will have the opportunity to opt in to consideration during the program application process. No separate scholarship application is necessary.
Students may also check out this chart of opportunities for undergraduate funding across Tulane's campus.
Registration
All registration will be processed by CCSI staff.
Tuition and fees are charged to student accounts in the late Spring. Students are responsible for making sure that the bill is paid in full according to the policies outlined on the Accounts Receivable website. Students can access their accounts through the Gibson Portal.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Applicants to Stone Center and CCSI Summer Abroad Programs are required to pay a non-refundable commitment deposit of $500.00 by the commitment deadline indicated in their acceptance letter. This deposit will be subtracted from the total program fee at time of billing. If an admitted student decides to withdraw from the program after commitment but before the program start date, the student must send written notification of the withdrawal to program administrators. This notification must be in writing and sent to sclassum@tulane.edu. The effective date of cancellation is the date this official written notification is received by the Stone Center/CCSI. The refund schedule below applies to all students regardless of the date of application or the circumstances of the cancellation.
Tulane University is committed to making all its programs accessible to all students. Persons requiring special facilities should notify CCSI Personnel as soon as possible. All effort will be made to accommodate them, but students should be aware that reasonable accommodation may be required.
Medical Insurance and Travel Emergency Assistance
Because Cuba requires proof of international medical insurance upon entry into the country, all U.S. airlines include coverage in their ticket prices. Students will therefore have access to this international health insurance while abroad.
Tulane provides students with travel emergency assistance through Crisis24. Information about this program is available through the Tulane Global website.
Both Tulane and non-Tulane undergraduate students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and have completed up to SPAN 3040 by the time the program starts. Students with advanced or heritage Spanish Skills should contact sclassum@tulane.edu to request a language evaluation. They must hold a passport valid for at least six months following the program end date.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact CCSI:
Phone: (504) 862 - 8629
Email:sclassum@tulane.edu
100 Jones Hall, Tulane Uptown Campus