Last and Next Educational Exchange Orientation Trips

The Cuba Orientation Program for study abroad administrators and faculty that

took place in June was a breakthrough success, leading to a follow-up program

October 12 - 21, 2012. 

Administrators and professors from nine US colleges and universities for the first

time held substantive meetings with rectors, vice rectors, professors and other

representatives of four regional universities in central Cuba as well as with

three institutions in the Havana area.  The second program in October will

introduce participants to potential partners at universities in the eastern part

of the country as well as in Havana.

The itinerary will include working meetings with:

* University of the East (Santiago de Cuba)

* University of Holguin

* University of Camaguey

* University of Sancti Spiritus

* University of Havana

* Higher Institute of Art (ISA)

plus

* Fundacion Nunez Jimenez for Nature and Humanity

(non-governmental organization that hosts Canadian service learning programs)

* A nature conservation park at the site of the first landing by Christopher

Columbus 520 years ago (October 28, 1492)

Participants must be full or part time faculty or staff of tertiary institutions with

a letter from the responsible official of the school that they are traveling under

a general license in order to develop a program for students receiving

undergraduate or graduate credit.  (Third party providers are welcome if they

also represent a qualified institution.)

To assure participation, a registration form and a refundable deposit of $500 is

required.  The deadline for registration and non-refundable full payment is

September 12, one month prior to departure.  However, charter air tickets

cannot be reserved without a deposit.  (FYI, seat availability became a problem

for the June trip.)

The second orientation trip will be led again by John McAuliff of the Fund for

Reconciliation and Development in collaboration with Michelle Korczynski of

Holbrook Travel.  Registration materials, the draft itinerary and costs, are

available from Michelle after July 21st.  <Michelle@Holbrooktravel.com> 

(The third stage trip is anticipated for February, focusing on provincial

universities west and south of Havana.  Potentially this will incorporate more

attention to pedagogical institutions that are the responsibility of the Ministry

of Education not of Higher Education.)

October trip was postponed until June.   February trip uncertain.

**********************

US schools participating in the June program were: 

* Central Washington University

* Marquette University

* Penn State University

* St. Olaf College

* University of Colorado-Boulder

* University of New Mexico

* University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

* Western Illinois University

* Wingate University.

They met with:

* University of Havana

* Higher Institute of Technology (CUJAE)

* University of Agriculture of Havana/INCA (Mayabeque)

* University of Matanzas

* University of Las Villas (Santa Clara)

* University of Sancti Spiritus

* University of Cienfuegos

plus

* Christian Center for Reflection and Dialog (Cardenas)

* Fundacion Nunez Jimenez for Nature and Humanity (Sancti Spiritus)

Comment by a June participant:

"I want to compliment both John and Michelle for organizing and running a great

program.  I learned a great deal and had a very good time doing it.  The

Cubans I met were all impressive folks and would all make great colleagues as

leaders of potential partner institutions.  I have absolutely no reservations

about encouraging study abroad and eventual exchange relations with any of

the universities I visited.  I think that this would be truly a mutually beneficial

relationship, if we can get things off the ground.  I'm already encouraging

strategic faculty to consider going on your Fall program."

Michael A. Launius, Ph.D.

Assistant Vice President

for International Studies & Programs

Central Washington University