Arcadia Trustees Look at Cuba

Posted: Thu, Mar. 8, 2012, 3:01 AM

Arcadia trustees to try out travel-abroad programs

By Susan Snyder

Inquirer Staff Writer

Arcadia University has long been known for its global education program, which results in more than 80 percent of its students studying abroad at some point - one of the highest percentages of any school in the country.

Now, that distinction has been extended. The university's 34-member board of trustees voted at their meeting this month to study abroad, too, at some point over the next three years.

They will participate in one of the university's seven- to nine-day "preview" courses for freshmen and entering transfer students.

The first group leaves this weekend for one of three destinations: Cuba, Mexico, and Ireland. The seven trustees have taken preparation classes with students at the Glenside campus since the semester started and studied the course materials.

Abroad, they will continue to study with and stay where the students stay, and that's not in four-star hotels, said Arcadia president Carl "Tobey" Oxholm III. They will be living among the locals and absorbing the culture, not following the tour-book recommendations.

"There's going to be dirt and wind. It's not going to be the prettiest thing," he said.

Trustees chair Margaret Wright Steele, a 1980 graduate, said trustees would critique the programs.

"This is not a frivolous thing," said Steele, 63, the retired president of Perez-Steele Galleries Inc. "We're really quite serious about it. This is our reputation, and we want to make clear that we take pride in it all the way around."

Steele, of Ambler, will go to Havana for the course "Myths and Realities," exploring U.S.-Cuban relations.

Trustees will pay for their own travel and expenses. Steele estimates that the trip will cost her about $3,000.

For years, trustees who are on the university's international programs committee have gone abroad to see Arcadia programs. They thought their colleagues should have the same experience.

"They said, if we really are going to be known as a global university and mean it, everyone ought to do it," Oxholm said. "I was really proud that they decided to make it an expectation for all of them."

All trustees elected to a four-year term will have to complete the abroad experience within their first three years.

"We want to be able to report back to our fellow trustees about what's going on," said John E. Riggan, executive chairman of Innovare Advisors, an investment fund.

Riggan, 71, of Mount Airy, will be going to Puebla, Mexico, for a service learning course on the Toltec and Aztec ruins and culture. He's an old hand at international travel, having spent time in the Peace Corps and having worked in internationally focused businesses.

More than 360 freshmen and third-year transfer students will be traveling to 17 locations for this year's preview courses. Among them are 18 students whom trustees agreed to fund with scholarships so that they could afford to participate.

The university requires students to immerse themselves in another culture at some point during their undergraduate experience. Most do so by going abroad.

Trustee Clair M. Raubenstine, a retired accountant who formerly served as executive vice president of PHH Corp., joined the board of trustees because of its global commitment.

"It's really important for students in today's global environment to experience travel outside of the United States," said Raubenstine, 70, of Huntingdon Valley.

He and his wife will go to Ireland for the course "Two Irelands, One Island," which looks at the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. To prepare, they've gone to Friday classes with students since the semester started.

Other trustees who will be traveling next week include:

Joycellen Young Auritt, '71, a psychologist, to Mexico.

Patricia DeBow, '02, a strategy consultant at Accenture, to Cuba.

Hugh G. Moulton, retired executive vice president of Unisource Worldwide Inc., to Cuba.

Babette Senker Krug, '68, a retired teacher, to Cuba.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/141850083.html

Collette Vacations Expands Offers

Collette Vacations Offers Second Tour to Cuba

March 01, 2012 10:09 PM

Collette Vacations is offering its second tour to Cuba. Collette Travel Service has been issued a license by the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which authorizes its registered guests under the auspices of Collette to legally travel to Cuba, to participate and engage in a full-time schedule of authorized educational exchange activities in Cuba, which will involve interaction with people in Cuba.

Prior to departure, Collette will provide clients with a Letter of Authorization to confirm their legal travel status, the authorized travel agenda and activities, and your recordkeeping responsibilities. Clients will spend seven nights in Havana, visit an organic farm in Pinar del Rio and explore the architectural heritage in Matanzas.

The Heart of Cuba tour, with departure dates from May through November, includes a walking tour through the four main plazas of Old Havana, a visit to the National Aquarium in Havana for a dolphin show and workshop with divers to learn about Cuba’s marine conservation efforts, a meeting with an organic farmer and his family while going on an informative tour of their harvest in Viñales, and a visit to the Afro-Cuban Religion museum in Guanabacoa to learn about the religious practices of the island.

Collette Vacations is also offering Rediscover Cuba -- A Cultural Exploration, which includes stays in Havana and Trinidad and a visit to Cienfuegos. Both tours offer visits to the Ernest Hemingway House, Finca Vigía (Lookout Farm), a meeting with a Cuban family in their own paladar (a privately owned and operated restaurant) for dinner, listening to live traditional music and a lecture on the instruments used to produce the distinctive “Sounds of Cuba,” and going to the Casa Fuster, the colorful home of José Fuster, where one of the artist’s apprentices or even the artist himself will be on hand to talk about his work, inspired by Antoni Gaudí, a notable figure in Spanish architecture.

http://www.travelpulse.com/collette-vacations-offers-second-tour-to-cuba.html

Society of International Business Fellows Trip Report

Cubans ripe for economic opportunity

Liberalized travel rules for U.S. citizens give glimpse of island's beauty

1:36 AM, Feb. 14, 2012 

I was prepared for the travel hassles (mostly in Miami) and for the revolutionary slogans and signs, even the lack of toilet paper, but my most compelling impression of Havana upon arrival there for the first time a couple of weeks ago was the beauty, and poor condition, of the historic buildings.

This is a European-style city on a grand scale (think Barcelona without the beaches and first-class restaurants), but it was sad to see such a wonderful built environment literally crumbling. Yet, the spirit of the people and the vibrancy of the culture made our five-day sojourn a very pleasant experience.

Our group, members of the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF), consisting mostly of business people from the Southern U.S., traveled under the aptly named “people-to-people” visa that is part of the recent travel liberalization under the Obama administration. This visa allows U.S. citizens traveling through the auspices of licensed tour operators to engage in humanitarian, educational and cultural exchanges with the Cuban population. As tourism grows, there will be additional resources for badly needed renovations; tourism revenue is dedicated to this purpose in Old Havana. The Cuban people are optimistic that they will be able to rebuild the city, but we were not given official timetables or budgets for the work.

Despite the dilapidated surroundings, our hotel was very nice, the meals offered little variety, but mojitos were prevalent as we followed in the footsteps of Papa Hemingway, reveled in the fabulous music, art and theater, rode in ’50s-vintage U.S.-made cars, and enjoyed great cigars, with a warm welcome afforded us everywhere.

Developing “people-to-people” relationships with our American neighbors to the south was a truly rewarding and special part of the trip; though it is hard to say if or when those relationships will become helpful in the development of business opportunities for U.S. firms. Lack of Internet access and restrictions against photographing living conditions testify that Cuba is still a closed society. There are a few small, privately owned businesses. Even the great cigar companies are state-owned and move production among each other’s factories. Some foreign interests, mostly Chinese and Venezuelan, but also some French and Canadian companies, are able to do business there, usually in joint ventures with the government.

There is a will and determination among the Cuban people that, if unleashed, could provide a spark for economic growth and opportunity. For the most part, however, people work for the government at very low wages, but with free, apparently good-quality health care, and without taxes and insurance. There is a shadow economy in which supplemental incomes are earned that demonstrates the initiative of the people.

Opening of the economy is occurring incrementally — individuals have recently been given the freedom to buy and sell homes, for example. Significant obstacles remain, of course, including history, politics and hard feelings, but under proper conditions, the human and natural resources of Cuba could support a new revolution — one of economic opportunity with improved quality of life and hope for the future.

J. Chase Cole is an attorney with Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120214/OPINION03/302140014/Cubans-ripe-economic-opportunity

Portland, OR and Visalia, CA Business Groups

Come visit Cuba, says the Portland Business Alliance. Pack euros, not dollars.

Published: Thursday, February 02, 2012, 2:36 PM     Updated: Thursday, February 02, 2012, 3:16 PM

 By Richard Read, The Oregonian 

Communists and capitalists take note: The Portland Business Alliance is offering members the chance to visit Cuba, a nation long difficult for Americans to experience. 

The travel brochure is enticing -- even if it misspells Ernest Hemingway's name -- with photos of old Havana and 1950s American cars. "Experience Cuba," it says. "A chance of a lifetime -- nine days in Cuba brought to you by the Portland Business Alliance." 

The price is hardly socialist at $3,299 per person (plus a $600 single supplement), not including domestic flights between Portland and Miami. 

It turns out that a growing number of U.S. organizations, including chambers of commerce, are allowed to offer people-to-people exchange programs in Cuba. The Business Alliance, greater Portland's chamber of commerce, is partnering with Chamber Explorations, a California venture that specializes in travel for chamber members. 

For years, U.S. leftist organizations have found ways to get Americans to Cuba via Mexico and Canada. But now the Multnomah Athletic Club, that Portland bastion of athletic enterprise, is also offering a Cuba trip to its members. Travelers will stay in hotels such as the Meliá Cohiba and the Meliá Habana Libre. 

Shoppers on the Aug. 2-10 trip can bring home souvenirs. But Cuban cigars, rum, coffee and communist literature are subject to confiscation upon return, given the continuing U.S. trade embargo. 

And don't plan on using U.S. credit cards or traveler's checks. 

"The best currency to take with you is the euro," the fine print says, "not the U.S. dollar." 

-- Richard Read, twitter.com/ReadOregonian

Discover Cuba With The Visalia Chamber

Posted: Feb 03, 2012 1:33 AM EST

By Rich Rodriguez

VISALIA, Calif. (KMPH) -

Travel to Cuba has always been a political hot potato.

Recently the Obama Administration eased the restrictions on travel to Cuba and a Visalia Chamber group is set to head to Havana in June.

Imagine nine days and eight nights for you to discover Cuba. The Visalia Chamber's official unveiling isn't until February 15th but Lisa Salazar says people are already signing up. "Typically Visalia is a last minute town. People wait until the last minute to sign up but this trip has generated so much interest."

The Obama Administration is responsible for the renewed interest. Former President George W. Bush cut off travel in 2003 but President Obama kept a campaign promise from 2008. "It's time to let Cuban Americans see their mothers and fathers and their sisters and their brothers," President Obama said.

The Treasury Department grants so called "people to people" licenses. Those licenses expand travel opportunities for Cuban bound visitors. "It's very important that we help open up space for the Cuban people so they can work on the grass roots democracy that is necessary to move Cuba to a better future," said Dan Restrepo, President Obama's senior advisor on Latin America.

The Chamber's nine-day trip which begins in June will start in Old Havana. "

"There's quite a few UNESCO World Heritage sites that they'll take a look at. Bay of Pigs Museum, go to Ernest Hemingway's farm and see where he wrote Island's in the Stream and The Old Man and the Sea," said Salazar.

Travelers will also tour sugar plantations and get their hands dirty with pottery making demonstrations. The price for nine days discovering Cuba is $3,900 per person, double occupancy. It includes air, hotel and meals.

The Visalia Chamber will hold an informational slideshow February 15th at noon. The presentation will be held at the Chamber office.

http://www.kmph.com/story/16667307/discover-cuba-with-the-visalia-chamber

Orientation Program for Study Abroad Staff

   
Times, sequence and content subject to change

Holbrook Travel  Higher Education Orientation Program in Cuba 
led by John McAuliff, Fund for Reconciliation and Development

June 15 ‑ 24, 2012

                                                                                                                                     

6/15/2012  Miami            Airport Hotel                                              D

Dinner in Miami with Cuban American friends.  (Airport Hotel cost is not included)

                                                                                                                                     

6/16/2012  Havana         Tryp Habana Libre                                     D

           

7:30 a.m. check in for charter flight from Miami to Havana and transfer to our hotel. Lunch on own.  2:00 p.m. Gather for an orientation meeting with Dr. Rafael Hernandez, to discuss social and economic renovation in Cuba and in-depth programs available for students visiting Havana.  [Director of Temas magazine and 2011 visiting professor at Harvard and Columbia Universities] 4:00 p.m. Dr. Carlos Alzugaray will give a presentation on US‑Cuba relations.  [Former diplomat and 2011 visiting professor at Queens College, CUNY] Afterwards, walk to La Rampa, Copelia Ice Cream Palace, Malecon and the Hotel Nacional. 7:00 pm Dinner at La Divina Pastora restaurant (with guests) on the flank of fortress and       witness the cannon firing ceremony.

                                                                                                                                     

6/17/2012  Havana         Tryp Habana Libre                                     BLD

9:00 a.m. Walking visit of Habana Vieja guided by an architect from the Office of the City Historian, ending at the Capitolio.  12:30 p.m. Lunch with guests at Yoruba Cultural Association and see a sanitaria religious exhibition.  2:00 p.m.  Visit Finca Vijia, home of Ernest Hemingway. Stop at an agricultural market and shops opened by the  self‑employed (cuenta propistas) to preview field visits suggested by Rafael Hernandez. 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening (with guests) at a performance of Opera de la Calle at it
'
s dinner theater El Cabildo.

                                                                                                                                     

6/18/2012  Havana         Tryp Habana Libre                                     BLD

9:00 a.m. Attend a briefing at the Ministry of Higher Education (MES) on Cuba’s university system, including presentations by representatives of Havana schools as appropriate to interests of participants. Have lunch with the staff of MES and          presenting universities. (list below) 1:30 p.m.  Divide up for visits to the campuses of presenters or to universities under other ministries.  4:00 p.m. Meet at the museum and office of the Fundacion Nunez Jimenez for Nature and Humanity, a       non‑governmental institution dedicated to research and promotion of programs for the protection of the environment as it relates to culture and society and host of US student groups. 7:30 p.m. Dine at Paladar La Moneda de Cuba (with guests), then continue on to the rooftop terrace of Elsa Maria's home for an evening of Cuban music.

                                                                                                                                     

6/19/2012  Matanzas      Villa Tortuga Hotel Varadero                      BLD

8:00 a.m.  Depart Havana for Matanzas Province. Stop briefly at Cojimar, “site” of Hemingway’s The Old Man and The Sea.    11:00 a.m. Visit the University of Matanzas and have lunch with professors and administrators.  2:00 p.m. Drive   to Cardenas to meet with the Christian Center for Reflection and Dialogue (CCRD), an independent non-governmental organization,  which has hosted international student groups, to learn about its role in the community.  See its organic farm, biogas generator, and computer education program.  Dinner with staff and friends at CCRD followed by a local cultural program.

                                                                                                                                     

6/20/2012  Santa Clara  Los Caneyes Hotel                                     BLD

9:00 a.m. Depart for Santa Clara.  12:30  Have lunch with administrators and professors of the Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas and the Medical School.  Visit campuses and the Che Memorial.  As time allows, visit           Parque Vidal and the square of the 12 families that moved from Remedios to found the city.  Dinner with guests.

                                                                                                                                     

6/21/2012  Sancti Spiritus   Hotel Los Laureles or casas particulares  BLD

8:30 a.m.  Depart for Sancti Spiritus.  10:00 a.m.  Visit the permaculture organic farm training and research project and museum of the Nunez Jimenez Foundation for Nature and Humanity (FNJ).  12:30 p.m. Lunch with FNJ staff   2:00 p.m.  Meet administrators and professors of the Centro Universitario de Sancti Spiritus (Marti Peres) and visit the campus.  7:00 p.m.  Dinner with guests from the university.

                                                                                                                                     

6/22/2012  Cienfuegos   Hotel Jagua                                               BLD

8:00 a.m.  Depart for Cienfuegos, stopping for refreshments at the Torre de Manaca Iznaga.  12:00 noon. Lunch with administrators and professors of the University Carlos Rafael Rodriguez, followed by a visit to the campus.   3:30 p.m.  Visit a      community project, hosted by Arq. Iran Millan, Director of Cienfuegos Office for City Conservation and Restoration.      6:00 p.m.  Dinner at a seaside paladar and casa particular Finca Los Colorados.

                                                                                                                                     

6/23/2012  Havana         Hotel Ambos Mundos                                BD

8:00 a.m. Depart for Havana; lunch on own, afternoon for assisted self-directed time (museums, performances, special interest appointments, artisan market, etc.) 6:30 p.m. Farewell working dinner at Atelier paladar; later evening free.  (Hotel Ambos Mundos was Ernest Hemingway’s residence prior to Finca Vijia)

                                                                                                                                     

6/24/2012  Miami                                                                              B

7:30 a.m.  Transfer to the airport for charter flight to Miami.

Land Costs: 

Per person in double occupancy:                       $2,550.00

Single occupancy supplement:                          $225.00

Cost includes: local Cuban guide, all items as indicated in the itinerary such as meals, accommodations, speakers, entrance fees, and group transportation; tips for guide and driver.

Cost does not include:  individual tips, tourist card for entry into Cuba, bottled water, departure tax of approximately $27 USD (25 CUC’s), and other items of a personal nature. 

Price is based on a minimum of 10 participants. If fewer than ten enroll, a surcharge will apply.   

Air Costs   (to be confirmed): 

Estimated price per person:                                   $ 650.00

This price is based on current availability and pricing which is subject to change until ticketed.  The price includes a Cuba Tourist Card and required insurance. 

Air cost does not include connecting flights from home gateway or hotel at the gateway.  Holbrook Travel is happy to assist with flights from your home gateway or you may make your own arrangements.    

    

Due to the time of departure from and return to Miami, this trip will likely require an overnight at an airport hotel on the outbound portion of your trip.  John McAuliff will be staying at the Miami International Airport Hotel, located within the terminal building.  Rooms at this hotel can be reserved for $170 per night including tax.  If you prefer another hotel, be sure that you are at airport check-in desk by no later than 7:30.

Please contact Laurie McLaughlin at Holbrook Travel at 800-451-7111 to discuss your air options or email Laurie@holbrooktravel.com. 

Important Notes & Requirements: 

This program is currently available only for participants who qualify for the general license for faculty and staff developing a student program for credit at a tertiary institution or who have a general license for professional research.     

Before purchasing any connecting air tickets that are non-refundable, wait until you are contacted to confirm we have a guaranteed minimum number of participants.  A minimum of 10 participants will be required for the trip and payments will be refunded if the trip cannot take place. 

Due to the short preparation time for this program, participants who wish to confirm participation must send full payment by May 1 to guarantee a hotel in Miami and onward flight to/from Havana.  After May 1, payment is refundable only if FFRD and Holbrook cancel the program.  

Optional travel/trip cancellation Insurance is strongly recommended

                                                                                     

See www.travelinsured.com or call Holbrook at 352-377-7111

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

Tertiary Institutions Located in the Province of Havana

(Not all listed will be included in the program.  Meetings will try to address the  interests indicated by participants on the registration form.)

Under the Ministry of Higher Education

Universidad de Habana

Universidad de Ciencias Informaticas

Polytechnic Institute "Jose A. Echeverria" (CUJAE)

Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agricolas (INCA)

Universidad Agraria de la Habana

Instituto Superior de Diseno

 

Under other ministries

Universidad de Ciencias Pedagogicas Enrique Jose Varona

Universidad de las Artes (ISA)

La Escuela de la Medicina Veterinaria

Universidad de Ciencias de la Cultura Fisica y el Deporte "Manuel Fajardo"

Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de la Habana

Escuela Latinamericana de Medicina

Centro de Ingenieria Genetica y Biotecnologia

Centro Nacional de Rehabilitacion "Julio Diaz"

Acuario Nacional Cuba

For further information, contact John McAuliff, jmcauliff@ffrd.org, 914-231-6270.   Our goal is 15 to 20 participants.  Holbrook Travel is encouraging enrollment by April 16th to assure participation.  Full payment is due May 1.  To obtain a registration form, contact Michelle Korczynski <Michelle@Holbrooktravel.com> or call 1-800-396-0763.

Gilbert, Arizona, Chamber of Commerce

Gilbert Chamber offers 9-day Cuba excursion

by John Stanley - Feb. 16, 2012 02:05 PM

The Republic | azcentral.com

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is organizing a nine-day excursion to Cuba this fall.

"This is really a unique opportunity for people to see Cuba before the tourists take over the experience," said Sarah Watts, spokeswoman for the Gilbert chamber. "It's a chance for travelers to go someplace new."

Although the trip is being organized by the Gilbert chamber, there's no business or commercial purpose, according to Watts. "It's nothing more than a travel opportunity," she said.

While Watts acknowledged the possibility that some people may have philosophical issues about traveling to a communist country, she saw no reason for them to object to others making a visit.

"We understand if people don't want to make a trip like that," she said. "But that's up to the individual. Americans are interested in knowing about other cultures and we're providing that opportunity."

Tempe and Glendale chambers found demand for their trips to Cuba so strong that they scheduled a second excursion.

Chamber Explorations, a California-based travel agency working with the Gilbert and other chambers to organize the trips, received permission for the trips from the U.S. Treasury Department, which authorizes registered guests to visit Cuba legally.

The Gilbert chamber's trip begins Oct. 2 and includes six nights' stay in Havana and two nights in the town of Trinidad.

A representative from Chamber Explorations will go over the itinerary and answer questions about the trip's logistics and paperwork at a March 2 meeting hosted by the chamber. The meeting is open to anyone interested in the trip and people do not have to commit to going in order to attend the briefing. They are asked to register for the meeting in advance by calling the chamber.

Highlights of the trip include a visit to an assortment of museums, including the Bay of Pigs Museum, a botanical garden, a sugar plantation and a trip to Finca Vigia, the house that Ernest Hemingway owned from 1940 to 1960.

Travelers also will visit the Catedralde la Havana. Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier once described the cathedral, built in 1748, as "music turned to stone."

And what trip to Cuba is complete without a visit to a cigar factory?

The travel package includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Havana, plus eight nights in first-class hotels, 21 meals (daily breakfasts, seven lunches and six dinners), daily sightseeing excursions and sundry admission fees, modern bus travel, baggage handling, driver and guide fees, a Cuba entry visa, Cuban medical insurance and all taxes.

The trip will cost $3,779 per person, based on double occupancy. Travelers can opt for single occupancy for a $600 supplemental fee. The trip also will serve as a fundraiser, with $300 of each package going to the chamber, Watts said. There is a deposit of $500 per person to secure a spot. Final payment is due 75 days before departure.

Cuba travel meeting

When: 5:30 p.m. March 2.

Where: Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 101, Gilbert.

Registration: Requested.

Details: 480-892-0056, gilbertaz.com.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/2012/02/15/20120215gilbert-chamber-plans-cuba-excursion.html#ixzz1mwJKbV1r

Business Students Visit From Florida University

Stetson international business students head to Cuba

 March 5, 2012 12:05 AM

A group of Stetson University students from the international business department left Saturday to go to Cuba over Spring Break.

Bill Andrews, chairman of the management and international business department at the DeLand university, and another professor took nine students for a week from the junior seminar "Business and Culture in Cuba" to experience the country firsthand.

The group plans to spend five days in Havana and two days in the historic Cienfuegos area. They will meet with a number of government and business leaders from Cuba; officials from the U.S. government and students from the University of Havana. Historical and cultural sites are on the agenda, too.

In preparation, the class studied Cuba's history, politics and other areas. Andrews has traveled to Cuba twice before, in 2003 and with Stetson graduate students in 2004. But travel restrictions were tightened shortly thereafter.

Andrews said students will be learning in person the relationship between Cuba and the U.S., the changing economic situation and the concept of social justice.

"It makes for a natural laboratory," he said about the trip.

Students will get "on the ground experience," he said, by talking with Cubans and listening to various government briefings.

The students when they return plan to share what they learned with others on campus.

Alisa Ring, 22, of Lake City, a business management senior, said this is her second trip to Cuba after going with a church group in 2009. But she didn't know as much as she does now and did not get to spend time in the city of Havana.

"It's an awesome opportunity to be able to go as students," she said on Friday before leaving. "I'm excited to get to see all the places we've talked about and be able to connect the stories that we've learned and heard of through our readings."

-- Compiled by Education Writer Deborah Circelli

http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/west-volusia/2012/03/05/stetson-international-business-students-head-to-cuba.html