MPA Students Travel to Cuba

 Several MPA students spent their fall break last semester in a unique locale: Havana, Cuba. The trip was part of the "Cuba: Complexity, Community and Change" Learning Abroad program.The program is "...designed to give student participants and unique and interdisciplinary introduction to Cuba's history, political system, socio-economic conditions and composition, and environmental policies." 

     For the duration of the trip, program participants had the unique opportunity to learn about Cuban culture by sharing meals with and staying in the homes of Cubans. The Learning Abroad group also visited Cuban historical sites, non-governmental organizations, a healthcare facility, an urban farm, and attended lectures from Cuban academics and community leaders. 

     See below to read about the MPA students' experiences in Cuba and what they learned from the program: 


    "I was thrilled by opportunity to participate in a Learning Abroad program to Cuba during my Master’s program. Spending a week in Havana, with a wonderful balance of scheduled educational programming and free time to explore was life changing. From a service project at a non-profit community garden, to working with pre-school children or the aging community, and listening to lectures from various local historians, educators and community engagement groups, each experience was enriching and valuable. This program helped remind me about the importance of global citizenry, appreciation of different cultures and truly seeking knowledge without assumptions or bias."
                                                   Allison Frost, second-year MPA student


     "I think that my favorite part of the program was traveling to Cuba and seeing all of the amazing things we learned about in class.  The most impactful and important things I learned from the course all revolved around the complex history. Every aspect of its history, culture and political relationships are complex.  What an amazing place and people!"
                                                  Brad McIlrath, second-year MPA student


     "Traveling to Cuba was an amazing experience. I have always been fascinated by the history of the Cold War and the history of socialism. The trip gave me the opportunity to learn first-hand about life in a socialist country, and educate myself on some of the mysteries and misconceptions of this alternative political system. But above all, I was blown away by Cuba's natural beauty, tasty food, and the generosity and kindness of Cuban citizens."
                                                   Todd Andersen, second-year MPA student

 

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