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Uncover the Magic of Havana: Study Abroad in Cuba!

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Ready for an unforgettable study abroad experience? Study Abroad in Cuba! Havana, Cuba’s lively capital, is the perfect destination for students who want to combine cultural immersion, academic growth, and personal development. From its iconic vintage cars and diverse culture to its breathtaking beaches, Havana offers a unique setting to expand your horizons and improve your Spanish skills. Let’s dive into what makes Havana an incredible study abroad destination and explore the fun-filled opportunities that await you in this Caribbean gem.

– Students studying Abroad in Havana with Abroadia –

Experience the Authentic Cuban Lifestyle

Havana’s year-round average temperature of 26°C (79°F), stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage create an environment that consistently surprises and delights visitors. Get to know the resilient and resourceful Cuban people as you immerse yourself in their vibrant lifestyle. Make lifelong connections and gain invaluable insights as you navigate daily life in this captivating city.

Academic Opportunities and Beyond

Studying at the Universidad de La Habana (through a top-rated study abroad program provider) offers a one-of-a-kind academic experience. Choose between Spanish language acquisition or Cuban culture-focused courses, tailored to your interests. But your learning doesn’t stop there—Havana’s bustling city life provides countless opportunities for real-world language practice and cultural immersion.

Photo of Abroadia: Havana - Cuban Culture Program

Dive into Havana’s Arts Scene

Havana is a hotbed of artistic expression, from its pulsating music scene to mesmerizing street art. Attend live music performances, visit contemporary Cuban art galleries, and admire stunning street murals as you explore the city. The city’s artistic energy will leave you feeling inspired and connected to Cuba’s cultural heartbeat.

Embrace Havana’s Nightlife and Social Scene

Don’t miss out on Havana’s nightlife, where something exciting awaits around every corner. From salsa clubs to laid-back jazz bars, you’re bound to find your groove. Mingle with locals and fellow international students, practice your dance moves, and create unforgettable memories with new friends.

Give Back to the Local Community

For those eager to make a positive impact, volunteering opportunities abound. Help Cuban students improve their English at a local school, or explore other ways to contribute to Havana’s thriving community.

Photo of Abroadia: Havana - Cuban Culture Program

Discover Cuba’s Breathtaking Beauty

Take advantage of Havana’s proximity to Cuba’s natural wonders. Explore the island’s 200 bays and 250 beaches, or venture to nearby national parks for scenic hikes. Adventure seekers can also dive into water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving to experience Cuba’s underwater marvels.

Live with a Local Family

Fully immerse yourself in Cuban culture by living with a local family. This unique opportunity allows you to gain firsthand insight into daily life in Havana, savor authentic Cuban cuisine, and form meaningful connections with your hosts.

Explore Cuba’s Hidden Gems

While studying in Havana, seize the opportunity to explore other parts of the island. Weekend trips to historic cities like Trinidad or Santiago de Cuba offer fresh perspectives on Cuban life and culture. Don’t miss the chance to visit natural wonders like Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its jaw-dropping landscapes and tobacco plantations.

Stay Active and Healthy

From public parks to dance studios, Havana offers countless opportunities to stay active and healthy. Learn traditional Cuban dance styles, practice yoga, or jog through the city’s scenic streets. With fresh fruits and vegetables readily available at local markets, maintaining a balanced diet is a breeze.

Embrace the Cuban Pace of Life

Adapting to the slower, more relaxed Cuban pace of life is a valuable aspect of studying abroad in Havana. Embrace mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment, and carry these lessons with you long after your Cuban adventure has ended.

Photo of Abroadia: Havana - Cuban Culture Program

Conclusion!

Studying abroad in Havana, Cuba, promises a life-changing experience that combines academic growth, cultural immersion, and personal development. By choosing an Abroadia study abroad program that focuses on meaningful experiences and cultural engagement, you’ll embark on an unforgettable adventure that will have a lasting impact on your future.

Whether you’re diving into Havana’s arts scene, dancing the night away, discovering the island’s natural beauty, or giving back to the local community, this vibrant city offers endless opportunities for growth and excitement. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Havana and create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

5 Reasons to Intern Abroad in Cuba

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Capitolio building Havana, Cuba with vintage old american cars

Capitolio building in Havana, Cuba with vintage American cars

With the historic visit of President Barack Obama, along with numerous other celebrities who have flocked to the “Pearl of the Carribbean”, -including The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Jay-Z and the Kardashians, to name a few,- Cuba is a trendy place to be. Here’s why you, too, should consider not only a visit, but an internship abroad on the beautiful island.

  1. Take advantage of the historic moment

After over 50 years, commercial flights from the U.S. to Cuba have started again just this year, as The New York Times reports here. There’s no Starbucks on every corner (yet) and no McDonald’s either (also yet).

For some fields, such as journalism, this is a particularly exciting time to report on Cuba. By completing a journalism internship abroad in Cuba, you can get a head-start on your future career, and return home with a portfolio of published work about a country that is continually in the news.

  1. Boost your CV with a great adventure

    TRINIDAD CUBA - SEPTEMBER 12 2015: Cienfuegos is a charming waterfront city situated on the bay of the same name.

    On the way to Trinidad, Cuba, a UNESCO World Heritage city

An internship abroad will boost your CV and increase your chances of getting hired, as a recent IES study reports. Combine that with a great adventure, traveling to a country that has

been off limits to the general U.S. population for such a long time. Those who have visited Cuba will be able to tell you it is like traveling back in time; cowboys, horses, carriages and more still abound in colonial cities like Trinidad.

  1. Gain international experience and improve your Spanish

Interning abroad in Cuba is not the same an interning back in the U.S. An article in Entrepreneur.com reported that “the average internship at home doesn’t even begin to compare to living in a foreign city, learning new things and enjoying cultural differences while gaining invaluable career experience.”

International experience can give you a head-start when it comes to future job applications. In upcoming interviews, you can cite examples of the cross-cultural communication skills you acquired when collaborating with the locals, which is particularly useful in career fields such as non-profits, international agencies, and can even come in handy at bilingual law firms, which brings us to the next point.

  1. Improve your Spanish skills
    Portrait of cuban woman in Havana, Cuba

    Portrait of a Cuban woman in Havana, Cuba

    Spanish is more and more widespread in the U.S., and in some jobs, a requirement. We particularly recommend staying at “casas particulares”, meaning family-owned homes, throughout Cuba. Here, you will have a Cuban family at your disposal at all times, allowing you to gain insight into their local culture, and helping your practice your language skills. Many of them are keen to learn English, so you could even do an “intercambio,” meaning that you speak to them in English for 30 minutes, for example, and then they speak to you in Spanish for another 30 minutes. Be curious and ask lots of questions!

  1. Experience the local Cuban lifestyle and landscapes
Camaguey Cuba old town listed on UNESCO World Heritage

Camagüey, Cuba, another UNESCO World Heritage Site

Beautiful white cabriolet vintage car before the beach in Varadero Cuba

Beautiful white cabriolet vintage car at the beach in Cuba

Cuban people are some of the friendliest in the world, as many tourists will tell you. Here’s just a few ideas for what else you could be doing in your free time in Cuba. Some internship programs, such as those we run at RGNN Academy, include many of these directly in the program:

  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Cienfuegos, Camagüey and Trinidad
  • Trace the footsteps of Hemingway in the capital Havana
  • Lay on the crystal clear beaches
  • Travel through the Viñales Valley to explore sugar and tobacco plantations
  • Try your hand at Cuban salsa and listen to Cuban music
  • Come watch a Cuban baseball game
  • Check out the classic cars in Havana and all across the island

Don’t miss this unique momento to intern abroad in Cuba! You won’t regret it!

 

About the author

Andoni Bengoechea Puigvert is the International Programs Coordinator at ROOSTERGNN Global News Network and ROOSTERGNN Academy, where he supervises the Travel Journalism & Photography Internship Seminars in Madrid, Spain and Cuba (http://rgnn.org/academy/).