approved programs

Harvard College Study Abroad Program in
Havana, Cuba
through the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies

Applications for Fall '08 due to the OIP by 3/22

The Harvard College Program in Cuba introduces Harvard students to critical issues in Cuban culture and politics, with particular emphasis on U.S.-Cuban relations, through a semester of coursework at the Universidad de la Habana. Cuba has undergone a dramatic economic transition over the last two decades, and the program allows students to experience the challenges and rewards of Cuban reality first-hand.

Harvard students enroll directly in courses of their choosing in the humanities, biological and social sciences and attend classes with Cuban university students. Program participants live in a residence six blocks away from the University de la Habana in Cuba's metropolitan capital, which boasts 2.2 million residents. Students receive ongoing mentoring and guidance from Cuban experts in a range of fields who have worked as former DRCLAS visiting scholars. Students attend arts and cultural events, participate in bi-monthly seminars with Cuban scholars, and receive advanced Spanish language training when necessary. A Harvard program coordinator based in Havana offers residential advising and student support during the semester abroad.

The Harvard Program in Cuba is part of DRCLAS' Cuban Studies Program, which is recognized as one of the largest, most diverse, and most solidly-connected Cuban Studies Programs in the U.S. and the Office of International Programs. Harvard College in Cuba Program availability is subject to the renewal of the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license that permits the DRCLAS to engage in academic exchange initiatives with Cuba.

For further program information, see the following pages:

Program Resident Director
The University of Havana
Courses at the University of Havana
Housing Information
U.S. Government Regulations
Visa
Harvard in Cuba FAQs
Contact us with questions

Required documents and application forms for Harvard Program in Cuba

Program Specifications & Requirements
Language of Instruction: Spanish
Eligibility (minimum): Junior
Language Pre-req: 6 full sem. Spanish language instruction
(incl. speaking, reading and writing)
GPA Requirement: 3.2
Terms offered: Fall only
Non-Harvard may apply? No