Minnesota West
and Normandale Community College
Joint Faculty-led Study Abroad Program
Intercultural Communication in Havana
March 8-15, 2025
Program Summary
This immersive week-long program in Havana, with a two-day trip to the western side of the island, will allow students ample opportunity to experience intercultural communication while learning about the country’s unique history and culture. Thematically, the program will focus on the importance of the African cultural influence on modern society. Students will learn about Santeria and other religions, engage with young people on a collaborative art project, and explore Havana’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center, among many other enriching activities. Throughout the program students will stay in homestays that will allow for ample intercultural communication opportunities.
Enrollment in the required course will occur in Fall 2024 once students are registered for this program. Students enrolled as PSEO in Spring 2025 are not eligible to participate on this tour.
Faculty Leaders
MN West: Kent Dahlman kent.dahlman@mnwest.edu
Normandale: Aimee DuBois aimee.dubois@normandale.edu
Itinerary
Day 1 - March 8.
Welcome and orientation with local partner Beyond Roots
Ride in classic convertible cars
Colonial fortress for cannon ceremony
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Lunch | Dinner
Day 2 - March 9.
Beach outing
Old Havana tour
Art Factory dinner and meeting with local peers
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 - March 10.
Visit Beyond Roots store and hair salon to learn about this African heritage social enterprise
Visit the off-the-beaten path Guanabacoa neighborhood to make donations, experience local culture, and meet with community leaders
Salsa lesson
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 - March 11.
Visit to Proyecto Akokan for a traditional cuisine workshop and a meal shared with the community
Additional activities in the community TBD
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 - March 12.
Tour of coffee plantation in las Terrazas, a model sustainable community
Visit to a beautiful swimming hole
Travel to Viñales in the agricultural western part of the island
Lodging: Viñales
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 - March 13.
Visit to Viñales National Park in horse drawn buggies
Visit an organic tobacco farm
Learn how cigars are made, how coffee is cultivated, how local honey is gathered, and how local liqueur is made from berries.
Lodging: Viñales
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7 - March 14.
Return to Havana for free time
Visit museum or historical sites on your own (entrance fees not included).
Farewell dinner
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 8 - March 15.
Guided walking tour of the beautiful and historic Vedado neighborhood
Departure
Lodging: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Details
Cost
$3,190*
Includes:
International airfare
All ground transportation
All accommodation in private guesthouses in double or triple occupancy.
Meals as listed in the itinerary including one non-alcoholic beverage per meal.
Activities as described in the itinerary including entrance fees
Guide and coordinator with the group the entire program, and available 24 hours for emergencies
Carbon offset for air travel
Excludes:
Tuition
Visa cost ($100)
Travel medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance
Travel insurance with trip cancellation and interruption coverage
Activities and meals not described in itinerary
Lodging
Bed and breakfast accommodations. Double or triple occupancy. All rooms have AC and bathrooms with hot water.
Group Size:
20-23 students, 2 faculty leaders
Payment Process
$150 - non-refundable deposit per student is due to register
$500 - 2nd non-refundable deposit is due December 8, 2024
$2,540 - The balance amount is due January 8, 2025
The balance can be paid in installments monthly or otherwise, but the total amount must be paid at the latest 2 months prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
More than 90 days prior to departure: Refund excludes $150 deposit
61-90 days prior to departure - Refund excludes $650 deposit
60-31 days prior to departure - 50% of program fee refunded
30 of fewer days prior to departure - 0% refund
We recommend all participants to purchase travel insurance with cancellation coverage.
Course Information
Enrollment in the required course will occur in Fall 2024 once registered for this tour.
