Morro Castle on the coast of Havana
Once a country sealed off from the U.S., Cuba is slowly revealing the formerly untapped resources it has to offer. You can now experience this cultural revolution firsthand with our Cuba Educational Exchange, a journey that exposes students to new and exciting experiences never before offered.
As a result of the Cold War, Fidel Castro’s dictatorial reign, and decades of a less-than-neighborly relationship between communist Cuba and the U.S., Cuba has become the mythical unicorn of international travel from the U.S. Yet now that Fidel has relinquished power to his more progressive, less dictatorial younger brother, the Cuban political climate has started to shift. With that, the 50-year-old travel restrictions are slowly dissipating, making it easier than ever before to journey to Cuba and learn about this once isolated culture.
The Rev. Raúl Suarez, founder and director of Cuba’s Martin Luther King Center—a stop on Explorica’s exclusive educational exchange to Cuba—recently met with lawmakers and Obama administration officials in Washington, D.C. He was there to talk about the half-century old embargo the U.S. placed on the Caribbean communist country.
“We have always known we are very different: I am Cuban, you are North American,” the Rev. Suarez said. “We speak different languages and have different cultures. But today, through sitting here and talking together, I think we all realize how similar we are. At the core of it all, we are all human.”
A study reveals that Americans, for the most part, would actually prefer stronger ties with the island country. Political isolation for more than 50 years may have in fact helped to perpetuate an anti-capitalist ideal, rather than prevent it.
A woman dances in festive garb.
Since the induction of Raúl Castro as president in 2008, the country’s doors have slowly creaked open to free enterprise.
The Cuba Emprende Foundation, a nonprofit concerned with incubating small business in places like Old Havana (another stop on the Cuban exchange), gives people the independence to rely on themselves, rather than the state. Engage with these community members on your educational exchange for front-line perspective of the grassroots restoration in the Historic Quarter and also to glimpse into the evolving economy of this Cuban cultural epicenter.
About 30 miles outside of Havana, the Mariel port, once exclusively the exit for Cuban refugees desperately seeking freedom in the United States, will now open its wharfs to incoming world trade. In fact, with financing from Brazil’s government—$900 million or so—and a separation from state authority with PSA International (out of Singapore) overseeing its operation, Mariel represents Cuba’s biggest bet on global capitalism, writes the NY Times. It’s also indicative of a nation readying itself to share with the world economy.
Explorica offers an exclusive educational exchange to Cuba for North American students. Uncover the mysteries of this island country in the Caribbean that has been closed off from North America for more than half a century.
Cuba Educational Exchange |
Go on our Cuba Educational Exchange and unearth this island country’s vibrant culture. Engage with local professionals to learn about the industry and artistry of this uniquely self-sufficient country, and immerse yourself in authentic Cuban culture. |
