Sustainability Studies Abroad in Cuba

Details and Cost

About the Program

*Application Deadline Extended to October 15th

For a number of reasons, Cuba represents a wonderful case study for the value of using the natural history, arts, media and cultural traditions as a means of encouraging citizens to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Since the 1990s, Cuba has been in the unique situation of being forced to address sustainable agricultural and environmental practices. Given the pressure to increase tourism to keep money flowing into Cuba, the need to reform industrial farming practices, and the need to address failing infrastructure after the end of Soviet assistance (called the Special Period), Cuba has made a number of dramatic decisions to move toward sustainability.

As governments around the world have found, laws and incentives may do a lot to encourage changes in daily choices toward sustainability, long-term change must use existing arts to make sustainability a part of culture. Working with the University of Havana Geography Department, as well as Artes Escenicas Cubanas (Performing Arts organization) and Cuban writers about the environment, the class will explore the complexities of sustainability with an emphasis on the role of humanities in a global context with hands-on experience.

Highlights include field trips to the following sites:

The Bay of Pigs
The Cienaga de Zapata
Organic Farms
Rio Almendares (Havana's primary water source)
Vinales and Pinar del Rio

Location	Havana, Cuba
Program Type	Faculty-Led Program
Program Term	Winter
Language of Instruction	English
Budget	View Budget
Living Arrangements	Residence-style accommodation and homestays
Additional Information	Faculty-Led study abroad programs may require group travel. Please reach out to your IAP Coordinator prior to making any travel arrangements.

Program Housing Statement: Stony Brook University is required to comply with the housing policies of the host country, partner institution and/or hotel/hostel. These policies may include requirements such as sex-based housing placement.

Requirements

GPA	2.0 or higher
Application Deadline	October 1

Candidates may be interviewed to determine their qualifications for participating and representing Stony Brook University abroad.

Academic Information
Course Information

SUS 316: Cuba and Sustainability - 3 credits

For students following the Stony Brook Curriculum (SBC) this program fulfills HUM, GLO, and EXP+. For students following the Diversified Education Curriculum (DEC) this program fulfills DEC G.

Syllabus - Subject to change

Academic Policies
- Credits earned on this program will calculate toward a student's GPA at Stony Brook University. Non-SBU students are advised to check their home university policy on grade and credit transfer.
- Students following the Stony Brook Curriculum (SBC) may request for GLO and EXP+ in addition to requirements fulfilled by their coursework.