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Summer Abroad Cuba - On Site

Revolutionary Cuba

Accommodations  

During the first three weeks of the program in Havana students will stay in shared rooms in a local guest house. The house is located in Vedado, a vibrant neighborhood in Havana, bordered on the east by Central Havana, and on the west by the Miramar / Playa district. The northern edge of the district is the waterfront breakwater known as the Malecón, a famous and popular place for social gatherings in the city. 

During the last ten days of the program, students will travel to Trinidad, Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, and more, where they will stay in hotels. Please view the course syllabus (on the "Courses" page) to see a sample itinerary of program travel.

UC Davis reserves the right to change the accommodation location. Should this be necessary, we will arrange alternative lodging. Please note that elevators, air conditioners and other modern conveniences may not be available in all locations.

Meals

Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the guest house in Havana and the cost is included in the program fees. During the last ten days of the program, most meals will be included. Students will be responsible for purchasing all other meals on their own in nearby restaurants

Excursions & Activities

In addition to guided tours of Havana, Trinidad, Santa Clara, and Santiago de Cuba, students may visit the following sites: 

  • Viñales Valley (Piñar del Río), Las Terrazas eco-village, and the vestiges of a French coffee plantation
  • Plaza of the Revolution, Museum of the Revolution, Casa de Las Américas, Museum of the Clandestine Struggle
  • Bay of Pigs, Rebel Slave Monument, Moncada Barracks
  • Trinidad and the Valle de los Ingenios
  • Santa Clara and the Ernesto “Che” Guevara museum and memorial site
  • Santiago de Cuba
  • Santa María, Ancón, and other beaches 

Activities and locations are subject to change.

Get to Know Your Destination

Cuba is an island country in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Cuba is home to over 11 million people and is the most populous island nation in the Caribbean. Despite being the world's 105th-largest country it is one that is most instantly recognizable. Think Che Guevara murals, antediluvian American Buicks, and old men slapping down dominoes. Cuba has a way of going against the grain. It is all part of its historical make-up, part of its dynamism, part of its intrinsic beauty.

Study Abroad Advisory of Student Risk

Participation in this UC Davis Study Abroad program requires travel to and extended living in a foreign location(s) abroad. UC Davis Study Abroad endeavors to reduce and mitigate risk wherever possible.  However, the environments and risks associated with living in these locations are substantially different than those found during a regular course of study at UC Davis. All participants must download and review the following information prior to departure. Any questions should be directed to the Program Coordinator.

Study Abroad General Risk Advisory

Program Specific Risk Advisories (PDF)

Student Experience

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