Study Abroad in Havana, Cuba!
Donation protected
Hi Friends, Family, & Supporters,
My name is Sullivan, but most call me 'Sully'. I am an undergraduate International Development Studies (IDS) student at UCLA, finishing up my Junior year of studies. I will be traveling to Cuba this summer, June-July (2016) for an incredible study abroad opportunity through the Political Science & Sociology Department at UCLA.
I work part-time and receive some financial aid, but the school does not cover summer tuition, and living in Los Angeles is not cheap! Unfortunately, due to the fact that Cuba was still listed under the "travel warning" section on the State Department website during the scholarship application process, I will not be receiving any financial aid.
I will be taking two classes while in Cuba:
1. PS 119: Special Studies in Political Theory: The Role of Political Thought in Cuban and Puerto Rican Independence Movements.
I'm especially excited about this course because most of my research in Cuba has been focused on the mid 1900's to now with the overthrow of Fulgencio Bautista during the Cuban Revolution headed by Fidel Castro, with the help of Che Guevara and some other key actors. Some of my more specific research has been focused on Cuba during the "Special Period" following the Soviet Bloc collapse in 1989.
2. SOC M178: Sociology of the Caribbean.
I am interested to learn more about the genocide of native populations by colonial powers. Also, to study the many forms of servitude and slavery characterized by the subjugation of these individuals and countries which is a key determinant of their current political and economic status.
Expenses:
The $7000 that I am hoping to raise will cover almost all of the expenses for my trip. The cost for the trip is $6300, which covers flight, housing, tuition, and 2 provided meals a day. However, the trip fees do not cover books or leisure expenses, and that is why I'm hoping to raise a little extra spending money for museum visits, travel around the island, the third meal that is not provided, and possibly some gifts/souvenirs.
I also have to find a sub letter for my apartment for the month, and if I am unable to secure someone, I will have to pay for rent while I'm gone which is an additional $1100 out of pocket!
I feel like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. Seeing that the frameworks of the trade embargo being lifted have not yet completely sorted out, the Cuban border isn't fully open for U.S. travelers. I'm excited to go now, and am hoping to experience some of the authenticity of Cuban culture because in the next 5-10 years I can only imagine how the boost in tourism will affect the island.
Thank you so much for reading this, donating, and/or sharing! I am planning to set up a blog while I'm in Cuba so that you all can see photos and hear stories of my day-to-day encounters.
For those who are interested, I have provided a link below to the website which describes more in depth detail of the specifics of the program.
http://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/Sociology-PoliSci-Cuba
My name is Sullivan, but most call me 'Sully'. I am an undergraduate International Development Studies (IDS) student at UCLA, finishing up my Junior year of studies. I will be traveling to Cuba this summer, June-July (2016) for an incredible study abroad opportunity through the Political Science & Sociology Department at UCLA.
I work part-time and receive some financial aid, but the school does not cover summer tuition, and living in Los Angeles is not cheap! Unfortunately, due to the fact that Cuba was still listed under the "travel warning" section on the State Department website during the scholarship application process, I will not be receiving any financial aid.
I will be taking two classes while in Cuba:
1. PS 119: Special Studies in Political Theory: The Role of Political Thought in Cuban and Puerto Rican Independence Movements.
I'm especially excited about this course because most of my research in Cuba has been focused on the mid 1900's to now with the overthrow of Fulgencio Bautista during the Cuban Revolution headed by Fidel Castro, with the help of Che Guevara and some other key actors. Some of my more specific research has been focused on Cuba during the "Special Period" following the Soviet Bloc collapse in 1989.
2. SOC M178: Sociology of the Caribbean.
I am interested to learn more about the genocide of native populations by colonial powers. Also, to study the many forms of servitude and slavery characterized by the subjugation of these individuals and countries which is a key determinant of their current political and economic status.
Expenses:
The $7000 that I am hoping to raise will cover almost all of the expenses for my trip. The cost for the trip is $6300, which covers flight, housing, tuition, and 2 provided meals a day. However, the trip fees do not cover books or leisure expenses, and that is why I'm hoping to raise a little extra spending money for museum visits, travel around the island, the third meal that is not provided, and possibly some gifts/souvenirs.
I also have to find a sub letter for my apartment for the month, and if I am unable to secure someone, I will have to pay for rent while I'm gone which is an additional $1100 out of pocket!
I feel like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. Seeing that the frameworks of the trade embargo being lifted have not yet completely sorted out, the Cuban border isn't fully open for U.S. travelers. I'm excited to go now, and am hoping to experience some of the authenticity of Cuban culture because in the next 5-10 years I can only imagine how the boost in tourism will affect the island.
Thank you so much for reading this, donating, and/or sharing! I am planning to set up a blog while I'm in Cuba so that you all can see photos and hear stories of my day-to-day encounters.
For those who are interested, I have provided a link below to the website which describes more in depth detail of the specifics of the program.
http://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/Sociology-PoliSci-Cuba
Organizer
Sully Hope
Organizer
Santa Monica, CA