The University                                  

The University of Habana was founded in 1728. It is the largest and oldest University in Cuba. The university is located in the Vedado area of Habana, a safe and attractive neighborhood. It is said that the University of Habana’s history is very much linked to that of Cuba as a country. The history of the university is rooted in various scientific, political, and cultural events that are of importance to Cuba as a nation. About 8,000 students attend the university which offers degrees in numerous disciplines.

The Program

This program allows students to study at the leading university in Cuba.  This is a direct enrollment program which means that participants will take classes and exams alongside Cuban students. It is a unique opportunity to learn firsthand and gain an in-depth comprehension of Cuban history, society, culture, and politics.

This program is designed for serious and mature students who want to experience and learn for themselves about a nation-state that is following an alternative economic, political, and social model to that of the United States.

The Program License                               

For over forty years, the United States has enforced an economic embargo against Cuba. This means that U.S. citizens may not legally travel to Cuba unless they are "licensed" by the United States Department of the Treasury. The State University of New York at Oswego has been licensed by the Department of the Treasury to conduct an on-going, structured, full-time, academic, credit-bearing, semester program that allows degree-seeking, full-time Oswego students to study legally at the Universidad de La Habana.

Program Dates

• Fall - late August - late December
• Spring - February - June

The Courses

Courses will be offered in the following fields of study:

• Anthropology
• History
• Philosophy
• Sociology
• Spanish language and literature

Housing and Meals                                     

Students will be lodged (double or triple occupancy) at a residence within walking distance or a bus ride from the University of Habana. Most meals are included in the cost of housing. In addition to the meals provided, there are nearby inexpensive cafeterias and restaurants where students can eat on a daily basis, including on-campus snack bars.