¡ Ay, Cuba !

Global Minds Institute, in partnership with La Universidad de la Habana, presents a course and curriculum that concentrate on four key learning objectives.

Learning Objective 1: History of Cuba
Since the Columbian Landing in 1492 which foresaw the annihilation of the indigenous Community until the onset of the Socialist Revolution of 1959, Cuba has been under the control and influence of a succession of external forces which have informed its politics and culture. Whereas United States Common Core Curriculum adopts a U.S.-centric approach to Cuba and the Americas as a whole, GMI, by contrast, will bring groups to Cuba to actively learn the Cuban perspective from its academicians and communities, directly and on-site.

Learning Objective 2: Culture of Cuba
The confluence of ethnic inputs and communal experiences in Cuba have resulted in a unique and multifaceted culture which is authentically fathomed and experienced on the island. The confluence of African, Spanish, indigenous and other influences inform Cuba’s national values and popular expression across all media and life events, including but not limited to religion and art in all its forms. The aesthetics and impact of the unique Cuban culture is truly gauged through an immersive experience.

Learning Objective 3: Socialism-Communism
Popular discourse of the socioeconomic spectrum in the United States is generally dominated by mass and social media, and consequent misunderstandings permeate throughout its society. This course compliments US curriculum on socialism and communism by immersing participants in one of the world’s most deeply socialist societies while closely examining the complexities involved. Despite influential American Socialist historical figures such as Eugene Debs, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior, and even Senator Bernie Sanders, current United States high school curriculum depicts socialism and communism at abstract levels such as distribution of wealth and means of production. Such terms are loosely and rarely comprehended at the pre-university level. Hence, experiencing deep socialism firsthand in a state governed by a national communist party is indispensable and irreplicable. The American populace is systematically misled to believe that socialism-communism is predicated on stifling Independent thought and expression rather than correcting centuries of injustice and ensuring essential social services such as education and healthcare to all citizens in perpetuity. In order for United States citizens to successfully demand and achieve fundamental shifts in its governmental policy vis-à-vis Cuba and abolish the embargo which is counterproductive to all, the aforementioned understandings must be reached through authentic experience and interaction as well as instruction by Cuban academicians.

Learning Objective 4: Respeto a la Determinación
Cuban steadfastness to core values and perseverance in the face of imposed adversity is best fathomed by outsiders experientially through meaningful interaction with the Cuban people. Classroom instruction on its own is limited in illustrating Cuban ingenuity and celebration as expressions of independence and defiance.

We will tour the region, chronicling Cuban history and closely examining how it fundamentally informs current events and future prospects. Most of our mornings will be with faculty and peers at La Universidad de la Habana, with the balance of the day conducting fieldwork. A variety of recreational activities and very much fun are of course part of the experience. Open to students, educators, and other groups. No background on the subject is necessary. Fuego!