Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
International Development Studies
6299 SOUTH ST. HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA | CANADA B3H 4R2 | +1 (902) 494-3814

Cuba Programmes

Explore two distinct programmes, the Cuba Intensive Programme and the longer option, Cuba Semester Programme. These programs are open to all students, not just IDS and Spanish majors. 

I. Cuba Intensive Programme

Dalhousie students visit a primary school in old Havana. (Mark Rushton photo)

Offered every April, the Cuba Intensive Programme consists of briefing sessions in Halifax and two weeks in Cuba (last full week of April until the end of the first week in May) with Facultad Latinoame-ricana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO) at the University of Havana. In Cuba, students learn about Cuban culture and society by attending daily lectures (translated into English) and visiting sites in and around Havana. Students will be required to keep a daily journal, required readings and prepare a research paper on an approved topic related to Cuban development.

The programme is described as physically challenging. It requires living in shared accommodations with basic facilities.

Cuban Culture and Society (INTD 3310.06, crosslisted with SPAN 3310.06) counts as one full credit. Prerequisites are INTD 2001.03 and INTD 2002.03 or equivalent.. SPAN 1020 X/Y.06 is recommended but not required.  This class is open to all students in their second year of study or above. 

Check out the Cuba Programme Photo Archive!

To apply, download the application form [Word]. Applications will be accepted from students in their second year and onward. The deadline for 1st round applications is at the end of January.

II. Cuba Semester Programme

Dalhousie students take in Cuban culture at a baseball game. (Mark Rushton photo)
The Cuba Semester Programme is a longer program — lasting 13 weeks — and is worth three full credits, either in IDS or Spanish. Students enrolled in their third or fourth years of the IDS, Spanish or equivalent programs will need to read, write and speak in Spanish (at least two years of Spanish or equivalent) to participate. Prerequisites: SPAN 1020.06, SPAN 2020.06 or equivalent.  Students from other Universities are invited to apply with a Letter of Permission from your home University.

Offered only in January, the Cuba Semester Programme is a collaborative project between Dalhousie University and the Facultad Lationamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO), a regional organization in Latin America for the development of social science research and post graduate studies. FLACSO-Cuba is located at the University of Havana.

The semester provides for an intense learning experience. The first two weeks are spent upgrading Spanish language skills and getting accustomed to the Cuban dialect.

From there, the next six weeks are spent learning about Cuban society: its economy, politics, environment and educational system. The classes are conducted in Spanish.

The next five weeks of the programme are set aside for exploration, travel and research. Students write a research paper in Spanish which is presented to the FLACSO faculty and the class.

The format, in brief, is:

  • Two weeks: Spanish language with FLACSO
  • Six weeks: classes with FLACSO-University of Havana
  • One week: Exploring Cuba
  • Four weeks: Research & Paper presentation

The courses taken during the Cuba Semester Programme are:

Alaya Khatkhate hitches a ride on a visit to Ciro Redondo Cooperative in Cuba. (Mark Rushton photo)

Of course, taking classes is just one part of the educational experience in Cuba. Students  board with Cuban families. This is legal housing approved by FLACSO.

To apply for the programme, download the application form [Word]. We are accepting applications now for both programmes!

Contact us

Marian MacKinnon, Cuba Programme Coordinator
494-3814
E-mail: cubaprog@dal.ca