Arcadia University announces the establishment of the Arcadia in Cuba study abroad program, as well as the first Global Faculty Development Workshop in academic collaboration with the prestigious University of Havana.

This new relationship has enabled The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University and Arcadia’s Office of International Affairs to launch new study abroad, faculty development and applied research programs in Cuba.

“The strong academic relationship now in place between Arcadia University and the University of Havana opens a pathway for many great learning opportunities for U.S. students and faculty. We thank our trustees, faculty, staff and alumni who have visited Cuba and worked with professors, business and government leaders over several years to build what we know will be a strong and enduring bridge to greater knowledge and a more global perspective for our learning communities,” says President Carl (Tobey) Oxholm III.

Founded in 1728, the University of Havana is Cuba’s premier institution of higher education with 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 15 major departments in the humanities, social sciences and sciences. It is the largest and most renowned university in Cuba, and it offers some of the best learning opportunities to U.S. faculty and students.

The College of Global Studies has developed an undergraduate study abroad program in Havana, commencing Spring 2013, offering U.S. students the opportunity to learn alongside Cuban students.

“We can now offer students the opportunity to explore the cultural and intellectual life of Cuba, while learning about the socio-political differences between our two countries in a distinctive academic environment,” said Dr. Nicolette Christensen, Vice President for The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University.

The program will be taught in Spanish, with U.S. students choosing courses from the whole catalogue of courses offered by University of Havana, in addition to a Spanish language class and the core course, Cuban-American Relations: Past and Present, which is taught by the Deputy Director of the Center for Hemispheric and Cuban-American Studies at University of Havana.

“We are broadening and deepening our scope of studies related not only to U.S.-Cuba relations but also Latin America and the Caribbean. The learning opportunities are many, both inside and outside the classroom,” says Dr. Dennis Dutschke, Founding Academic Dean of The College of Global Studies.

This study abroad program will enable students to explore the way of life in Cuba and the vibrant city of Havana, with its eclectic mix of Latin, European and American cultures, while earning credits towards their undergraduate degrees.

For more information about this exciting new opportunity to Cuba, please visit www.arcadia.edu/abroad/cuba or contact Francisco Aragón-Guiller at guillerf@arcadia.edu.

Arcadia University also launches its Global Faculty Development Workshop series in June at the University of Havana. The global series aims to spur faculty leadership in campus internationalization across the nation. The Office of International Affairs also sent a small group of freshmen—as well as several members of Arcadia’s Board of Trustees—to Cuba over spring break as part of Arcadia’s spring Preview program. A researcher from the University of Havana will visit Arcadia in April as part of continuing global engagement that integrates students and faculty in applied research. The visiting scholar will be a part of a global welcome April 28 at the inauguration ceremony for President Oxholm.

“To offer a truly global education, we need to be present in all parts of the world,” Dr. Steve O. Michael, Arcadia University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The Global Faculty Development Workshop at the University of Havana in June is a great example of the kind of enriching educational experiences this collaboration will encourage.”