Cuban’s History of Cuba

Cuba

Duration 10 days

Suggested group size 12 - 20 students / 2 Envoys Field Staff

Suggested ages 14 - 18

Experience World Affairs & Information Bias

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Conflicting Narratives: A Cuban’s History of Cuba

Cuba

In this educactional trip to Cuba, we explore Cuba's intricate developmental history, embracing the beauty of complexity through the eyes of different Cuban people as well as our senses and emotions. We learn from and share experiences with Cubans as we travel between urban and rural areas, weaving a tapestry of group knowledge about Cuban identity. More importantly, we think critically about how we see Cuba and how Cuba sees the world.

“Music of the streets tells tales of revolution and resilience. “

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“An island where time seems to sway to the rhythm of salsa and history.“

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Impact Statement Everywhere we go, we carry a promise – to engage with respect, act with purpose, and leave a positive imprint. As envoys of our journey is more than travel; Our footprint is light, but our impact is profound, creating bridges of cooperation and mutual growth across the globe.

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Day 1

Students depart from their home city to begin their journey to Cuba. Students arrive in the afternoon or evening and have a safety and security briefing over dinner before heading to their casas particulares.

Day 2

We head to Havana Vieja for a guided tour of the Cuatro Plazas. Next, we head to lunch in Vedado, visit the Kcho Art Gallery and the Jaimanitas neighborhood where we explore José Fuster’s art. Our day ends at the San Carlos de la Cabana Fortress for the famous 9 o’clock cannon ceremony.

Day 3

We visit Proyectongo, a non-profit that supports artistic expression, and visit Finca Vigia before lunch. We engage in our first cross-cultural interaction with a group of local youth, using baseball as a bridge between language and culture. The day ends with a beautiful sunset at the malecón.

Day 4

We explore Cuban art at the Fine Arts Museum and engage with elderly individuals at Iglesia La Merced, delving into conflicting narratives of Cuban history. The afternoon involves interaction with local students, providing diverse perspectives. The day concludes with a lively salsa lesson.

Day 5

We leave Havana in the morning, stopping for lunch and a discussion about the Bay of Pigs Invasion. After marveling at Cueva de los Peces, we visit the Museum of the Bay of Pigs invasion. In Cienfuegos, we explore the city in small groups before dinner, followed by a debrief on the day's themes.

Day 6

We head out to a botanical garden, where a guide provides historical context for the diverse plant life. Later we explore downtown Cienfuegos, learning its colonial history and modern changes. In the afternoon we visit the Terry Theater and engage in a soccer game with local youth.

Day 7

We make our way to Trinidad, one of the best preserved colonial cities in the Caribbean and visit a former sugar plantation run using slave labor. After lunch, we have a guided tour of Trinidad. Later, students design a survey based on their own lines of inquiry and execute empathic interviews.

Day 8

After a briefing on Leave No Trace, we travel to Topes de Collantes, exploring the revolutionary terrain and a coffee farm. A hike leads us to Caburní waterfall, where we lunch and swim. Late in the afternoon, we arrive in Trinidad for rest and have dinner.

Day 9

In Trinidad, we explore a pottery workshop run by a local artist family before returning to Havana for our final night. In the afternoon, students engage in a scavenger hunt at Mercado San José and later come together for our closing ceremony were we appreciate the enriching experience we've had.

Day 10

In the morning, we wake up and have breakfast before heading to our rooms to pack our things and check out of the hotel. Depending on flight times, we head straight to the airport before lunch.

Highlights

Lenses of Inquiry

CUBAN HISTORY VS. CUBANS’ HISTORY

Students realize the sheer complexity of Cuba as a place, an idea, an identity, a pawn, a memory, and so much more. We confront our own a priori knowledge of this place with how distinct Cuban people and Cuban communities understand their country.

MUSIC, ART, AND LITERATURE

Students explore how Cuba's music, art, and literature reflect the country's unique history, culture, and politics, shaping Cuban identity and national pride over time. This inquiry deepens our understanding of the cultural significance in Cuba's history and future of the country.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CUBA

Students explore how social media impacts Cuba's society and politics, examining its role in political discourse and activism. They compare this to their home countries, gaining insights into the opportunities and challenges it presents for individuals, organizations, and the government.

FAQS

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At Envoys, we work to unite and educators from around the world to explore issues of global significance.

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Do I need a visa to travel this destination?

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Envoys is not a licensed insurance broker. However, families can easily request a quote and purchase insurance through our partner, Trawick International. Click here to get a quote. For assistance or any questions that may arise regarding insurance, you can contact Trawick international at 1-888-301-9289 or by email at info@TrawickInternational.com Non-US citizens are only legally allowed to purchase Safe Travels USA Comprehensive or Safe Travels International Cost Saver insurance plans from Trawick International.

What currency is used, and how can I exchange money?

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The program maintains multiple lines of communication with the school, families, and Envoys main offices. The expedition will be equipped with local and international cell phones, a GPS transponder, and two-way radios. Program leaders will follow strict protocols to maintain a consistent flow of information. To ensure families are able to follow our trip, Envoys has custom-built a proprietary online platform to facilitate mobile uploading of information. Staff upload photos, videos, and postings feeds to the platform multiple times each day.

What vaccinations or health precautions do I need?

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No one can guarantee freedom from harm, including accident, injury, illness, or death. A degree of risk is inherent in this program, as well as in all travel and outdoor activities. Potential hazards include severe weather, public disorder, interactions with non-program participants, lack of medical facilities, exposure to disease, and transportation accidents. Mental health issues may also be exacerbated through the stresses of a new experience.

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