While on your educational program in Cuba . . .

Do the Following . . .

• Listen carefully to all health and safety information during your in-country orientation. 

• Carry a copy of your passport (photocopy or copy on your phone) at all times. Only keep your original passport with you when changing money, going to the U.S. Embassy, or if otherwise instructed by your Cuban guide or CGEE leader. 

• Stay close together when your group is out in public, and always travel in groups of two or more. 

• Always ask permission of a person before recording or photographing. 

• Be conscious and cautious about what you say in public (including airplanes, airports, restaurants, and hotel lobbies). There will most likely be people around you who will understand English. Also, North Americans tend to speak in louder voices, so be aware of your volume and lower your voice. 

• Be respectful of resource people, even those with whom your views differ. This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid asking the “hard” questions, just ask them in a respectful and non-confrontational way. 

• Be respectful of other members of your group. Before asking multiple questions of resource people, look around to see if other people have questions. Remember that people have varied learning styles and may need more time before asking questions. You are part of a learning community and not simply an independent traveler. 

• Drink a lot of purified water to maintain good health. When the weather is hot, you will dehydrate much more quickly! The CGEE leader will help you find sources of safe water.

 Don't . . .

• Photograph military personnel or military installations. In Cuba, airports and bridges are included in this prohibition. This is true for U.S. immigration and customs areas as well. 

• Leave suitcases, bags, or purses unattended, even for a minute! 

• Handle large amounts of money in public. Know how much you have and where it is. 

• Wear flashy (or any) jewelry, watches, bulging pockets, or expensive-looking sunglasses that might attract pickpockets and thieves. 

• Disclose the daily schedule or names of resource persons and groups of which you may be aware. This information should not be given either to "friendly strangers," to other resource persons on the program, or to anyone outside of your group. If you want to ask someone about information provided by another resource person/organization, find a way to do this without mentioning the other person/organization (e.g. "I read before I came that. . ."). 

• Flush toilet paper down the toilet. It will clog the septic system. Instead, dispose toilet paper in the wastebasket next to the toilet.

Your group will have an orientation upon arrival in Cuba. You will receive additional information and have the opportunity to ask questions at that time. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the information above, call the Customized Programs staff at CGEE: 612-330- 1662.