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Eckerd Professors: Bekka Larson and Gregg Brooks
Univ. of Habana Professor: Adrian Martinez-Suarez
Although Cuba is only 90 miles from south Florida, it is completely different from cultural, political, and environmental perspectives. Environmentally, Cuba offers a wide variety of tropical terrestrial and marine environments including rainforests, canyons, rushing mountain rivers/waterfalls, unique rock formations (Mogotes), pristine coastal environments and spectacular coral reefs. This course will explore all of these environments, but will focus primarily on marine and coastal aspects, as well as how the Cuban culture has adapted to modern life while preserving their traditions and environment. We will spend approximately two weeks touring Cuba and offshore islands, experiencing its unique environments and cultures. This will be an active trip, which may at times, be physically demanding, including hiking and skin/diving. Stops will include Havana, Vinales with the spectacular Mogotes rock formations (found in only a few places throughout the world), Guanahacabibes, and Playa Larga (Bay of Pigs) for extensive coastal environments and cultural/political aspects.
Course expectations include active participation including water activities, group projects dealing with aspects of marine and/or terrestrial environments and Cuban culture. Grades will be based on participation, a field journal, exams, and a written report/oral presentation on the group project.
Application Info: See Eckerd Global Education Program for listing and application process.
Additional Application Info: If you are interested, first stop by Prof. Larson’s or Brooks’ office (GMSL 133) or schedule a meeting by contacting Professor Larson (larsonra@eckerd.edu) to get details regarding the program, travel, and getting on the "participation list" in addition to submitting your application via Global Education.
Fulfills the Environmental Perspective
Trip Info/Activities...Subject to Change
Experience the culture, history, and various environments of Cuba. How Cuban culture interacts with the environment? Similarities and differences to the US and other places in the world?
Open to All Majors.
Trip will be rustic and at times limited access to items/resources.
Open to experiencing new and different cultures and environments.
Positive attitude and adaptation to changing and unfamiliar environments, activities, schedule, and conditions.
Physically Active Trip: Water activities (snorkel/swim), possible ~2 scuba diving opportunities (not required, NOT Guaranteed)...this is NOT a "diving trip", Walking tours, Hiking (some strenuous), Horseback riding, Cave tours (confined spaces/dark), etc., etc., etc.
Activities and Schedule subject to change due to weather and logistics.
On Campus Classes before travel and after. Plan to return to campus day housing opens for Winter Term and the entirety of Winter Term.
Lodging: Dominantly Casa Particulares (like a bed n breakfast with local Cuban host).
Transportation: Bus, Cars, Horses, Boats, on Foot.
Locations: Habana, Guanahacabibes, Vinales, Playa Larga
Walking tours... cities/towns, Museums, Art Galleries, Historical sites, Cultural sites throughout Cuba. Interaction with local communities.
Snorkel/water activities (Guanahacabibes, Playa Larga). Diving (~2 dives) may be possible.
Day Trip to western tip of Cuba, caves, crocodiles, etc.
Hiking (some strenuous)... All day hike across Vinales Valley up Mogotes and through caves, Cave tour with steep climb into a Magote, Zapata Swamp and Cenotes (Playa Larga).
Horseback ride for sunrise and through Vinales Valley to caves, and other locations.
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