An important part of the Study Abroad course to Cuba is the Self-Directed Learning Project. Students identify the topic they want to explore while still in the States, then plan for site visits, observations, interviews, events, etc. during the self-directed learning time on our itinerary. In total students have the equivalent of three full days to engage in their learning activities and  prepare to share their findings with their classmates.

This activity is particularly valuable in this course for three reasons:  

• First, the course enrolls students from the MA-Organizational Leadership program, the MBA program, and the Masters in Public Health program.  Through this project, students are able to engage in learning activities that are directly related to their areas of professional and academic interest.  

• Second, the Self-Directed Learning Project requires students to go beyond the scheduled program activities to explore Havana and all it has to offer on their own.  They use the skills, knowledge, and contacts they gain through our course activities to expand their learning and confidence in ways that directly match their learning goals for the course.

• Last, students give a brief presentation on their project on our last program day in Havana.  This allows all students the opportunity to learn from one another and to significantly multiply their understanding of Cuba by gaining an introduction to their classmates' topics.

Below, find links to the reports that some of our students created from their projects.