PSU Study Abroad: Grad Students, Cuba, Fall Term!

[Christine Cress]

Join us in Cuba in fall term, Dec 2026! 

Cuba: Governance, Community and Contradictions

All PSU graduate students are invited to join this week-long community focused immersive course in Havana, Cuba. This will be the 5th time this course will be offered in the past decade. It builds on a strong PSU graduate student history of scholarly inquiry (see Hatfield Graduate Journal of Public Affairs for former Cuba course students' published scholarly efforts!) The course and international travel provides students an opportunity to experience Caribbean culture and people unlike ANY other in the world - and have some serious fun too! This program is open to all disciplines and taught in English. Spanish language is not required. 

The program blends academic inquiry with experiential learning, including visits to social enterprises, health clinics, cultural institutions, urban agriculture projects, and community organizations. Students confront the contradictions embedded in Cuban society—such as innovation within scarcity, centralized policy alongside grassroots creativity, and rich cultural heritage within constrained economic conditions. Daily structured debriefs support students in analyzing governance frameworks, public-sector leadership approaches, and cross-cultural community engagement.

This short-term global experience enhances students’ understanding of comparative governance, public service, and international policy environments. Participants strengthen their analytical and collaborative skills while gaining first hand insight into how Cuban history, political structures, and community networks shape contemporary life. Through dialogue, observation, and critical reflection, students develop a nuanced understanding of governance in an international context and return with tools to navigate complexity, ambiguity, and contradiction in their own professional fields.

Details:
- Fall Term, PA 544, 3 Graduate Credits
- Travel dates: December 13-19, 2026
- Course fee of $3,880 includes graduate credits, home-stay accommodation, ground transportation, breakfasts, lunches and nearly all dinners, and all activities. Does not include flight.
- Applications are open now
- See flyer and find more information, info session dates, and application here

Upcoming INFO Sessions

• January 20th @ 4:45pm via Zoom
• February 11th @ 4:45pm via Zoom

Please contact Program Advisor Autumn Cowell (alumna, Cuba course 2023) to schedule an advising appointment or for more information at facul...@pdx.edu, or 503-725-5076.

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Kevin Kecskes, PhD

Professor, Department of Public Administration

"Making a difference together through public service"

Mark O. Hatfield School of Government

College of Urban and Public Affairs

Portland State University

kecs...@pdx.edu