Cuba-Russia Connection: Studies in Cultural Diplomacy

Cuba and Russia: Then and Now
In this course we look closely at what has shaped Russia and Cuba today. We overview the early history, looking at major events that have shaped the Russian and Cuban people, and as such, policy both domestic and foreign. We put greater emphasis on the period of 1990 to the present with an economic and sociological approach.
3 credits. This course runs five weeks, according to dates of the 6-week session.

Studies in Cultural Diplomacy
We will look more closely at key elements of Cuban and Russian culture through the lens of cultural diplomacy. Case studies and visits to live projects will expose students to various instruments and approaches in cultural diplomacy including the intersection of business and culture, tourism, education, sports and the arts. Both the inflow and outflow of culture will be examined. We will consider modern tools of communication and influence in the context of the opportunities and dangers they pose to cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.
3 credits. This course runs five weeks, according to dates of the 6-week session.

RUSS 101-102/201-202/301-302-303/401 Russian as a Second Language
Small, intensive classes focus on reading, writing, grammar, speaking, comprehension, and phonetics for 20 hours per week.
9-week option only: 80 hours (3-4 credits). Note that while a brief "survival Russian" introduction is incorporated into the 6-week program, these 80 hours take place in the final 4 weeks of the 9-week option.

This program includes extensive cultural programming outside of the classroom. Past events, in addition to film viewings and guest lectures, have often included the following:

Cuba

1. Walking tours of Central and Old Havana
2. Visit to town of Guanabacoa, Afro-Cuban culture and tasting
3. Cuban cooking class
4. Visit to the Cuban countryside
5. Cuban Missile Crisis exhibit and bunker
6. Socials with Locals: Mixers with young Cubans
7. Optional events (by interest): Baseball, boxing, fishing (on the Malecon), ballet, tobacco factory

Russia

1. Walking Seminar: Local History and Landmarks
2. Tour of the Hermitage / Winter Palace
3. Siege Memorial
4. Weekend trip to Moscow
5. Peterhof Palace and Park Ensemble
6. Socials with Locals: Mixers with young Russians
7. Survival Russian (Russian language and culture in practical situation)
8. Cultural performance
9. Special dinners
10. Optional Activities (cooking class, imperial ball, modern art)
11. Russian Museum*
12. Political History Museum*

*Applies only to those on 9-week option.

--Housing

Havana: You will live in a shared apartment in the Vedado area, close to Central and Old Havana. Breakfast will be provided at the apartment. Some other meals per itinerary will also be provided.

St. Petersburg: You will live in a dormitory with other foreign students. UNECON requires that all students live in the dormitory near campus. However, it is relatively spacious and modern, with free WiFi and laundry facilities onsite. You are responsible for your own meals during the Russia part of this program. There are equipped kitchens in the dormitory and an abundance of student-oriented cafes nearby.

--Location

Havana is historically and culturally at the heart of Cuba. With a naturally deep harbor and just a few miles from the coast of Florida, Havana has always enjoyed a geostrategic location for both shipping routes and naval strategy. International attention and ready transport routes have also given its vibrant culture more exposure to world audiences and opened the city to multicultural influences. Havana's magnificent Old City colonial, neoclassical, and modernist architecture provide a rich setting for understanding Cuba’s socio-political traditions. This is particularly important as this largest and most dynamic Caribbean island continues its integration into the world economy and international political structures.

St. Petersburg is best known for its cultural tradition and gorgeous imperial palace facades, an intriguing and creative spirit is still alive in the city today. Like the countless bridges linking it together, the city itself connects the past to present and high culture to everyday society. It is Russia's most progressive city, a "gateway" to Europe, and is a hub for education, business, culture, and tourism. The UNECON campus is located on Griboedova Canal, just behind Kazansky Cathedral and about 5 minutes' walk from Nevsky Prospect. There is plenty of shopping, cafes, and attractions nearby and it is a very easy walk or metro ride to many of St. Petersburg’s most famous museums. The University is truly in the very heart of the city center.

Click here to read a short history of St. Petersburg up to the present day from GeoHistory.
Click here to read more about what our students do while in St. Petersburg.

This program has quite an intensive schedule. If you are engaged in research related to the course topic, we can support your efforts. Volunteering, due to the split location aspect of this program, is not practical.

The program is hosted by St. Petersburg State University of Economics (UNECON). The School of Record is Stetson University (Stetson, FL).

Credit transfer to your home institution is usually possible. A US School of Record means that your program is supported by and documented by an accredited US university, making credit transfer relatively routine.

For more on transcripts, credit transfer, and other academic issues, click here.

SRAS Home and Abroad Scholars can receive up to $10,000 toward fall and spring sessions of this program.

SRAS Challenge Grants are stackable grants that can provide up to $3,500 toward this program.

Other, non-SRAS funding sources may also be applicable to this program. SRAS provides a wide list of possible outside funding sources.