Comparative Studies: Uruguay and Cuba Summer Session

Study abroad Summer 2023 for eight weeks, beginning in Montevideo, Uruguay and continuing to La Habana, Cuba, for a comparative Latin American studies program ideal for any student and of particular interest to health, gender and Spanish language students.

Experience Uruguay's vibrant, progressive and thriving culture and contrast it with Cuba's political and historical complexities, evolution and stunning natural beauty.

Take immersive studies focused on business, language, or health during the five-week Montevideo program.
Participate in intriguing courses on gender and culture, healthcare, or government during the three-week La Habana program.
Learn the dances of both cultures, savor the flavors of the different regions and enhance your Spanish language skills through various course offerings.
Rely on our seasoned Uruguay and Cuba Resident Director, Sebastian Bombi, who will be your daily guide and local resource in both Montevideo and La Habana. Sebastian will also accompany students on the group flight between locations.

Some additional key features the programs offer include:

Explore the Spanish, Italian, and African influences of the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay, visit Buenos Aires and Palacio Legislativo, and travel to Iguazu Falls on the Optional Tour.
Surround yourself with stunning natural beauty, Caribbean flair and old-world Cuban architecture.

Program Cost

$8,410* includes homestays in both locations and a $300 combination program discount.

*Program fees, prior to the applied discount, are $3,980 for the Montevideo session and $3,980 (plus $750 for housing) for the La Habana session, and are paid separately.

Program Dates

Summer Session I - Montevideo (5 weeks)

May 20, 2023	Departure from the U.S. (students on optional tour)
May 21	Arrival in Montevideo & move into program housing
May 22-27	Optional Tour - Buenos Aires & Colonia del Sacramentao
May 27	Departure from the U.S. (if not on optional tour)
May 28	Arrival in Montevideo & move into program housing (if not on optional tour)
May 29	Mandatory orientation \| First day of instruction
June 29	Last day of instruction
June 30	Final examinations
July 1 2022	Move out of program housing \| Montevideo segment ends
July 1 2022	Return flight to the U.S. or Depart for Havana if continuing on to USAC’s la Habana SSII

Summer Session II - La Habana (3 weeks)

July 2, 2023	Arrive in La Habana & move into housing
July 3	Mandatory orientation \| First day of instruction
July 20	Courses end
July 21	Final examinations
July 22	Move out of housing \| Program Ends
July 22	Students depart Cuba (if not on optional tour)
July 23-28	Optional tour - Southern Cuba
July 29	Optional tour students move out of housing & depart Cuba

Montevideo Summer Session Overview

Students will have the option of taking one or two courses (3-7 credits) in areas of studies such as entrepreneurship, health, Latin American studies, and Spanish language. Students have the option to live in apartments or to practice their Spanish and get fully immersed in the culture by living in a homestay. With Sebastian, you can go on the overnight tour to Buenos Aires or attend the field trip to Palacio Legislativo the site where the Uruguayan parliament meets.

Course Details for Montevideo

See Full List of Courses and Descriptions

Spanish for Health Professions; Social Dimensions of Health and Enviroment
Government and Politics in Latin America
Latin American Women's Voices and LGBTQ+ in Latin America
Start Ups and Entrepreneurship
Intermediate Spanish, Spanish Composition, and Spanish Conversation
1-credit cultural enrichment courses in Dances of Latin America and Latin American Cuisine

La Habana Summer Session Overview

Trying some new treats in Cuba

Students will take 3-4 credits in Latin American politics, gender studies, Cuban culture, health, or Spanish and will live in apartments during their stay. Field trips to Terrazas Eco Community, Santa Maria del Mar Beach, and Revolution Square are also planned with Sebastian.

Course Details for La Habana

See Full List of Courses and Descriptions

People and Cultures of Cuba, and Dances of Havana and the Caribbean
The Cuban Health Care System,
Latin American Social Revolutions, and Contemporary Women's Activism
Spanish Conversation

Application Deadline: April 1, 2023

Apply Now

On-Site Staff Resident Director for Uruguay and La Habana Programs

Sebastian Bombi, a native of Uruguay, is the Resident Director for the Montevideo and La Habana programs. He has worked for USAC since 2003, first as program staff in Costa Rica and now as the RD of the Cuba summer program and Uruguay semester program. The RD, with program assistant Orlando Santana, meets the group flight at the airport, provides an on-site orientation, arranges your program housing, and organizes interesting field studies and optional tours.