This seminar is specially designed for first and second year students, but is open to all.  Students will learn about the concept of “global competence,” such as empathy and appreciation for other cultures, ability to learn in a cross-cultural environment, and the ability to perform in cross-cultural situations. The student will develop an understanding of global differences as well as an analytical view of multiculturalism, and, this course will help the student establish a foundation for future study abroad opportunities.  In enrolling in this seminar, students will choose a Spring Break study abroad opportunity to either Cuba or to Montreal.   Meeting twice per week (TR, 2:00-3:20pm), the Tuesday class meeting will provide a comprehensive view of global culture for everyone, while the Thursday class meetings will be divided for focused instruction for either Montreal or Cuba. Students will then apply the concepts through a study tour to either the Canadian province of Québec or Cuba.  Both study tours travel from March 16-23.

Québec - Discover La Belle Province

A continental culture alive in North America in a different perspective!

Discover where past and present meet; the intersection of the province's French heritage and its current culture.  Using a interdisciplinary approach, examine how Québec's unique position as a francophone (French-speaking) region in an Anglophone (English-speaking) country affects its art, history, architecture, economy, politics, fashion, cinema, and more.

Possible Itinerary:

This itinerary will be adjusted to fit the interests of the students enrolled in this section.

Day One:    Arrive in Montréal and explore "Old Montréal."
Day Two:    City Tour; Montréal Underground
Day Three:    Visit the University of Québec at Montréal and College LaSalle
Day Four:    Marie Saint Pierre; Montréal fashion; attend a theatric, cinematic, or musical performance
Day Five:    Museum des Beaux-Arts; Explore architecture and fashion on St. Laurent St - "Main"
Day Six:    Visit to Québec City (via train)
Day Seven:    Exploring Montréal's politics, religion, and their intersection points throughout the past and the present; Group dinner
Day Eight:    Return to Cincinnati

Exploring Cuba

Cuba is the Western Hemisphere's second most populous island and is a land rich in culture, history, biodiversity, architecture, and the arts. Cuban life is unique from other Latin American countries given its histoy, economy, and political structure. This section will dive into the aspects of Cuba that make stand apart from any other country in the Hemisphere.

Tentative Itinerary

Day One:    Arrive in Cuba; Group welcome dinner; explore Havana on your own
Day Two:    Explore the music andsites of Old Havana
Day Three:    Explore the old haunts of Ernest Hemingway, who wrote some of his most famous works on the island
Day Four:   Learn more about Cuban life by visiting community centers and schools
Day Five:    Visit the Museum of Literacy and attend a special lecture on education in Cuban society
Day Six:    Go to Las Terrazas & the Viñales Valley
Day Seven:    Visit Cueva del Indio, tobacco farms, and more of Viñales Valley; Farewell Dinner Day Eight:    Return to Cincinnati

Costs
Estimated cost is $1600, students will be given a $900 grant from the University Honors Program as well as a $300 grant form UC International.  That makes the expected cost to students $400.

All participating students will receive a grant from the University Honors Program to help offset costs.

Costs include airfare, accommodations, some ground transportation, tours and guides, entrance fees, and a program fee (which covers faculty costs).

Costs do not include baggage fees, passports, ISIC, insurance (travel/medical), meals other than that listed above), some ground transportation, or other personal expenses.

Students are required to purchase an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) from UC International for $25 or show proof of other insurance.  This is not included in the total expected cost.

Vaccinations and Health Precautions
Contact your physician to discuss what vaccinations and health precautions are recommended.

All participants should carefully read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage for Canada or Cuba (depending on your specific destination).

Passport
All participants must have a valid passport. Passport must be valid for 6 months after travel. Passport costs are the responsibility of the student.

Application
Application required.  Access the application online.  Applications are still being accepted for this seminar.

UC undergraduate students who are not in the University Honors Program are welcome and encouraged to apply, provided the student has a cumulative university GPA of 3.4 or above.  Graduate students are not eligible to enroll.

Questions?
Contact Andre Durham (andre.durham@uc.edu or 556-6213).