Normandale Community College
Faculty-led Study Abroad Program
Intercultural Communication in the Caribbean
March 7-14, 2026
Program Summary
This immersive week-long program in Havana, with a two-day trip to the western side of the island, will allow students ample opportunity to experience intercultural communication while learning about the country’s unique history and culture. Thematically, the program will focus on the importance of the African cultural influence on modern society. Students will learn about Santeria and other religions, engage with young people on a collaborative art project, and explore Havana’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center, among many other enriching activities. Throughout the program students will stay in homestays that will allow for ample intercultural communication opportunities.
Enrollment in the required course will occur in Fall 2025 once students are registered for this program. Students enrolled as PSEO in Spring 2026 are not eligible to participate on this tour.
Faculty Leaders
Normandale: Aimee DuBois aimee.dubois@normandale.edu
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday, March 7, 2026
Welcome and orientation with local partner Beyond Roots
Ride in classic convertible cars
Welcome dinner
Colonial fortress visit for cannon ceremony
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Lunch | Dinner
Day 2 - Sunday, March 8, 2026
Beach outing
Old Havana walking tour including focus on African influence
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 - Monday, March 9, 2026
Visit to Proyecto Akokan for a traditional cuisine workshop and a meal shared with the community
Additional cultural exchange activities in the community TBD
Peer to peer exchange with local students
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 - Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Visit Beyond Roots store and hair salon to learn about this African heritage social enterprise
Visit the off-the-beaten path Guanabacoa neighborhood to experience local culture, and meet with community leaders, learn about religious practices and make donations
Salsa lesson
Art gallery visit and presentation from founder of Beyond Roots
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 - Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Tour of coffee plantation in las Terrazas, a model sustainable community in a previously deforested area
Visit to a beautiful swimming hole
Travel to Viñales in the agricultural western part of the island
Lodging: Viñales
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 - Thursday, March 12, 2026
Visit to Viñales National Park in horse drawn buggies
Visit an organic tobacco farm
Learn how cigars are made, how coffee is cultivated, how local honey is gathered, and how local liqueur is made from berries.
Lodging: Viñales
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7 - Friday, March 13, 2026
Return to Havana for free time
Visit museum or historical sites on your own (entrance fees not included).
Farewell dinner and immersive experience at a cultural space that blends visual arts, music, theater, dance, film and literature
Lodging: Havana
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 8 - Saturday, March 14, 2026
Guided walking tour of the beautiful and historic Vedado neighborhood
Departure
Lodging: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Details
Cost
16-17 students - $2,390
18-19 students - $2,190
20+ students $2,090
Includes:
Costs of two faculty leaders (excluding meals not listed in the itinerary)
All ground transportation
All accommodation in private guesthouses in double or triple occupancy.
Meals as listed in the itinerary including one non-alcoholic beverage per meal.
Activities as described in the itinerary including entrance fees
Guide and coordinator with the group the entire program, and available 24 hours for emergencies
Carbon offset for air travel
Excludes:
International Airfare (estimated at $1,100). Group flight will be available, final pricing TBD.
Tuition
Visa cost ($100)
Travel medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance
Travel insurance with trip cancellation and interruption coverage
Activities and meals not described in itinerary
Lodging
Bed and breakfast accommodations. Double or triple occupancy. All rooms have AC and bathrooms with hot water.
Group Size:
16-20+ students, 2 faculty leaders
Payment Process
$300 - non-refundable deposit per student is due to register
$500 - 2nd non-refundable deposit is due December 7, 2025
$1290-$1590 - balance is due January 6, 2026
The balance can be paid in installments monthly or otherwise, but the total amount must be paid at the latest 2 months prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
More than 90 days prior to departure: Refund excludes $300 deposit
61-90 days prior to departure - Refund excludes $800 deposit
60-31 days prior to departure - 50% of program fee refunded
30 of fewer days prior to departure - 0% refund
We recommend all participants to purchase travel insurance with cancellation coverage.
Course Information
Enrollment in the required course will occur in Fall 2025 once registered for this tour.
