Testimonials
This class was by far one of my favorite classes at Penn State. Having traveled abroad a few times, the trip to Cuba left a particularly significant impression on me. Professor Marouan went above and beyond to organize a smooth-running and interesting itinerary. We met with many researchers and influential figures, participated in cultural events and experienced the nightlife of Havana. Our daily discussions were beneficial and thoughtful. It was refreshing to be able to have a platform to speak freely about such complex topics as race, religion and gender. Traveling together provided us all with lasting memories and gave us the chance to form true connections with each other. This class pushed me to step further out of my comfort zone, to understand a new culture and to help me gain new perspectives .
Valerie Osipov
Cuba was the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life. With such a colorful city, you would think it was Crayola city. The food was amazing; I mostly ate camarón, pollo and langosta, which are shrimp, chicken and lobster. I feel like everyday was a different experience, I learned about the struggles many Cubans face in their every day lives. I realized that many things I complain about at home (U.S), people in Cuba didn’t have access to or could not afford. Cubans alsohave a strong sense of national identity. The best part about the trip was when we met with the local community activists. We asked them what they thought about Americans. They said, “ We like Americas we don’t like the American Government.
Brian Davis
The trip to Cuba was an amazing experience that I would not change for the world. I have travelled abroad before but this trip was different. Not only was the trip rich with culture, but it allowed me and other classmates to forge connections with one another that will last for life. The people we encountered, the food we ate, the scenery. It was all exhilarating. Getting a first hand experience of what race and gender relations were like in Cuba was eye opening. As a group, we would gather everyday and discuss interesting occurrences that were related to race and gender. This class was more than just fun, the knowledge I came away with will stay with me for a lifetime. I am thankful I was granted the opportunity to experience Cuba.
Emerald Nau
When I look at my life, I realise that my greatest happiness is my family. As a little boy I had a vision that turned into one of my biggest life goals. That goal was to be the first person in my generation to return to Cuba since my family fled five decades ago. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet the members of my family who still reside in Cuba. It was a very emotional experience not only for me, but for every member in our family. I also left Cuba feeling much more informed about race, gender, religion, and popular culture. I never thought my reality would feel better than my dreams.
Gabriel Toledo
My overall experience of Cuba was the right mixture of business and pleasure. I do not believe that the trip was life changing but it was an out-of- body experience. Never have I felt so welcomed and so pleased from what I sau around me. Being there for class, I appreciated learning about different religions, race, media, and gender. I might have had my moments where I might have missed the United States, but Cuba feels like home.
Cecile King
I didn’t know much about Cuba before this trip; the extent of my background consisted of classroom references to the Bay of Pigs and the country’s relationship with the USSR. But a legitimate in-depth study and analysis were distinctly absent. This opportunity quickly rectified that. Having discussions surrounding race, healthcare, gender, and popular culture with both top researchers and locals alike were invaluable, and provided a better means of understanding local and global issues in a cultural context that would have been distinctly absent from any classroom or textbook. If given the opportunity, I would definitely go back.
Natalie Hanson
Cuba was literally the greatest time I’ve ever had in my life. In my experience, growing up as a young African American girl in our American society was emotionally very difficult. I often expressed to my parents how I felt ignored and undervalued and their response often was was: "unfortunately, this is the way little black girls are treated in the United States." Going to Cuba completely changed my outlook on myself, my life and my value. I’ve never felt so appreciated and at home than when I stepped out of the airport in Havana. From elderly women who reminded me of my grandmother to random people in the street who embraced me as part of their Cuban culture. It was an experience I’ll never forget. Little black girls do matter in other parts of the world and just because I live in the US I know my value doesn’t change. Cuba will forever remain in my heart.
Yasmin Jones
Ten days in Cuba pass in an impressionistic blur, leaving a vision of colors: pastel pinks and yellows, purples and greens and faded, sandy browns; Caribbean blues. Under a layer of dust building for decades, everything is art. A brief visit imprints many things – sharing rum along the Malecon; the sunset from the Presidente Club balcony; conversations throughout the Havana streets, the billboards overhead signaling not the increased commodification of culture but the strength of Revolutionary values – yet, above all else, I leave Cuba appreciating a society wherein culture is valued and cultural access enshrined as a human right. Life on the island may run a few hours behind, but the people there are part of their city and of their world. Havana feels like home.
Nathaniel Sutherland
this was my first time out of the country (since Canada doesn’t really count), and I had a great time! My only regret is that I know very little Spanish, although now I’m interested in learning more, even if just conversational tools. Despite the language barrier, I met many amazing people, most notably an old woman named Julie at Rumba. Julie was the most energetic and inviting person I’ve ever met, and she even introduced me to her son and grandson. I was particularly interested in taking this class because I knew it would be a great learning opportunity. We weren't there just to sip on mojitos and lounge in our hotel's lobby; we had fun while making meaningful connections and asking critical questions. With the number of tourists to Cuba on the rise, I think classes like Dr. Marouan's are incredibly valuable because she places emphasis on making connections and interacting with an array of Cubans: young people like us, talented researchers, members of different community projects, etc. I'm so thankful I was able to participate in this class.
Emily Cromell