Program Overview
The preservation and retention of West African cultural traditions in Cuba is unique in the Western Hemisphere. Dance and music served as experiential threads that allowed specific ethnicities (e.g Yoruba, Fon, Congolese), within a system of social organizations called cabildos, to remember their ancestral homelands.
Our program will investigate and participate in these vital traditions in daily studio classes in Havana and Matanzas (the center of African culture in Cuba). Evenings will be spent digging into Cuba’s live music venues, and world-renowned social dance scene.
Highlights
- Classes in song, afrocuban dance, and salsa
- Free time to explore the cities of Mantazas and Havana
- Learning from local studios and dancers
Eligibility
All undergraduate students are welcome to apply including students who do not attend George Mason University. Minimum 2.25 GPA.
Credits
3 credits
Students will choose one 3-credit course during the application process.
Course Options
Anticipated Course Offerings:
- DANC 418: Cuban Dance and Culture
Program Dates*
29 December - 9 January, 2021
Sample Itinerary*
December 29: Arrive to Havana airport as a group and transfer to Matanzas. Group dinner included.
December 30 – January 2:
Mornings: Classes in Song and Afrocuban Dance
Afternoons: Classes in Salsa
January 2: Morning class and afternoon transfer to Havana
January 3: No classes. Activity TBD
January 4 – January 8:
Morning: Classes in Afrocuban Dance
Afternoon Classes in Salsa
January 9: Morning transfer to the Havana airport and return to the U.S.
* Dates and itinerary subject to change. The Global Education Office reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, and/or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Program Cost
Winter 2020: $2,961
Winter 2021: Available August 30, 2020
Included: Tuition for 3 credits, round-trip Airfare Washington DC - Havana, accommodations, some breakfasts, some group meals, in-country transportation, international emergency medical insurance
Not included: Passport and visa fees, some meals, required textbooks and/or course materials.
Program Payments
Students on MasonGEO programs must pay the advertised program cost in order to participate. This cost will be made in three payments (Deposit + First Payment + Final Payment). Students using financial aid can provide additional paperwork in lieu of deposit and final balance payments.
Application Deposit: A non-refundable program deposit $200 must be received by the application deadline. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee.
First Payment: A non-refundable payment of $1000 must be received by
October 20 This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee. Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
In the event that a student’s financial aid or VA Benefits is estimated to cover the entire costs of the study abroad program, the entire charge will be posted to their student account, since that is where the aid will be applied. In this case students do not pay their first payment through MasonAbroad. However students must submit their “Intent to Use Financial Aid” form by the first deposit deadline.
Final Payment: The final balance payment is due by
November 10 This is the difference of your Program Cost minus the $1200 you've already paid (Deposit + First Payment). Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
Financial Aid and VA Benefits: Students who intend to use financial aid or VA benefits to fund their program fees (partially or in full) must have the "Intent to Use Financial Aid" or "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form" completed and on file with the Global Education Office by the First Payment deadline. The "Intent to Use Financial Aid" form is available in the MasonAbroad application system once you have started your application for this program. If you are using VA Benefits please contact your program officer to request the "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form."
Withdrawal and Refund Policy: All participants are bound by the Mason
GEO Withdrawal and Refund Policy.
Payment Instructions
For more information on payments, financial aid, and information for non-Mason students:
Payments
Scholarships
GEO offers a number of need- and merit-based scholarships. All Mason students are welcome to apply:
Scholarships
Application Deadline:
October 10
Application requirements:*
Program Deposit: $200 for all applicants.
Course Selection Questionnaire: You will choose the course(s) you would like to be receive credit for on this program. Check the "Academics" tab to see what courses are offered on this program. If you need help selecting your course, check with your academic advisor.
Passport Status Questionnaire: You do not need a passport to complete this questionnaire or the application. However, if you do not have a valid passport, you should begin applying for one now. The Global Education Office offers Passport Grants to help.
Signature Documents: Read and electronically "sign" the documents regarding the acknowledgement of risk, the pre-departure orientation, and your financial responsibility.
Intent to Use Financial Aid Form: For Mason students only. If you use financial aid, this form must be completed by your financial aid counselor and submitted by the 1st payment deadline.
Additional requirements for non-Mason applicants:
Official transcript: To be mailed or emailed to the Global Education Office at George Mason University.
Non-degree Contract Course/Admission Form: Please complete the form and upload it into the questionnaire.
* Additional application requirements may apply to individual programs. Once you open your application, you will see all application requirements.
Application instructions: