Program Overview
Experience Afro-Caribbean music and dance in Cuba, its cultural epicenter. Coursework includes studio study of the vital West-African traditions of eastern Cuba and daily on-site emergence in the exciting social milieu (Salsa, Rumba, Santeria) that is uniquely Cuban. This intensive field class will take place in Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa and Guantanamo City. The director of this program, Jim Lepore, Professor of Dance at George Mason University, has long-standing professional relationships with the Cuban artists who will act as our mentors.
Program Highlights:
- This course will survey, in situ, Afro-Cuban dance and music of eastern Cuba, a region known as El Oriente. Our investigation will take place in the studios of Cutumba in Santiago de Cuba, and in venues where Cubans engage in these art forms on a regular basis.
- Course participants will study dance and/or music with professional and community artists, attend lectures and performances, and actively participate in social events where music and dance play a central role.
- Video viewing, music listening, reading, and response papers will serve as preparatory course work for our time in Cuba. At least one pre-travel lecture/demonstration will also be announced prior to our travel.
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*
Late May to Early June (11 days)
Itinerary*
| Day 1 |
Morning - Students fly into Miami
Night- Group flight to Santiago de Cuba |
| Day 2 |
Morning - classes with Cutumba
Afternoon - classes with Rueda All Stars |
| Day 3 |
Morning - classes with Cutumba
Afternoon - classes with Rueda All Stars |
| Day 4 |
Morning - class with Cutumba.
Group travels to Baracoa |
| Day 5 |
Visit to participate in Kiriba & Nengon at local finca |
| Day 6 |
Visit to Humboldt National Park |
| Day 7 |
Morning - classes faculty
Afternoon - visit to local beach |
| Day 8 |
Travel to Guantanamo
Evening at Casa del Changui |
| Day 9 |
Watch performance of Tumba Francesa
Class with Babul
Travel to Santiago |
| Day 10 |
Classes with Cutumba
Rueda All Stars |
| Day 11 |
Morning - classes
Afternoon - free. |
| Day 12 |
Group flight from Santiago de Cuba to Miami
Overnight in Miami |
| Day 13 |
Morning - Students depart from Miami |
* 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
Summer 2020: $2,961
Included: Tuition for 3 credits, round-trip Airfare Miami - Santiago de Cuba, accommodations, some breakfasts, some group meals, in-country transportation, international emergency medical insurance, Miami hotel night of May 30.
Not included: Airfare*, passport and visa fees, some meals, required textbooks and/or course materials.
*Participants must arrange their own airfare to and from Miami, once instructed to do so by the Mason Global Education Office.
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
March 22, 2020. 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
April 19, 2020. 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:
March 8, 2020
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: