Rich culture, historic cities, beautiful beaches, and educational opportunities. All of this and more await the CU Denver students who travel to Cuba each year. Accompanied by knowledgeable faculty, these students get to explore one of the most vibrant, energetic, and historically fascinating countries in the Western Hemisphere. To snag an insider scoop on what makes this island trip so special, the Business School met with Master of Science in International Business grad Kate Bittner, ‘23, and the trip’s faculty advisor, Dave Ruderman.
Unparalleled Experiences
As Bittner and Ruderman recalled vivid and impactful memories from the trip, it became clear that Cuba is an ideal location for students to examine an economic and cultural iconoclast. Given the ongoing embargo, few have the opportunity for this boots-on-the-ground experience: the richness of Cuban culture, the beauty of its beaches and countryside, and the warmth of its people while learning about entrepreneurship’s critical role in today’s emerging Cuban economy.
Visits to the Cuban countryside and the Universidad de la Habana, horseback riding to a tobacco farm, and a walking tour of “The Old City” are wrapped around presentations by Cuban economists, artists, and entrepreneurs, making for a fascinating 13 days. Students gain an understanding of the complex political and economic system of the country as it tries to embrace normalized relations with The United States.
Me and my classmates really became family
– Kate Bittner
“Me and my classmates really became family,” said Bittner, recalling one of her most prominent takeaways from the trip, “We all came together.” Bitter’s biggest educational takeaway was learning about the lifecycle of the private sector in Cuba and its pivotal economic shift during the pandemic.
Accessibility Abroad
That isn’t to say the trip was without its challenges. For those traveling in a wheelchair, Cuba presents a unique hurdle during their time exploring its terrain and urban areas. Bittner remembered, “The biggest [challenge]for me would be traveling with a disability.” According to Bittner and Ruderman, accessibility wasn’t a “strong suit” in Cuba and the older infrastructure of the country proved to be a challenge at times. The lack of accessibility didn’t dampen Bittner’s enjoyment during the trip, though. She confidently maintained that, despite any challenges, she still got the most out of the experience.
A Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity
“It’s my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity every January,” remarked Ruderman, who oversees the yearly trip. Visiting foreign countries allows students to see other cultures and engage with them in ways that are not otherwise possible. Ruderman described his time leading the trip as “eye-opening,” providing a stark contrast between life in America and that in Cuba. The visiting CU Denver students conducted a project with a local after-school program and as part of it were asked to bring school supplies for the local students. “Seeing these kids, completely overjoyed, to receive a pack of crayons, two pencils, and a little eraser, to me that was very touching, in that it does show you how much privilege we really do have here,” reflected Ruderman.
The Cuba trip allows students to learn directly about the Cuban economy while experiencing the richness of local culture and forging bonds with classmates. Bittner highly recommended the trip and stated, “This trip inspired me… it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” If you are interested in the opportunity to visit Cuba, experience its culture, and learn about the complex history of Cuban politics and economics, click here.
