London Metropolitan Study Tour 2007
LondonMet goes to Havana!
The IISC organised a study visit to Cuba for students and staff at London Metropolitan University which returned from Havana on 15 December, 2007
Dr Stephen Wilkinson, who is the Assistant Director of the IISC, led the tour which comprised four students and one former member of staff.
The group were: Lauren Stock, who is studying to be an airline pilot; Maria Brown who used to teach Spanish and Latin American Studies, Lena Tempesta, and Matty Mason, who are both studying to be primary school teachers and Mass Communications student Akello Edwards.
Lena was thrilled by the experience: "I can honestly say that it was the most well organised and interesting trip I have ever been on," she said.
"I have been given lots of
ideas for areas that I would like to investigate further regarding the
education system and am absolutely amazed at what I saw and heard."
Maria Brown, who until recently was alecturer in Spanish and L;atin Aerican Studies at LondonMet said:
"Steve Wilkinson and Laura Monteagudo, the representative of the Institute in Havana, organised everything to perfection. What impressed me most of our trip was the visit to the Faculty of Social Communications, where we heard a lecture that was very critical of the present state of Cuban journalism, but also included a note of hope for its future. This talk was followed by a very interesting debate. A wondeful seven days. It was a perfect combination of work and play. Highly recommended!"
Akello Edwards, who is studying Mass communications agreed:
"The study trip to Cuba was hugely informative. You could call it many things
such as 'the Dummies Guide to Cuba' or 'An introduction to Cuba'. That's
just the learning part! We had plenty of time to explore and experience Cuba
by shopping, eating out and partying. Finally I can salsa!"
Education student Matty Mason, said:
"Mind blowingly fantastic! One
of many highlights was the visit to the primary school. It has given me a view of a different way of life and
has given direction in my own career path becoming an educator.
"An experience I will never forget. I would highly recommend it
to anybody and everybody."
The group flew economy with Cubana Airlines on Saturday December 8th, and returned overnight on Friday December 14th.
They stayed at the five star Hotel Havana Libre and had a series of planned study visits took in aspects of Cuban history, politics education, health and culture and special visits were arranged to suit the requirements and interests of the participants.
They also had time to relax, dance salsa, and enjoy and explore Havana.
Here is what they did:
Saturday, December 8
Departed London Gatwick on the
Cubana de Aviacion flight 1130am.
Sunday, December 9 Afternoon salsa dancing lesson in Old Havana!
Things started definitely upbeat!
Monday, December 10 Visited the Centro de Estudios de los Estados Unidos (CESEU), for lecture on Cuba-US relationships by Dr. Jorge Mario Sánchez and MSc Raúl Rodríguez.
....Then down to lectures...In the afternoon: visited the Centro de Estudios de la Economía Cubana (CEEC), for a lecture on the Cuban Economy by Dr. Juan Triana.
Dr Coyula explains Old Havana
In the afternoon a guided visit to Escuela Latinoamericana de Ciencias Médicas.
In the afternoon: sightseeing and exploration.
Unmissable photo opportunity!
Thursday, December 13th
Visited
the "Juan Albizu Campos" Primary School in Vedado and exchanged gifts and experiences
Debating the media
Free to explore and do last minute shopping. Caught flight out of Havana in the evening. Matty and Lena stayed on for a holiday for an extra few days arranged with the travel agent.
Home from home!
Next year's tour is already being planned. A page will be posted on this website in the New Year. In the meantime if you wish for details please email stephen.wilkinson@cubastudies.org
