Study in La Habana, Cuba
Study in La Habana, Cuba
Cuba isn’t just a destination for beach-loving honeymooners; it is a diverse cultural and educational mixing bowl centered in the capital city of La Habana. Better known by some as the city of Havana, this seaside metropolis is not just the economic highlight of Cuba – it’s an enlightening island getaway for enthusiastic students across the globe.Havana, as with most of Cuba, has the unique aspect of offering higher education at no cost to students. The enrollment rate in Havana, as a result, is sky-high – tens of thousands of students attend universities at varying levels of study. These institutions are all public, though international students and schools are not as low-cost as native institutions. Unfortunately, though, not all of these higher education facilities receive the same government funding, meaning quality amongst schools varies considerably.
There are several specialty schools in Havana, the most renowned of which include pedagogical and teacher training institutions. Such education training colleges are high in demand and popularity, not just in Havana but also in all of Cuba. However, multiple other schools – including polytechnics, art schools and specialty universities – also call the Cuban city home.
Students will find no shortage of entertainment in Havana. After enjoying a meal of authentic Cuban food, students can explore historical museums and plazas, partake in colorful art and film festivals, or take dance lessons in the evening. Golfing, diving, fishing, swimming and other exciting activities also enjoy extreme popularity in Havana. Make sure not to miss the live salsa dancing, either.
Some serious considerations for future students of Havana schools include:
- Majority of courses taught in Spanish.
- Limitations on travel from some countries (U.S., mainly).
- Overcrowded with traffic issues.
Major Fields of Study in La Habana
Havana, as the leading Cuban city in education and research, has developed a system of higher education that caters to technological and economic growth. Fortunately, the courses and schools of Havana still offer a diverse course set in everything from fine art to business to environmental science. They support a wide range of learning, though some studies do rise in popularity above others.
Since there are a variety of specialty schools and general-studies universities in Havana, it’s not easy to determine which fields of study are more commonly sought in Havana. However, regarding the amount of offered courses, the following studies seem to have a higher enrollment rate than others. These would be the most major fields of study in Havana:
- Teaching and education
- Natural sciences
- Computer science
- Engineering
With the establishment of Cuba’s National Art Schools, many fine arts, design, film, music and dance studies are widely popular in Havana. However, the schools, having gone through periods of duress, were abandoned for students, though preserved as a World Heritage Site.
Schools of La Habana
Havana’s schools are diverse, but the list compiled below will help demonstrate what students can expect from the Cuban institutions. They also represent some of the more popular institutions in the area, with higher enrollment rates and more educational opportunities.
- The University of Havana is a public university, famous for being the oldest in Cuba. With a diverse set of faculties, the institutions awards science degrees at bachelor and master levels. It also includes a distance education program for professionals and working students.
- The Polytechnic University José Antonio Echeverría is a public polytechnic institute with a major focus in various engineering studies. Originally associated with the University of Havana, it is now an independent facility with international support and multiple study abroad programs.
- The Higher Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences or InSTEC is one of the few institutes in Cuba that provides studies in nuclear science. With available bachelor programs in rare science fields (such as radiochemistry) it is a highly sought institution by students throughout the Caribbean.