Hi! Please note that I have made several assumptions about the various
programs I am discussing.
First, that you have access to financial aid (such as federal stafford
loans, etc.). I do not know what your budget is, so I will list the
prices of everything, giving you a wide range of options.
Second, I have included summer 2003 courses as you specify "short
courses" and most university options are semester long courses. Summer
courses may be more feasible as application deadlines for programs
beginning in January may have already passed.
Third, all of the detailed information can be found on the specified
websites. I will only list travel dates and the price. Please note
that almost all study abroad programs will give you detailed
instructions regarding getting your Visa and doing all your travel
arrangements. Check out any FAQs on the websites or talk to their
representatives. Some programs will take care of the Visa for you, and
others will simply give you instructions on how to find the nearest
Cuban consulate and supply forms. These details will change from
program to program. Of course, the most difficult way to do this is to
try to directly enroll in a Cuban University... most study abroad
programs have special deals with the Cuban government to make the Visa
process much easier.
Fourth, please consider that there are not many study trips and study
abroad programs to Cuba because cultural exchange between the U.S. and
Cuba has been quite limited due to political differences.
Fifth, I am assuming you have a very basic/minimal grasp of spanish.
If you are fluent in Spanish (as I am), then direct classes at Cuban
Universities (namely the Universidad de Havana) may be accessible to
you. Unfortunately, if you do not speak Spanish fluently enough to
take a class at their university, they will most likely prohibit you
from taking a class. Please request clarification if you would like me
to investigate classes that require you to be fluent in Spanish.
--------------------------------
An alternative for studying during the spring semester is a summer in
Cuba through this Study Abroad program. This summer program
specializing in teaching students the basics of photography. This is
by far the best program that I found, and other than being during the
summer, I feel it fits your qualifications to a T.
June 16 - July 19: $2300 not including airfare
http://www.sbcc.cc.ca.us/academic/StudyAbroad/programs/summer_cuba/cuba.html
--------------------------------
Also consider doing an internship rather than taking a class and
learning first hand. There are both Spring Semester and Summer
programs available. While it does not specialize in photography,
photography is one of the areas of study/intern. This would be more
general education about Cuba with a concentration in photography more
than anything.
February 1 - May 16: $10,850 not including airfare
Mid June - Mid August: $5,150 not including airfare
http://www.internabroad.com/listingsp3.cfm?listing=1437&fkcountry=18
http://www.lexiaintl.org/Havana/index.cfm
--------------------------------
This program specializes in photography. Check out number 4 for
information and a contact name.
May 25 - June 22: $3038 does not include tuition
http://www.summerschool.appstate.edu/international.html
--------------------------------
"Hampshire College photography students travel to Cuba during January
Term to work with the Office of the Historian in the documentation of
the restoration process. Mainly working with digital cameras, but not
excluding other formats, this January term trip provides students with
the extraordinary opportunity to learn about urban documentary
photography as well as the posterior organization of the visual
archive." (http://www.hampshire.edu/cms/index.php?id=218) I am not
sure if they accept outside students, it looks like you must contact
the program director (which is provided on the website). Most programs
are willing to take other students because it is more cost effective
to take more students at one time.
January Term - Cost unknown
*Contact information is provided via this URL
http://www.hampshire.edu/cms/index.php?id=218
--------------------------------
This program does not have it's 2003 dates set, but you may want to
contact them for more information.
http://www.cubartedu.com/havana/
contact info@cubartedu.com
--------------------------------
Resources for getting a Visa on your own:
http://www.traveldocs.com/cu/
http://projectvisa.com/countryinfo.asp?countrycode=cu
http://www.cuba-usa.com/visa.html
Universities in Havana (in case you are fluent in Spanish, this is for
my reference so I can easily find them for the clarification)
http://www.cuba.com/universities.htm
Univeristy of Havana
Search Strategy:
"Study Abroad Havana"
"Study Photography Havana"
"Havana University Photography"
"Study Tour Havana"
"Cuba Visa"
Please feel free to request clarification before rating this question
so I can provide more in depth information if required!
leeann-ga |
Request for Answer Clarification by
mins-ga
on
13 Nov 2002 03:20 PST
Thank you for the research you have done regarding my question about
photography courses in Havana. I am sorry, but I must have not
mentioned that I am a United Kingdom citizen, and therefore feel that
the information you provided me with is not entirely relavent, as we
don't encounter the same "red tape" problems as US citizens, or the
problems obtaining visas.
Most of the course details you sent me I had already found myself, and
felt they were not relavent as I am a UK resident. Furthermore, I was
hoping to find something cheaper, as I would prefer to find a course
independently thereby avoiding all the adminastrative and housing
costs. My spanish is far from fluent, although I think I could
struggle through if the course was taught in spanish (If a local
institution would allow me). Ideally I would love to do a photography
course with a spanish course.
I would love it if you could research this further for me.
Let me know.
Thanks.
|
Clarification of Answer by
leeann-ga
on
14 Nov 2002 06:35 PST
Mins-ga:
No problem, I will research this from the perspective of a UK citizen.
I will have a full clarification for you later today!
leeann-ga
|
Clarification of Answer by
leeann-ga
on
14 Nov 2002 08:29 PST
Mins-ga:
It would have been helpful for you to provide the fact that you are a
citizen of the UK rather than a US citizen, but now we know for next
time :D.
Anyway, I revised my search to local institutions and did my search in
spanish.
"universidad en cuba"
"clase de fotografia en cuba"
I came up with a number of institutions, but very few of them have
good websites. These websites are mostly outdated by at least a year
or two and are often not very informative (i.e. no prices or
comprehensive lists of classes). What I did find, however, is contact
information for all of their International Relations departments who
can tell you the exact processes required to enroll directly. I have
contacted the three best prospects and have indicated below which ones
I have contacted, but I would encourage you to call and/or email them
as well as you know your needs best. I will post any additional
information as a clarification when I hear back from them. I am
inquiring about costs, how to apply, as well as specific course
offerings.
Please also note that there are not an overwhelming number of
Universities in Cuba, let alone those that have an art/photography
course and a web presence.
-----------------------------
While other universities in Cuba offer classes, this is the most
prestigious art institution.
http://www.isa.cult.cu/
Their website is fairly antiquated, meaning it hasn't been updated in
1-2 years, but it does provide some good information. For example, it
does show us that their summer classes only cost anywhere from US$200
through US$400, which means this will be a much cheaper alternative. I
also found out that they do have direct enrollment for travelers,
although sometimes it they require you take one Spanish language
course simultaneously if you are not fluent. They do not have their
course schedule online, but I imagine you can inquire with
International Relations department. I have already sent her an email
in Spanish to inquire about photography courses for the spring and the
enrollment process.
Mrs Sonia Ortega Bravo
Director, International Relations
Instituto Superior de Arte
Calle 120 No. 1110 entre 9 y 13, Reparto Cubanacán
Municipio Playa,
Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
Tel.: (53 7) 28 80 75
Fax: (53 7) 33 66 33
E-mail: vrri@isa.cult.cu
General: isa@cubarte.cult.cu
----------------------------
While the Escuela Internacional de Cine y Televisión de San Antonio de
los Baños in Habana generally offers two year postgraduate courses, I
have inquired about being able to take several classes instead of the
entire coursework.
http://www.fncl.cult.cu/
Quinta Santa Bárbara. Calle 31 y 212, número 21254
Reparto La Coronela, Marianao 16
Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
Teléfonos: (537) 2181 41/ 218311/ 218967
Fax: (537) 33 6364
E-mail: funcine@cubarte.cult.cu
----------------------------
Another university that is well known for cultural/artistic programs
is the University of Matanzas (not in Habana, but very close in
proximity)
http://www.umtz.edu.cu
Relaciones Internacionales
Autopista a Varadero Km. 3
Matanzas. Cuba
Telefax: +53 45 26-2222
e.mail: dri@umcc.cu
------------------------------
This is another prestigious art institution, albeit not as good as the
ISA. I have also contacted these people.
http://www.cnearte.cult.cu/
Centro Nacional de Escuelas de Arte
e-mail / cneart@cubarte.cult.cu
Fax / (537) 24 0047
Telfs / (537) 24 0446 y (537) 22 3330
------------------------
Interestingly, the largest, most established university, La
Universidad de Habana is not well known for its art classes (in fact,
I couldn't even find an art department on their website!), but may be
worth a try if all else fails.
www.uh.cu
Contact information for International Relations Department:
ripio@fayl.uh.cu
-----------------------------
Tuition information thus far: Please note that most of these
universities will have their prices in U.S. dollars and will expect to
be paid in U.S. dollars.
Visa information:
"To enter Cuba every tourist needs a passport (that's still valid for
6 months after arrival) and a visa that normally can be purchased
together with the flight. This visa is usually valid for 30 days. At
the immigration office one extension of 30 days can be made (25 USD).
After a total of 60 days the student will have to leave Cuba for at
least one day to enter again on a tourist visa."
(www.mester.com/cuba/Cuba-Havana.html)
"When arriving to Cuba visitors should possess a valid passport or a
trip document stating their names and the corresponding visa or
Tourist Card. The countries which have Visa Free Agreements with Cuba
are excepted. Tourist Cards can be requested at the Cuban consular
representations and also in travel agencies and airlines. They are of
two types: for individual tourists or for tourists travelling in
groups. Businessmen, journalists coming to work and Cuban born
citizens, non-residents or having another nationality, must request a
visa from their local Cuban Embassey."
(http://www.cubavip.com/)
To get the regular one year student visa, however, you will have to go
to the Embassy of Cuba in London or find the nearest consulate at
http://www.dtcuba.com/eng/embajadas.asp. They will give you all the
proper paperwork.
Great Britian - Embassy in Cuba
Address: Calle 34 #702 Miramar, Ciudad de la Habana.
Telephone(s): 24-1771
Fax: 24-8104
----------------------------
Housing Links:
http://www.geocities.com/rooms_havana/eng/main-e.htm
http://www.havana-rentals.com/indice.htm
http://www.geocities.com/casamalecon/Casa_Habana_vieja.html
-----------------------------
Best Regards,
leeann-ga
|
Clarification of Answer by
leeann-ga
on
14 Nov 2002 12:51 PST
Information I received from the Fundación del Nuevo Cine
Latinoamericano -- As I get responses from each university, I will
post the information as a clarification:
INFORMACIÓN GENERAL
Escuela Internacional de Cine y TV
San Antonio de los Baños, Aptdo. Aéreo 40/41 La Habana, Cuba
Fax: (537) 335196 ó 335341.
E-mail eictv@eictv.org.cu
mjgrillo@eictv.org.cu.
hveitia@eictv.org.cu
belkis@eictv.org.cu
Talleres Internacionales
El sistema de formación continua de la EICTV está compuesto por sus
Talleres Internacionales, diversos en requisitos y niveles de
enseñanza. Su objetivo general es el de transferir a los talleristas,
mediante programas coherentes y específicos, los conocimientos y
experiencias de profesionales activos de primera línea en las
distintas especialidades del universo audiovisual. Todo dentro del
concepto de enseñanza teórico-práctica que caracteriza a la Escuela.
Procedimiento para matricular en nuestros Talleres:
1. El alumno lo solicita en nuestras oficinas en los diferentes
países, presentando su currículum u Hoja de Vida.
2. La oficina manda la solicitud de matrícula y el currículum del
postulante a la Escuela para ser evaluada.
3. La Escuela envía la aprobación o el rechazo de la solicitud del
alumno.
4. De ser aprobada la matrícula, el alumno abonará el 15% del importe
total de la matrícula en la oficina como pre-matrícula y recibirá el
Reglamento de Talleristas.
5. A su llegada a la escuela, el primer día de clases, el tallerista
deberá abonar el resto del importe de la matrícula en nuestras
oficinas del Departamento de Economía en efectivo (USD).
Los Talleristas recibirán al final de cada taller un certificado y
diploma si han cumplido todo los requerimientos de asistencia,
aprovechamiento del taller de acuerdo con la evaluación del profesor,
que será ratificada con su firma en el certificado que se le extiende
al alumno.
Al emplear como profesores a profesionales en activo, cuyo trabajo
presenta imponderables, en ocasiones es indispensable hacer cambios de
especialistas o cambios de fechas en algunos programas. En el primer
caso, los titulares serán sustituidos por profesionales que garanticen
la misma calidad del taller. Cualquier cambio se le notificará a los
interesados.
Al aceptar su participación en cualquier taller, el alumno se
compromete a acatar las disposiciones establecidas por la EICTV en
función de sus recursos. Debe tener en cuenta, además, que asiste a
una Escuela susceptible de sufrir los imprevistos propios de un país
bloqueado.
La EICTV está a poco más de una hora por carretera de la Ciudad de La
Habana, capital de la República de Cuba. Con sus más de 2, 000 000 de
habitantes, La Habana es una ciudad de rica historia y también sitio
en el que existe una amplia oferta cultural para el visitante. Aunque
la temperatura media del país es de 25 grados centígrados, debe
tenerse en cuenta que en los meses de invierno (Dic -Febrero), se hace
necesario vestir un abrigo.
La Escuela cuenta con los siguientes servicios:
· Cafetería
· Tienda
· Lavandería
· Areas deportivas
· Consultorio médico (Servicio de urgencia, 24 horas)
· Telefonía internacional
· E-mail
· Transporte diario hacia y desde La Habana.
· Programación cultural.
· Servicio de fotocopia de materiales de interés para el tallerista. (
la copia de filmes depende de la película en cuestión y la
disponibilidad del servicio).
****This is the only class listed that looks like it is something you
might want to do although I have a feeling if you talk to them, they
might let you do some sort of independent study with one of the
professors****
Mayo 6 al 25 (3 semanas) Fotografía Cinematográfica.
Matrícula: 1 500 USD
Cantidad de participantes: 15
Programa: Ejercicio de la visión consciente, ajuste del color,
sensitometría y técnica de la filmación, fundamentos de la
iluminación, luz dura y luz blanda, lentes, filtros, instrumentos de
medición de la luz, el laboratorio, copia final, revelado normal y
forzado, prácticas utilizando soporte video, filmaciones en exteriores
e interiores.
Profesor: Raúl Rodríguez (Cuba). Colaborador del cineasta catalán
Néstor Almendros, ha trabajado junto a importantes cineastas (Richard
Pierce, Saul Landau, Jorge Sanjinés y muchos otros) que han rodado en
Cuba y otros países. Como fotógrafo ha rodado más de 150 documentales
en 35 mm, varios cortos de ficción, video clips y otros. Ha impartido
talleres de fotografía en España y Colombia.
Requisitos: Estudiantes o graduados de las carreras de Comunicación
Social, Institutos de Medios Audiovisuales, con alguna experiencia
profesional en el área de la fotografía de Cine o Video, o una
experiencia en el manejo de equipos profesionales que lo avale.
leeann-ga
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
mins-ga
on
02 Dec 2002 02:07 PST
I was wondering if you had heard anything from any of the
institutions you wrote to regarding my request to find a photography
course in Havana, Cuba? I am particularly interested in the ISA ().
However, the telephone number that you gave me doesn't work and
I have not been able to contact them? This was what you sent
me.... While other universities in Cuba offer classes, this is the most
prestigious art institution.
http://www.isa.cult.cu/
|
Clarification of Answer by
leeann-ga
on
02 Dec 2002 08:32 PST
Hi, I have put the general contact information from the website here.
It is likely that the contact information is old, or the position has
been filled by someone else. They should be able to direct you to the
right person.
Dirección
Calle 120 #1110 e/9na y 13. Cubanacán. Playa. Ciudad de la Habana.
Cuba.
Teléfonos
(5 37) 21-3780 (Rectoría)
(5 37) 21-6075 (Relaciones Internacionales)
(5 37) 21-9771 (Promoción y Comercialización)
Fax
(5 37) 33-6633
E-Mail
ISA@reduniv.edu.cu
I haven't heard back from the other institutions. I have a feeling
that a phone call would be the most effective as Cuba does not have as
developed of a communications infrastructure (with regards to the
internet at least).
leeann-ga
|
