Entertainment Media in Havana, Cuba
Entertainment Media in Havana, Cuba
Overview
Overview
Cuba may not be a major economic or political player in the world, but it is arguably, a Superpower in its entertainment media. This unique, once in a life time, study abroad will expose EMST undergraduates (and other interested students in Grady and UGA) to a sustained and experiential understanding of the entertainment media industries of Cuba, across the realms of film, animation, documentary and of course, Cuba’s celebrated music from Rumba to Salsa to Hip-Hop.
LEARN MORE: Attend an information session this Fall to learn more.
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Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 – 4-5 p.m.
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Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 – 10-11 a.m.
The tentative dates for the program are May 23 to May 31, 2026.
EMST 4430, International Media Entertainment
The goals of this study abroad include:
- Taking a “deep dive” into the economic, cultural, political, ecological and religious contexts of both historical and contemporary Cuban entertainment media. This will be accomplished by pre-departure readings/ viewings.
- Using that “deep dive,” as cultural/historical orientation students will then participate in an immersive and completely experiential program that exposes them to Cuban entertainment media practitioners, production studios, media institutes, arts & culture museums, and performances. You will also get a chance to attend/ learn Salsa and Rumba!
- Students will also undertake a nuanced cross-cultural interrogation of influential American texts about Cuba, including the work of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea (book and the film, starring Anthony Quinn), the Documentary, Buena Vista Social Club and other master texts from film (The Godfather) and non-fiction (Havana Nocturne: How the Mob owned Cuba).
- Provide students with opportunities for cross-cultural storytelling (and interpersonal communication) focusing on Havana. Details TBA.
Any currently enrolled undergraduate college student is eligible to apply. Strong candidates include students who are passionate and interested in learning about other cultures and communication processes across national borders. They have a high level of personal responsibility and genuine interest in the educational aspect of this program. You do not need to be a Spanish speaker to participate in the program.
Apply TODAY
Applications for study away in Summer 2026 will open at the start of Fall Semester and are due before midnight, Monday, November 3, 2025.
Costs & Logistics
The program costs vary from year to year depending on number of students enrolled, exchange rates and logistical changes. The estimated program fee for Summer 2026 has not been determined at this time and is subject to change from what is advertised to students until all students are accepted and committed to the program.
In addition to the program fee, students are expected to pay 3 hours of In-state tuition and UGA Mandatory Fees through their Athena student accounts after registration. The HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships can be applied towards TUITION only if applicable. **non-UGA transient students may have an additional $250 fee upon registration**
The program fee listed above includes the following:
- Lodging in student dorms in Havana.
- Travel Health Insurance through UGA
- ALL Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Beach Trip
- Salsa and Rumba class
- Concert attendance
- Welcome dinner and closing lunch
- Guest Speakers
- All program related transportation (to various locations in Havana)
The program fee listed above does not include:
- 3 hours of in-state tuition and UGA mandatory fees (see UGA’s website for up-to-date tuition rates for 2026)
- Round trip airfare from the U.S. to Havana and back (approximately 4-500 dollars). There will be a recommended group flight. Details TBA.
- Personal expenses (200 dollars should suffice)
Program Faculty & Staff
Dr. Kavoori works in the area of transnational entertainment media/ cultural studies. He is the author or editor of ten books and numerous essays on the subject of media and culture in a global context. He will serve as the EMST Cuba program Director and on-site instructor. He first took UGA students to Cuba in 2023, and has used that experience to develop this study abroad, aimed at EMST and Grady Students.