Katy Coakley
Contributing Writer
Both study-abroad trips to Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba are resuming after several postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both programs were delayed in 2020 and 2021 but are taking place this year. The Cuba program runs from June 7-20 while the Trinidad and Tobago program began on March 4 and ended March 11.
Students and faculty must pay $4,450 for the Cuba trip while $3,500 was required for the Trinidad and Tobago trip. Financial aid and scholarships can help pay for both programs.
Some previously planned trips to Cuba have been canceled or delayed due to low enrollment and travel warnings.
Christina Perez, an associate professor of sociology and criminology, explained how the study abroad program in Cuba allows students to earn credits for the multicultural requirement along with free electives for different majors.
“This is a credit-bearing program, so you earn three credits,” said Perez. “It counts towards multicultural and electives for majors including sociology, criminology, study of women and gender, and Latinx/Latin American studies.”
The Cuba program includes attending specialized lectures at the University of Havana, as well as learning about the island’s culture through art and music.
Perez said that she wants students to understand the United States’ policy toward Cuba when visiting the island.
“Most students at Dominican aren’t aware of it,” said Perez. “It’s about building change and a culture of peace.”
Philosophy professor Nkuzi Nnam explained that the Trinidad and Tobago program allows students to learn about African history in the islands.
“Many of the people residing there were enslaved from Africa,” said Nnam. “We study their lives and how their ancestors were enslaved.”
Nnam also said that this is the first trip to Trinidad and Tobago for Dominican students.
“We wanted to go for the first time two years ago,” said Nnam, but added the trip was canceled at the last minute because of COVID.
Fifteen students were enrolled in the 2023 Trinidad and Tobago program.
Andrea Leinweber, the director of undergraduate programs and budgets, said that it is exciting to start offering study abroad programs again.
“It has been difficult for us,” said Leinweber. “It’s so nice that things have opened now for us because the safety of our students, faculty and staff has paramount.”
