CUBA TIES 10 STUDENT FORUM
Caleigh Pflazer, 2024
State University of New York Cortland
"I met so many amazing people and made friendships and memories that I will cherish forever. Getting to connect with other students and professors about their research was very informative and eye-opening. Experiencing 5 days of Cuban culture was beautiful; everyone was so welcoming, the history was educational, the architecture was stunning, and the food was unforgettable. Being able to connect with my host family was one of my most favorite aspects of the trip, as they were the sweetest people with the biggest hearts. Communicating back and forth and learning so much about each other’s lives was very special, and I still stay in contact with them to this day. Overall, being able to attend this conference and the experiences that came with it is something that I truly believe has changed my life."
Sharon Pachon
SUNY Geneseo, 2021
"I attended the Cuba TIES Student Forum in 2019 and it was a once in a life time experience. I got to share and learn in such a wonderful and supportive environment! The discussions throughout the conference were very stimulating, and being in Cuba was just wonderful. The multiple perspectives in education enlightened me out of my bubble of thought, and the best part is that all of these happens in an organic way. You get to know people, to laugh with them, to learn from them, and to have fun. I can't wait to come back!"
Salomé Valdivieso
Luther College, 2023
"I attended Cuba TIES as a student in 2022. I feel honored and privileged to have experienced Cuba, even if it was for a brief period of time...I encourage us to come out of our comfort zones and expand our horizons. To experience this enriching process of self-awareness, empathy, and awakening..."
Eric Jones, Graduate Student
California State University Los Angeles
“The experience opened my eyes to what meaningful academic exchange truly means. I discovered that impactful collaboration happens not in perfect conditions, but in those unscripted moments of genuine connection. Whether discussing strategies during power outages or sharing ideas about measuring conference impact, these interactions revealed the true potential of international partnership.
Most importantly, I learned that meaningful academic exchange isn't about comfortable conversations in pristine settings - it's about engaging authentically with different perspectives, even when circumstances are challenging. The Cuban faculty and students demonstrated how limitations can catalyze innovation rather than hinder it.”
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT THE CUBA TIES STUDENT FORUM
OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2025
FLIGHTS LEAVE MIAMI ON OCTOBER 24, 2025
ABOUT CUBA TIES STUDENT FORUM
The Cuba TIES Student Forum offers a unique study abroad and conference experience. This impactful event is held under the larger umbrella of the 3rd International Scientific Convention of Cienfuegos. Students have the opportunity to present research on a range of topics and learn from global experts in the field of international education.
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the Student Forum allows participants to share their research alongside Cuban students.
For more information, click on the headers below. Ready to apply? Click here.
Your proposal can be related to any of the following topics:
- Internationalization of Higher Education within the framework of the 2030 Agenda.
- University Teaching and Transformation of Educational Processes.
- Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development.
- Socio-Cultural, Socio-Religious, and Sustainable Community Studies.
- Regional Historical and Anthropological Studies.
- Physical Culture, Sports, and Recreation.
- Knowledge Management and Innovation for Local Development.
- Business Management, Local Development, and Sustainability.
- Language, Culture, and Communication.
- Scientific Culture and the Social Approach to Science and Technology.
- Scientific Research on Fragile Ecosystems.
- Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Transformation.
Scientific and Technical Information and Informatization.
Students can submit proposals for papers related to any of the workshops of the International Scientific Convention. Successful candidates will travel to Cuba to present their papers in a poster session with Cuban students attended by international education leaders, researchers, and other professionals worldwide.
A select number of scholars will be invited to publish a paper of their work in one of the various journals of La Universidad de Cienfuegos including, Universidad y Sociedad, their scientific journal. (ISSN Number: 2218-3620).
The “Universidad y Sociedad” (RUS) Journal in its electronic version, started in 2008, with the aim of promoting the exchange in areas of social, humanistic, economic, technical and others sciences with an interdisciplinary character and it is integrated nationally and internationally.
The Journal dedicates at least eighty percent (80%) of each edition to the publication of original articles; and the rest to issues related to the dissemination of science and innovation. Journal articles are indexed and can be found on Scopus.
Take the opportunity to connect with your peers throughout the week at a variety of events and activities tailored for student delegates. It’s your chance to make new friends, explore potential future collaborations, or simply learn about daily life in Cuba from those who experience it firsthand.
Spend your week living with a host family in their private home, where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning. Staying as a guest in their home offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local community and experience Cuban life up close.
Pack your cleats, a cap, and glove so you can play in the annual Cuba TIES Classic. This friendly softball game brings convention delegates to play with member of the Cienfuegos community. It is your opportunity to participate in our shared national past time on Cuban soil. Men and women of all ages are welcome to play. PLAY IN THE CUBA TIES SOFTBALL CLASSIC.
Cuba TIES brings together educational leaders, researchers, and diplomats to exchange insights and foster meaningful partnerships. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with distinguished professionals and experts in your field, all while engaging in dynamic discussions within some of the most remarkable settings.
Immersing yourself in Cuban culture is an experience that can change your life and broaden your perspective in ways that few other places can. Cuba is a vibrant tapestry of history, music, art, and traditions, offering a rich, multifaceted environment that challenges preconceived notions and invites you to engage with the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.
The Cuban people remain warm, hospitable, and incredibly resourceful despite their challenges.Engaging with locals offers a firsthand understanding of their creativity and adaptability, often through music, dance, and their unique approach to life.
The Cuba TIES organizing committee welcomes students to learn, network, and share at Cuba TIES, the largest workshop on internationalization of higher education in Cuba. The Student Forum is a high-impact, immersive experience.
Students can submit proposals for papers related to any of the workshops of the International Scientific Convention. Successful candidates will travel to Cuba to present their papers in a poster session with Cuban students attended by international education leaders, researchers, and other professionals from around the world.
A select number of scholars will be invited to publish a paper of their work in one of the various journals of La Universidad de Cienfuegos including, Universidad y Sociedad, their scientific journal. (ISSN Number: 2218-3620).
The “Universidad y Sociedad” (RUS) Journal in its electronic version, started in 2008, with the aim of promoting the exchange in areas of social, humanistic, economic, technical and others sciences with an interdisciplinary character and it is integrated nationally and internationally.
The Journal dedicates at least eighty percent (80%) of each edition to the publication of original articles; and the rest to issues related to the dissemination of science and innovation. Journal articles are indexed and can be found on Scopus.
Get to meet your peers during the week through various events and activities designed for student delegates. It is your chance to make friends, find ways to explore future activities or to simply learn about life in Cuba from those who actually live it each day.
Experience your week while living with a host family in their private residence. Your hosts will prepare breakfast for you each morning. Living in a home as a guest of the family will help anchor you within the community.
Pack your cleats, a cap, and glove so you can play in the annual Cuba TIES Classic. This friendly softball game brings convention delegates to play with member of the Cienfuegos community. It is your opportunity to participate in our shared national past time on Cuban soil. Men and women of all ages are welcome to play.
Cuba TIES brings together educational leadership, researchers, and even diplomats to share experiences and strengthen bonds and partnerships. It is your opportunity to bond and learn from leaders and other professionals in your field in some of the most unique settings.
The lessons you learn will extend far beyond the conference room. Our cultural exchanges will plug you into the community. You’ll learn from NGO’s trying to make a difference in daily life. Our full time schedule of activities are designed to make you feel like you’ve lived 6 months in 6 days.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
- Deposit: September 1, 2025
- Final Payment: September 15, 2025
- Presentations, Posters, Papers: September 26, 2025
- Flight Departs for Cuba: October 24, 2025
- Flight Returns To the USA: November 1, 2025
Don’t forget to talk to your international or study abroad office about internal deadlines for financial aid or grants for participating in conferences.
Some participants may be invited by the scientific committee to present their work as a part of the plenary panel for the Student Forum session.
All proposals can be submitted and presented in Spanish or in English.
Please submit an abstract of no more than 250 words plus 3 to 5 keywords. There can only be a maximum of three authors for the proposal. Your thematic area can be related to any of the Workshop Themes.
The first page of the paper should include the following identification details: title of the paper, thematic axis, author(s) name(s) and surname(s), academic degrees, institution(s), telephone number, and email address. The abstract should not exceed 250 words and must include up to five key words. Additionally, the paper should present the justification for the work, the general objective, theoretical framework, methodology, and research results.
Papers should be a maximum of 6 pages, including tables and figures. Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format, letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), single-spaced, with 2.5 cm margins, justified text, and written in Arial font, size 12.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS:
- Size: 1.20 meters (vertical) x 0.82 meters (horizontal)
- The poster should contain: title of the work, author(s) details (names, surnames, institutional affiliation, email, country), an abstract, justification of the work, general objective, theoretical approach, methodology, and research results.
AUDIO-VIDEO AND INTERPRETATIVE MATERIALS:
- Format: MP4, duration between 5 and 10 minutes
- The submission must include: title of the work, author(s) details (names, surnames, address, country, email).
Founded in 1979, La Universidad de Cienfuegos (UCf) is one of the fastest-growing universities in Cuba. With a history marked by high performance and a commitment to quality, UCf plays a leading role in preparing Cuban society for the challenges of the 21st century. Fully accredited by the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education, the university operates a network of nine campuses—two in Cienfuegos and one in each of the seven surrounding municipalities. Its main campuses, Carlos Rafael Rodríguez and Conrado Benitez Garcia, are located near the historic center of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cienfuegos is known for being one of the most affordable and safest cities in Cuba.
UCf consists of seven schools (faculties):
- The Faculty of Engineering
- The Faculty of Humanities
- The Faculty of Education Sciences
- The Faculty of Economic Sciences
- The Faculty of Agrarian Sciences
- The Faculty of Physical Education and Athletics
- The Faculty of Social Sciences
UCf is dedicated to promoting and advancing science, innovation, and cultural programs that align with the sustainable development needs of both Cienfuegos and Cuba, while adhering to international standards of excellence. The university currently has 4,092 undergraduate students and 2,449 graduate students. More than 2,000 international students from 68 different countries have graduated from UCf. Its strength lies in its long-standing commitment to internationalization, fostering global opportunities for academic communities to build trust and sustainable partnerships worldwide. To support this mission, UCf has established collaboration agreements with institutions across the globe, including 30 in Europe, 10 in the United States and Canada, and 107 in Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, UCf has achieved remarkable results through international collaboration and strategic alliances with various NGOs and local state organizations.
Website: www.ucf.edu.cu
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
- President: Orquídea Urquiola Sánchez, Ph.D., Rector
- Vice Presidents:
- Adianez Fernández Bermúdez, Ph.D., First Vice Rector
- Dunia María García Lorenzo, Ph.D., Vice Rector for Research and Graduate Studies
- Executive Secretary: Yoanelys Mirabal Perez, Ph.D., Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Deputy Executive Secretary: Jency Niurka Mendoza Otero, Ph.D., Director of Staff Preparation and Development, Postgraduate and Doctoral Training
All proposals can be submitted and presented in Spanish or in English.
Please submit an abstract of no more than 250 words plus 5 keywords. The first page of your proposal should include the following data:
- Title of Presentation
- Modality
- Paper to Be Published, If Any
- Thematic Area
- Full Names of All Authors including academic degree and institution
- Full Name of Main Contact
- Main Contact Telephone
- Main Contact Phone Number
- Main Contact Country
The abstract should include a justification for the work, the general objective, theoretical approach, methodology, and research results (if applicable).
The Abstract Deadline is September 6. Accepted Abstracts will be notified by September 12. Papers and presentation deadline is September 30.
You can submit your abstract in our portal here.
Posters should have dimensions of no more than 1.20 meters (4 feet) vertical x 0.82 meters (3 feet) horizonal. Posters must contain: Title of the research, authors’ data (names and surnames, institutional affiliation, e-mail, country), an abstract, justification, general objective, theoretical approach, methodology and results of the research.
Files should be in an mp4 format, between 5-10 minutes in length. They must contain: Title of the research, Author’s data (names and surnames, institutional affiliation, e-mail, country)
Your proposal can be related to any of the following topics:
- Internationalization of higher education within the framework of the 2030 Agenda
- Energy, environment, and sustainable development
- Sustainable socio-cultural, socio-religious, and community studies
- Physical culture, sports, and recreation
- Knowledge management and innovation for local development
- Language, culture, and communication
- Scientific culture and the social approach to science and technology
- Scientific research in the face of fragile ecosystems
- Food security and sustainable agricultural transformation
- University Libraries, Computerization, and emerging information technologies
- University teaching and transformation of educational processes
- Healthy, sustainable, and smart city
- Equity: Universities and vulnerable groups
Contact Us
APPLY NOW
Your journey begins now!
Complete the Registration Form for the Cienfuegos Scientific Convention.
Get counted! Your application begins when you complete the registration form. The registration form has a section for you to submit your proposal abstract and your statement of motivation. Decisions on proposals will be made on a rolling basis. You will need a copy of your passport to upload with the application.
The question we would like you to answer in your Statement of Motivation is:
Concisely discuss why you would like to be a part of the US Delegation of the Student Forum. What do you hope toto gain by being a part of the Student Forum? How do you believe your presence will contribute to the Student Forum? (250 Words)
UNDERGRADUATES
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Cienfuegos Scientific Convention Registration Fee
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Roundtrip Airfare from Miami to Cuba
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Cuba Entry Visa
-
Dedicated Ground Transportation to and From Cuban Airports
-
Welcome Dinner in Cienfuegos
-
Access to All Program Events
-
Stay 5 Nights in private accommodations with a Host Family
-
Breakfast Included Each Morning
-
Lunch on Each Day of the Conference
-
Dinner In Your Casa with Your Host Family
-
Cuba Health and Repatriation Insurance
-
English Speaking Guides
Invoicing and payments will be administered by Squareup.com. Logistical services for US travelers are provided solely by Civitas Global Educational Services in compliance with the United States Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control. A portion of the proceeds from the travel cost will be used to provide logistical support for Cubans delegates from other provinces to attend in-person.
GRAD STUDENTS
-
Cienfuegos Scientific Convention Registration Fee
-
Roundtrip Airfare from Miami to Cuba
-
Cuba Entry Visa
-
Dedicated Ground Transportation to and From Cuban Airports
-
Welcome Dinner in Cienfuegos
-
Access to All Program Events
-
Stay 5 Nights in private accommodations with a Host Family
-
Breakfast Included Each Morning
-
Lunch on Each Day of the Conference
-
Dinner In Your Casa with Your Host Family
-
Cuba Health and Repatriation Insurance
-
English Speaking Guides
Invoicing and payments will be administered by Squareup.com. Logistical services for US travelers are provided solely by Civitas Global Educational Services in compliance with the United States Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control. A portion of the proceeds from the travel cost will be used to provide logistical support for Cubans delegates from other provinces to attend in-person.
PROGRAM COST
The travel program for all US travelers is handled by Civitas Global Educational Services, Co-Founder of Cuba TIES. Civitas GES has been building Cuba-US partnerships and facilitating programs for US institutions since 2014. A portion of the proceeds from the travel program will be used to provide logistical support for Cuban delegates from other provinces to attend in-person. All delegates will have the support of our resident coordinators and La Universidad de Cienfuegos during the experience.
- Roundtrip Airfare from Miami to Cuba
- Cuba Entry Visa
- Cienfuegos Scientific Convention Registration Fee
- Access to All Program Events and Activities
- Ground Transportation to and From Cuban Airports
- Welcome Dinner in Cienfuegos
- 5-Nights Stay in Private Accommodations
- Breakfast Included Each Morning
- Lunch on Each Day of the Conference
- Cuba Health and Repatriation Insurance
- English Speaking Guides
Logistical services for US travelers are provided solely by Civitas Global Educational Services in full compliance with the United States Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control. Click here to see the full OFAC Regulations related to travel to Cuba.
All invoicing and payments are processed by Squareup.com. No deposit required for Student Forum participants. Click here to view our full terms and conditions.
