About Cuba TIES
Internationalization and the 2030 Agenda
ABOUT CUBA TIES
The Workshop of Strategic Alliances for the Internationalization of Higher Education, known as Cuba TIES, is a conference dedicated to promoting campus internationalization through study abroad, exchanges, research, and other international collaborations within a Cuban context. Forged from a collaboration between the University of Cienfuegos and Civitas GES that started in 2014, Cuba TIES is the largest conference in Cuba dedicated to building partnerships in international education. Cuba TIES received early endorsements from governmental and NGO’s for its innovation in rebuilding relations. In 2016, Cuba TIES received the support of NAFSA as part of its Cuba Engagement Initiative.
Each year, Cuba TIES welcomes participants from all over the world to share their experiences, best practices, and research on international collaborations. Delegates represent all manner of stakeholders from students and professors to administrators and executives, and representatives of supporting institutions.
Participants reflect on the academic, cultural, and student work as it relates to international development of institutions of higher education. The reflections are shared through pre-conference workshops, paper presentations in commission sessions, poster sessions and featured plenary panels.
The exhibit hall is our space for delegates to learn more about Cuban institutions and community organizations. It is an opportunity for delegates to showcase their institution or organization, attract the attention of Cuban delegates and have more direct discussions.
In addition to the academic presentation, Cuba TIES is also a set of unique experiences creating opportunities for immersion within the communities of Cienfuegos, Cuba. International and non-local Cuban delegates stay in homes with host families, visit community projects and research sites. Formal and informal activities for networking and building relationships that will provide you with the experience needed to meet your professional, personal, or institutional goals. Our events throughout the conference create memorable moments as well as opportunities to meet new colleagues and strengthen existing relationships.
By the end of the event, delegates walk away feeling a connection to the community and an appreciation for Cuba with a better understanding of the impact of its reality. Delegates form connections that motivate you to return year after year.
MORE ABOUT CUBA TIES
Explore the pages below and register for the largest international educational event in the provinces.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT CUBA TIES
“Attending TIES 2015 was my first Cuban experience and it exceeded my expectations: a diverse mix participants (US and Cuban institutions as well as government representatives), a variety of presentations, and an urban experience outside of Havana. Overall, a hospitable and well-organized conference event. TIES 2015 spoke to International Educators and faculty and administrators from a range of academic disciplines (STEM, Humanities, Education, etc.) and provided the vehicle for educators from Cuba and America interested in the region to spend time together. It truly was a priceless experience.”
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Associate Vice President: International Education and Global Engagement
Executive Director: American Language Institute
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Associate Vice President: International Education and Global Engagement
Executive Director: American Language Institute
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
“I found the TIES conference to be a wonderful venue for establishing relationships across institutions and individuals. The organizers were efficient, responsive, and well prepared to handle a large, diverse group of international educators.”
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Dean, The Burnett Honors College
University of Central Florida
Dean, The Burnett Honors College
University of Central Florida
“The event was very productive in providing firsthand insight about educational initiatives in Cuba as well as the interest of US institutions. It was quite interesting to hear about collaborations Cuban institutions have had with Argentina, Ecuadorian and European Institutions. The event served as an excellent opportunity to become familiar with Cuban institutions for those interested in establishing collaboration as diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba may allow for the re-establishment of education related collaboration.”
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Regional Director Mexico & Latin America
Global Carolina
University of South Carolina
Regional Director Mexico & Latin America
Global Carolina
University of South Carolina
“I attended TIES 2015 conference, and not only did I meet great colleagues from across the USA, who have become friends, but Hamline walked away with great new partners in Cienfuegos that we are simply thrilled to be working alongside. Our visit resulted in a January 2017 course and March 2017 choir tour. We are looking forward to deepening this relationship with faculty, staff, and student exchange soon. Of course, none of this would have happened without the great work and advice of Civitas GES. TIES, 2015 was an incredible success!”
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Director, International and Off-Campus Programs
Hamline University
Director, International and Off-Campus Programs
Hamline University
MOMENTS FROM PAST CUBA TIES
Over 100 international educational leaders from 50 institutions attended the 3rd Annual Workshop of Strategic Alliances for the Internationalization of Higher Education
(“Cuba TIES 2017”)
Dr. Juan B. Cogollos, Rector of University of Cienfuegos, delivers opening remarks at the Cuba TIES 2017 inauguration ceremony.
“Academic, educational, cultural and people-to-people exchanges are vital to laying the groundwork of mutual understanding, helping us learn from each other, and creating a more secure and prosperous world. These programs are what make it possible to build on the foundations of collaboration and understanding when political winds shift.” - Jill Welch, Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy for NAFSA, Association of International Educators
Afro-Cuban cultural group Rumbalay performs at the Cuba TIES 2017 opening celebration.
Dr. Bette Bergeron, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs of SUNY Potsdam is interviewed by local Cuban news on the collaborative efforts between her institution and the University of Cienfuegos.
Drs. Karen Rauch, Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Diane King, Associate Professor, Special Education Department of Kutztown University network with Cuban colleagues.
Pre-conference session on Internationalization, Education and Leadership led by (front row from left to right) Dayni Díaz Mederos, M.Ed. International Academic Relations specialist, University of Cienfuegos and co-founder of Cuba TIES; Dr. Gabrielle Malfatti, Director of Global Engagement, University of Missouri College of Education and; Dr. Xiomara García Navarro, Dean, Pedagogical Sciences Faculty, University of Cienfuegos.
Idris Robinson, MPH, Assistant Director for International Programs of the Office of Global Health at Drexel University describes the “CHE” program, a multidisciplinary experience in Cienfuegos centered on public health.
Dr. Jacqueline Thayer Scott, Cape Breton University receives an award from Rector Juan B. Cogollos of University of Cienfuegos for her outstanding commitment to partnerships in international education.
(from Left to right) Dr. Teresita A. Levy of Lehman College, Dr. Iliana Gonzalez Crespo of La Universidad de Camagüey and Dr. Ana Beltran, La Universidad de Sancti Spiritus after presenting their ongoing joint programs.
Dancers of the after school program Proyecto Maracá rehearse in front of Cuba TIES 2017 delegates. Proyecto Maracá is a program offered to children and adults in the community led by professors of the University of Cienfuegos Arts Department.
Professor of English at Montgomery College in Maryland, Dr. David G. Lott, reads excerpts from his recently released bilingual poetry book, New to Guayama.
University of Cienfuegos English Department Chair, Daniel Cima Mesa (at left), led the team of faculty and student interpreters. Cuba TIES is a bilingual event.
Cuba TIES 2017 delegates visit el Castillo Jagua at the mouth of Cienfuegos bay. Built in 1742, the French-designed fort predates the founding of the city by 74 years.
Photo Credit: Idris Robinson, Drexel University
WE STAND FIRM
Despite restrictions placed on US travelers to Cuba made by the US Department of Treasury in 2019 and 2020, our commitment to building sustainable partnerships based on mutual respect and benefit continues. US educators and students can still travel to participate in study abroad programs, exchanges, and professional meetings even under current OFAC rules. For complete details on the Cuba Assets Control Regulations visit:
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515?toc=1