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About Cuba TIES V

Internationalization, Culture and Identity

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 and other international collaborations within a Cuban context. Forged from a collaboration between the University of Cienfuegos and Civitas GES that began in 2014, Cuba TIES is the largest conference in Cuba dedicated to building partnerships in international education. In 2016, Cuba TIES received the support of NAFSA as part of its Cuba Engagement Initiative.

Cuba TIES V welcomes presenters from all over the world under the principle themes of Internationalization, Culture and Identity. We seek to promote depth to our discussion, stimulate new partnerships and nurture existing ones through innovation.

In keeping within the themes, Cuba TIES V main objectives are:

  • To promote debate on the management of international relations and its role in the development of cultural identity in a globally sustainable context
  • To reflect on international offices and their impact on the development of cultural identity
  • To spark the exchange of work/research criteria and strategies for the integration and active role of directing international relations pertaining to the internationalization of higher education
  • To reflect on the academic, cultural, and student work and its impact on international development of institutions of higher education

Cuba TIES V will address these themes through pre-conference workshops, commission sessions and poster presentations.

This year we are pleased to build on our opportunities for collaboration by bringing back the Cuba TIES Student Forum. A collaboration between the University of Cienfuegos and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the Student Forum is an accessible opportunity for students from different disciplines to learn, network, and share in the Cuban experience.

Lastly, you will want to pack your cleats and glove to be a part of the 2nd Cuba TIES Classic. Our first experience with the Veterans’ Softball league was one of the most memorable of TIES IV. We’re fortunate to be building on it to make this year’s experience even more memorable with a special surprise in store.

You will want to be sure to also visit our exhibit hall so you can learn more about Cuban institutions and community organizations. This can also be an additional opportunity for you to showcase your institution or organization and attract the attention of Cuban participants.

Moments from Past Cuba TIES

Cuba TIES 2017 Group Photo

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”)

Cuba TIES 2017 Group Photo
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.
Proyecto Maracá
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

Read About Cuba TIES 2017

Organizing Committee
Orquídea Urquiola Sánchez, PhD
Rector, University of Cienfuegos

Yailén Monzón Bruguera, Ph.D.

Adianez Fernández Bermúdez, Ph.D.

Executive Secretary
Lourdes Pomares Castellón, MBA

Members
Dayni Diaz Mederos, MA

Lilian M. Peraza Vilorio, MA

Oscar Luis Muñoz Hernández, MA

Jesús Díaz Rumbaut, MA

We would like to thank the following organizations for their support and dedication to building partnerships in Cuba based on mutual respect and understanding.

WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT CUBA TIES

  • Attending the 1st Annual Workshop for the Internationalization of Higher Education (TIES 2015) organized by Civitas Global Education Services and hosted by Universidad de Cienfuegos.

    The event was very productive in providing first hand insight about educational initiatives in Cuba as well as the interest of US institutions. It was quite interesting to hear about

    Collaboration 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 Cub may allow for the re-establishment of education related collaboration.

    Louis F. Dessau, MBA, 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 along side. 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 in the near future. Of course, none of this would have happened without the great work and advice of Civitas GES. TIES, 2015 was an incredible success!

    Kari Richtsmeier, PhD, Director, International and Off-Campus Programs, Hamline University

  • 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.

    Dr. Alvin Wang, Dean, The Burnett Honors College, University of Central Florida

  • 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.

    Michele L. Petrucci, Ph.D., Associate Vice President: International Education and Global Engagement, Executive Director: American Language Institute - Indiana University of Pennsylvania