FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the application deadline?
You can begin the process at any time, but all parts of your application must be received by March 15. We are placing students on a rolling basis and space is limited so get your applications done ASAP.
Who do I pay?
You pay your application fee to Civitas Global Educational Services. You pay the balance of the cost for the program to SUNY Potsdam.
Is the application fee separate from the cost of the program?
No, the application fee is part your total cost. It is not extra.
When do I pay the application fee?
Pay your application fee as soon as possible. Applications will not be considered until the application fee is paid.
When do I pay the rest of the program cost?
When you are accepted into the program, you will be invoiced by SUNY Potsdam for the remainder of the program cost. The program must be paid in full by April 13, 2023.
Does the program cost cover tuition?
Yes, the program fee covers your tuition cost.
Are my meals covered?
You will have breakfast and dinner in the home of your host family. We have contracted the services of a private restaurant to serve lunch on the days we have class and during our field trips.
Are there any additional travel costs that I will need to pay myself?
Our group flight leaves in the morning from Miami International Airport. If you do not live in Miami, you may need to pay for transportation and lodging in Miami. You will also need to pay for any personal expenses or entertainment while in Cuba.
Can I use my credit card or ATM card in Cuba?
US-based bank cards are blocked from being used in Cuba. Bring cash for the duration of your stay.
Is Cienfuegos expensive? What about the other cities we will be visiting?
US State Department website to see their estimate for the daily cost for meals and incidental expenses in each city. Just keep in mind that your three dailies are already covered so you do not need as much as they estimate.
How do I apply for a Cuba visa?
You do not. We process your visa for you. Once are accepted into the program, we begin working on your visa.
When do I receive my Cuba visa?
You will receive your Cuba visa once you have paid for the program in full.
How old do I have to be to participate?
All students must be at least 18 years of age by May 20, 2023.
Can I go to Cuba as an international student?
International students from all countries are welcome in Cuba.
Will going to Cuba affect my status as an international student in the US?
Typically, there are no issues for F1 or J1 visa holders but consult with your international student services advisor for guidance on your specific situation.
Can I go on this program if I was born in Cuba?
The short answer, it depends. You must have a valid Cuban passport, even if you are citizen of another country. If you need to obtain your Cuban passport to return to Cuba, we can assist you. There is an extra cost associated with the process. Contact us immediately if you are Cuban born and would like to apply to the program.
Can I use Financial Aid for this program?
Check with your home study abroad office for your particular rules on using financial aid for study abroad for credit.
Are there any scholarships available?
At the present time there are no scholarships available for this program.
I am a Fulbright Scholar. Can I use these scholarship funds to pay for the program?
Cuban law prohibits the use of funds that originate from the US State Department or USAID to be used in Cuba.
Will I have access to the Internet in Cuba?
There are Wi-Fi cards that you can purchase to access the internet in Cuba. These cards cost 25 CUP (about $1 USD) for one hour of internet time.
Can I use my cell phone in Cuba?
Most US cell carriers work in roaming mode in Cuba. However, they do not have access to data. Prices can vary and some carriers will charge as much as $3.00 USD per minute to make and receive calls. Check with your provider for the cost of phone calls and text messages while roaming in Cuba.
Will I have access to healthcare in Cuba?
You have health insurance coverage with access to international clinics while in Cuba. Most services are free with little deductible.
I take prescription medications. Can I refill them in Cuba?
Due to the trade embargo, prescription medications are nearly impossible to fill. American brands of medication simply do not exist. Be sure that you have enough medication to last your entire stay in Cuba.
Can I purchase over the counter medications in Cuba?
Again, due to the trade embargo, there are shortages for many over the counter medications. American brand medications do not exist in Cuba.
You can begin the process at any time, but all parts of your application must be received by March 15. We are placing students on a rolling basis and space is limited so get your applications done ASAP.
Who do I pay?
You pay your application fee to Civitas Global Educational Services. You pay the balance of the cost for the program to SUNY Potsdam.
Is the application fee separate from the cost of the program?
No, the application fee is part your total cost. It is not extra.
When do I pay the application fee?
Pay your application fee as soon as possible. Applications will not be considered until the application fee is paid.
When do I pay the rest of the program cost?
When you are accepted into the program, you will be invoiced by SUNY Potsdam for the remainder of the program cost. The program must be paid in full by April 13, 2023.
Does the program cost cover tuition?
Yes, the program fee covers your tuition cost.
Are my meals covered?
You will have breakfast and dinner in the home of your host family. We have contracted the services of a private restaurant to serve lunch on the days we have class and during our field trips.
Are there any additional travel costs that I will need to pay myself?
Our group flight leaves in the morning from Miami International Airport. If you do not live in Miami, you may need to pay for transportation and lodging in Miami. You will also need to pay for any personal expenses or entertainment while in Cuba.
Can I use my credit card or ATM card in Cuba?
US-based bank cards are blocked from being used in Cuba. Bring cash for the duration of your stay.
Is Cienfuegos expensive? What about the other cities we will be visiting?
US State Department website to see their estimate for the daily cost for meals and incidental expenses in each city. Just keep in mind that your three dailies are already covered so you do not need as much as they estimate.
How do I apply for a Cuba visa?
You do not. We process your visa for you. Once are accepted into the program, we begin working on your visa.
When do I receive my Cuba visa?
You will receive your Cuba visa once you have paid for the program in full.
How old do I have to be to participate?
All students must be at least 18 years of age by May 20, 2023.
Can I go to Cuba as an international student?
International students from all countries are welcome in Cuba.
Will going to Cuba affect my status as an international student in the US?
Typically, there are no issues for F1 or J1 visa holders but consult with your international student services advisor for guidance on your specific situation.
Can I go on this program if I was born in Cuba?
The short answer, it depends. You must have a valid Cuban passport, even if you are citizen of another country. If you need to obtain your Cuban passport to return to Cuba, we can assist you. There is an extra cost associated with the process. Contact us immediately if you are Cuban born and would like to apply to the program.
Can I use Financial Aid for this program?
Check with your home study abroad office for your particular rules on using financial aid for study abroad for credit.
Are there any scholarships available?
At the present time there are no scholarships available for this program.
I am a Fulbright Scholar. Can I use these scholarship funds to pay for the program?
Cuban law prohibits the use of funds that originate from the US State Department or USAID to be used in Cuba.
Will I have access to the Internet in Cuba?
There are Wi-Fi cards that you can purchase to access the internet in Cuba. These cards cost 25 CUP (about $1 USD) for one hour of internet time.
Can I use my cell phone in Cuba?
Most US cell carriers work in roaming mode in Cuba. However, they do not have access to data. Prices can vary and some carriers will charge as much as $3.00 USD per minute to make and receive calls. Check with your provider for the cost of phone calls and text messages while roaming in Cuba.
Will I have access to healthcare in Cuba?
You have health insurance coverage with access to international clinics while in Cuba. Most services are free with little deductible.
I take prescription medications. Can I refill them in Cuba?
Due to the trade embargo, prescription medications are nearly impossible to fill. American brands of medication simply do not exist. Be sure that you have enough medication to last your entire stay in Cuba.
Can I purchase over the counter medications in Cuba?
Again, due to the trade embargo, there are shortages for many over the counter medications. American brand medications do not exist in Cuba.
RETURN TO COURSE LISTINGS
BEGIN ONLINE APPLICANT FORM