“The Revolution” – A Blog by Salomé Valdivieso Luther College ’23

“Cuba’s revolution has appeared in some way or form as a case study in almost every political science textbook I have read during my time as an undergrad. It was then not a surprise that the desire to go see it by myself was awakened. I went to Cuba wanting to search for the traces of the 1959 revolution, but what I found was something I didn’t expect to witness, a revolution within myself. As I immerse in the VII TIES Conference at the University of Cienfuegos, I learned from the different ways that Cuban professors and authorities at the University of Cienfuegos embrace intercultural learning and cross-cultural understanding in their classrooms. At all times during my stay I was learning something new, refreshing, and innovative inside and outside the conference room.

One of these organic informal experiences was my homestay at Norma’s house. My conversations with Mrs. Norma were one of the most inspiring aspects of my visit to Cuba. Her wisdom and resilience opened my eyes to see the Cuban reality in another light of intense and evocative passion for life. Our exchange of ideas left me with a desire to explore Cuba in a deeper way and longer term, hopefully in a near future.

Another unforgettable learning experience was our second day in the convention when the different U.S. delegates and national participants were invited to join a baseball game at the stadium of the Elephants of Cienfuegos. This event featured important national figures of this sport such as Antonio Muñoz Hernandez, Adiel Palma López, and Norberto Gonzalez Miranda (Gold medalists in Athens 2004). I was very honored to be part of this event and shared it with the different national stars, who patiently taught us about the sport. This space was a great example of how intercultural barriers like language can be overcome when people come together to celebrate the power of education without any further agenda other than genuine intercultural exchange.

Inside the conference room, I learned from both Cuban and U.S. institutions in their approach to international education. I was amazed by the brilliant ideas presented by the different expositors, and it was exciting to identify the many similarities that institutions in both countries have. By exchanging our common challenges we were able to brainstorm potential improvements to the different models of international education. In the process, we networked with colleagues and formed long-lasting friendships. We saw each other as equal partners with the goal of making education an accessible opportunity for everyone around the world.

I feel honored and privileged to have experienced Cuba, even if it was for a brief period of time. Now that I have briefly immersed myself in this historical island, I can reassure the need to create spaces of intercultural learning and global citizenship if we want to become better members of our community. By experiencing the novelty of this new environment, my time in Cuba reminded me that at times, we construct an idea of “the other” based on misconceptions, without giving ourselves a chance to first explore other realities. These words fall short of explaining the preciousness of Cuban culture and the captivating living experience of its people. I, therefore, encourage us to come out of our comfort zones and expand our horizons. To experience this enriching process of self-awareness, empathy, and awakening., what I like to call the “unexpected revolution.”

###

Salomé Valdivieso ’23 is a senior at Luther College. She will be graduating as a triple major in Anthropology, Political Science, and International Studies. Salomé is currently exploring a career in international education. Cuba TIES is the Workshop of Strategic Alliances for the Internationalization of Higher Education. The workshop was founded by La Universidad de Cienfuegos and Civitas GES as a way to encourage partnership building in international education within a Cuban context. For more information on Cuba TIES, click here.

Civitas GES News