GUIDE TO CUBA SEMINAR

Transcription

1 GUIDE TO CUBA SEMINAR SUFFOLK LAW SCHOOL CUBA SEMINAR INFORMATION SESSIONS: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 5-5:50 P.M., FACULTY MEETING ROOM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 5-5:50 P.M., FACULTY MEETING ROOM DEAN S SUITE, SUITE 4 TH FLOOR I. WHAT IS THE CUBA SEMINAR AND ACADEMIC EXCHANGE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HAVANA SCHOOL OF LAW The Suffolk Law School-University of Havana School of Law exchange focuses on providing students with a comprehensive academic and cultural experience. It allows for students from both universities to learn about the substantive and procedural laws of each country, with the added benefits of forming friendships and learning about a different nation. The course approaches the study of law from a comparative and collaborative approach; what can we learn from and with one another about our systems of justice, including but not limited to the courts, the way law is studied and practiced, efforts to improve the administration of justice, judicial decision making and more. It also offers a unique experience for U.S. students to immerse in Cuban culture, language, and social activities. Learning about the history, culture, language, arts and ways of life of both of our countries is a vital component of acquiring knowledge about and respecting different legal systems. 1

2 The Island of Cuba remains a fascinating and challenging country. Politically, economically, socially and culturally it is very different than the U.S. It has profound roots and connection in and with Africa, a strong European influence, meaningful impact from Chinese, Jewish and other smaller groups with origins in many parts of the world. Known for its beautiful beaches, fauna and wild life, rum, tobacco, dance and music, Cuba is a much more complex and culturally rich society. There are world-class museums, visual artists, ballet, chess, baseball and other sports. It has a strong tradition in medical care and research. Cubans are often called wizards of invention in the sciences as much as with old American cars. A large proportion of the population has studied at strong public schools and universities. Efforts by the U.S. government for more than 50 years to isolate the island have resulted, primarily, in America being isolated from Cuba- although both countries have paid a heavy price for the U.S. embargo which remains in place. As different as Cuba is from the U.S., since the late 1800's and to the present, notwithstanding tensions between the two countries, Cubans feel a lot of affinity and fondness for the American people and many "things American". You will be received in a friendly, warm and curious manner; this is particularly true, if you approach Cuba in a spirit of mutual respect and openness. Cuba is a developing nation with many problems and issues that its population has to face on a daily basis. It is far from a "perfect" place, with some well-deserved criticism...as the Cubans will readily admit. They are, as we in the U.S., a very proud people. And, as they will also remind us: it s not as though the U.S. does not have serious problems of its own. The University of Havana is Cuba's oldest and its premiere institution of higher learning. The University has superb departments, in all the arts and sciences, as well as schools of engineering, medicine and law. Tuition is free and less than 10% of the applicants are admitted to the law school. It is not only a mature and academically gifted student body, the faculty of the law school is well known outside the island, particularly in Latin America, the Caribbean, and in Europe. The U.S. embargo and political differences may have slowed the growth of academic exchanges, but we are fortunate at Suffolk to have developed a special relationship, as more colleges are looking to expand their international programs to include Cuba. The City of Havana is a sprawling, beautiful metropolis, with a diverse population, endless activities, and spectacular architecture, blessed by a beautiful coastline and a vibrant, all night "get up and go" personality. Many of its neighborhoods are alive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Compared to cities of its size around the world, it has a relatively low crime rate. It is in this setting, with this backdrop and context that you will learn to negotiate and resolve transportation, food, communication and adventures in learning and cooperation with fellow students and others. You will get to know and befriend your Cuban colleagues as well as the Cuban people and, the substantive and procedural legal subject matter will be challenging and interesting. You will return home profoundly affected, with a deep sense of respect and admiration for the Cuban people. Your minds, hearts and souls will be touched and opened in different and unexpected ways. 2

3 II. HOW TO APPLY? We welcome applications from upper division (day and evening) students with an open-mind and interest in cultural enrichment. The application form will be distributed at informational meetings during the fall, at the Office of Academic Services, in Suite 310 and it will also be available on-line. In reviewing each application we will take into account all aspects of a candidate s background, and give particular though not sole consideration to academic standing and year in law school. While Spanish fluency is most desirable, it is not required; interpreters will be available throughout the course. The application requires a personal statement of no more than 500 words expressing why you are interested in this program, what you hope to gain from and bring to this experience and an introduction about yourself, including your academic and professional career goals. A completed hard-copy of the application must be submitted to the Office of Academic Services no later than October 27, 2016 by 4 p.m. Judge Borenstein, Deans Cove and Ferrari, will begin to review all applications that are completed as of the deadline. Any applications that are late will only be reviewed if there are open slots. Decisions on the applications will be made promptly and we will expect a quick turnaround on accepted students decision to go or not. A short wait list may be established. The course is limited to no more than 24 students. III. ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND COURSE The Suffolk Law School Cuba Seminar, for two academic credits, will take place during the Spring 2017 Semester. The class will meet once a week, on Thursdays from 6-6:55 p.m. As part of the Seminar, the 24 students selected for the class will travel for an academic exchange held at the University of Havana School of Law, from March 13-17, 2017, during the spring vacation. It is likely all students will fly together to Havana on either Thursday, March 9 or Friday, March 10, and return on Sunday, March 19. During the Spring Semester portion of the Seminar at Suffolk Law School, students will have reading assignments on both the Cuban and U.S. criminal justice systems, as well as an introduction to the history and culture of Cuba. A paper of pages in length is required in lieu of a final exam, and each student will give a short presentation in class about their paper. Judge Isaac Borenstein (ret.) a native of Havana, Cuba, and Visiting Professor of Law at Suffolk will teach the seminar here; in conjunction with the Faculty of Law at the University of Havana, including Vice-Provost and former Law School Dean Mayda Goite, he will coteach the course in Havana. He will also direct the program in Havana and be present throughout your time there, also staying at a private home. We anticipate visits to a courthouse, guest lecturers including Judges, a trip to a law firm and prosecutor s office, perhaps a prison. The Spring 2017 Cuba Seminar will focus on Comparative Criminal Law and Procedure exploring both the Cuban and U.S. systems of justice. The January 2015 SULS Cuba Intersession Course addressed mediation and arbitration in both countries, with a focus on 3

4 family law. In January 2016, the course was devoted to economic changes in Cuba, the role of foreign investment, contract issues and related topics. The joint academic work by the students and faculty of both institutions will be successful if there is a dedication to a mutually respectful and open-minded people to people exchange. This is a unique, interesting and very special experience open to Suffolk Law School. We were the first law school in the U.S. to have a one week intensive course on the campus of the University of Havana, with Cuban law students and faculty participating throughout the course. IV. COURSE SCHEDULE In Havana, Monday-Friday, March 13-17, 2017 you will attend classes with your Cuban colleagues from (tentatively) 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be readings and class preparation for the course in Havana, attendance required at all classes, and there will also be professional and cultural activities planned during most of the afternoons and evenings, with plenty of free time built in. On the two weekends in Cuba there may be some planned activities, but also additional free time. V. COST Airfare, room and board, transportation in Cuba and miscellaneous expenses will be the financial responsibility of each individual student. You should budget about $75 per day in Havana to cover your room, meals, transportation in and around the city, and miscellaneous daily expenses; airplane round-trip fare should be about $1, (estimate). Assuming 12 nights and 11 days in Havana, a reasonably accurate amount of the total cost, including travel to and from is $2,100 to $2,300. You will need to have a valid passport and medical insurance (about $75.00) which is required by the Cuban government. In addition, the On Call program for international travel for Suffolk students is required and will cost $ These costs are fairly accurate estimates, but are subject to some change out of our control. 4

5 VI. CUBA S CURRENCY Cuba s official currency is the Cuban National Peso (CUP OR Moneda Nacional). However, several years ago the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was introduced by the government as an alternative. Currently, the CUC is about equal to the U.S. dollar. CUCs are widely regarded as the most desirable currency and it is what you will most often use in restaurants, hotels and the majority of other places. Cuban National Pesos are not accepted everywhere which is why you will need to have CUCs. You will NOT be able to use your credit or ATM cards. More details about the currency and daily expenses will be presented at the information sessions, and during the spring term for enrolled students. VII. HOUSING You are NOT to make your own housing and flight arrangements. Judge Borenstein and Suffolk Staff will handle these arrangements. It is expected that all students will reside in the private homes of Cuban families, usually with two students per bedroom. You can expect to pay $20-25 a night, per student, per room, including breakfast. SULS staff/administration will select, organize and assign you a specific home. The hosts that will be selected are authorized by the government to rent out rooms in these private homes and they take the responsibility very seriously; we have used these hosts before. During both prior courses host families ranged from doctors to seamstresses to a woman who had been an interpreter at the U.N. and during the Caribbean Missile Crisis. The hosts are generally very friendly, and will engage you in conversation and assist you throughout your stay. All private homes are clean, pleasant and in working order. You will typically share a room with a fellow student. Additionally, depending on the home, there may be other students or visitors. Generally, you will receive a key and can come and go as you please. However, the 5

6 hosts tend to be somewhat protective so be sure to let them know if you will be returning home late at night. As part of the housing arrangements, daily breakfast will typically be provided. Be sure to communicate with your host if for some reason you do not require breakfast that day, if you need to have breakfast by a certain time, and any food allergies. Within reason, they will be very flexible with you. Further details about the private home stays will be presented at the Information Sessions and during the Spring semester for enrolled students. VIII. TRANSPORTATION GETTING TO HAVANA SULS staff/administration will handle booking your round-trip flight reservations from the point of origin to José Martí International Airport (HAV). You will not be allowed under any circumstances to arrange flights yourselves. A group flight will be organized in an effort to help students get acquainted with classmates, transition into Havana and their homes, and it will be more cost effective. Upon your arrival to José Martí International Airport, you will be met by Judge Borenstein and be transported to your respective homes. These transportation arrangements will be set up by SULS staff/administrators prior to your arrival, and of course where possible in older American cars. GETTING AROUND HAVANA Once you learn some of the Cuban ways, getting around the city during your trip to Havana will present unique challenges and interesting experiences; and you will find that you will get around just fine. Within a day or two, you will feel comfortable navigating the city on your own, getting to classes, and meeting up with classmates. For a large city (close to 3,000,000 people) it is relatively safe, compared to the U.S. There are several options for travelling within Havana and they will also be explained briefly at the introductory sessions and more indepth during the course for enrolled students. As part of the Suffolk classroom component in Boston during the Spring Semester, there will also be more detailed descriptions and suggestions about places to visit, where to eat, shopping, and other important concerns. For more information, please attend one or both of the information sessions: September 15, 2016 at 5 p.m. and October 6, 2016 at 5 p.m. both in the Law School Faculty Meeting Room, Dean s Suite 4 th Floor. You can also contact Judge Borenstein, Suite 310B, Suffolk Law School (508) , iborenstein@suffolk.edu. 6