Karen Pawloski said she never dreamed enrolling at MSU would bring her to Cuba.
“I wanted to go on a study abroad,” the packaging senior said. “I was thinking Europe or something like that, not Cuba.”
Pawloski was one of 20 students led by two professors from the Department of Geography on MSU’s first study abroad expedition to communist Cuba on Saturday.
More than a year ago, professors René Hinojosa and Robert Thomas began planning for the excursion with a weeklong exploratory trip to the island.
“We explored the island looking for everything we might want to show students,” Thomas said.
MSU worked closely with the administration at the University of Havana, but the first step in implementing the program was talking to President M. Peter McPherson, Thomas said.
“He wanted MSU students to interact with those at the University of Havana,” Thomas said.
“But just as importantly he wanted Cuban students to interact with us.”
The students will be gone for four weeks, and some said they are hopeful to see Cuban President Fidel Castro.
“Monday is Cuban Independence Day,” Thomas said. “It’s possible Castro will be giving a talk in the plaza.”
International studies and Spanish junior Brynne Willis said she attended the trip because she wanted to be familiar with a communist country.
“It’s an opportunity to see Cuba before Fidel croaks,” she said. “I know it sounds bad but I want to see how people are oppressed by Fidel.”
On Tuesday, former President Jimmy Carter stood before Castro and voiced his opinion that the country is in need of greater liberties.
The program costs of $1,933, which included accommodations, meals, insurance and money for field trips.
The program fee excluded costs for tuition, airfare and personal spending money.
Students could take classes in integrated social sciences, geography and social sciences during their stay.
Jake Spencer said he has been interested in the program since he heard the Office of Study Abroad was trying to put it together when he was a freshman.
“I started calling people as soon as I heard about it,” the international relations and Spanish junior said. “As soon as you could enroll, I did.”
Some students attending the program said they are bringing video equipment along with them and hope to make a documentary focusing on Cuba’s culture.
“Castro and Cuba are so synonymous,” geography senior Jon Markel said. “There are millions of people there every day who are Cuba.”
Study Abroad director Kathleen Fairfax said when she first heard about the plans to venture into Cuba, she was thrilled.
“When I studied abroad that just wasn’t an option,” she said. “Now that the government is relaxing we need to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities.”
