Haslett student participates in a J-Term study tour to Cuba

2016 Jan 29

Kristen Hairston of Haslett participated in a J-Term study tour to Cuba with Carthage College.

This study tour offered an integrative learning experience where students were exposed to several disciplinary perspectives from both U.S. and Cuban scholars, and experienced the Cuban situation for themselves by exploring eight provinces over 15 nights on the island.

Students examined the impact of living under a restrictive political system and a failing economy and a special emphasis was put on the biological and psychological consequences of living in this chronically stressful situation. Students also observed the emergence of haves and have-nots because of access to tourist money in the country. Students had the opportunity to engage with Cuban citizens in a wide variety of settings including city life in Havana, rural tobacco/rum production, environmentally protected areas in the west, university life in the central mountains, and life with tourists.

J-Term is a special month-long period of study in which Carthage students explore subjects outside their majors or minors, discover new interests, and test their creativity through classes held both on campus and around the world. It's a month to experiment, create and dream. Carthage is ranked No. 4 in the nation among baccalaureate institutions for student participation in short-term study abroad.