Cuba has held a sensual mystique to Americans for decades. Old Hollywood actors and actresses used Cuba as a playground. Many even owned hotels and other businesses in the island country. Scenes played across the Big Screen of Havana's clubs and the dances that went on inside their walls. We were spellbound, and still we are mesmerized by what Cuba once was in our mind. Even if that image is not what we would find in Cuba today, it is what we long to search for in the Caribbean nation that captured America's heart so long ago. The Cuban Embargo that sent a rift between the two countries may be at the beginning of the end.
In a move to help open the doors with Cuba, President Barak Obama of the United States issued a Statement on the 14th of January entitled "Reaching Out to the Cuban People". Of the many items listed in the statement, it includes opening US airports to flights to and from Cuba, as well as offering the opportunity for individuals, or organizations to send "non-family members" monetary transfers to bolster businesses in Cuba. Of special note to the International Education Community, are the opportunities listed under "Purposeful Travel" in the President's Statement for international education exchange with Cuba.
The main points of the Purposeful Travel section, as the Statement pertains to International Education, are:
In many ways, this is a great opportunity for the Cuban and American people. Cuba has been cut off from the US since the early 1960s. Restrictions were harsh and unfair. This Statement opens a crack, albeit a small crack, between the US and Cuba. It unlocks travel for US citizens that has been blocked for decades. The opportunity to witness and immerse in Cuban culture, that was lost to most Americans for a long time, is now a reality that will invigorate many people. At the same time, the Cuban people will definitely get a boost in their economy from the Americans traveling to their country. The addition of educational conferences will draw many universities and educational agencies to Cuba where they will bring new money and ideas to a country in much need of both. Not only will the influx of Americans benefit Cuba monetarily, but they will also benefit each other with the exchange of ideas and perspective.
What does this mean for the Cuban people? Most importantly, families, which have been separated for decades, will be able to visit their relatives in Cuba. The Statement, released by the White House, also mentions an exchange. But the details do not tell of Cubans traveling or studying in America. This seems a little one-sided. In the future, will Cuba be open to exchange programs for their students and teachers? Will the American government be open to a true exchange, as well? We can only hope that a true exchange of people and ideas occur between the two countries and that neither will be adversely affected by such change.
This article is submitted by:
Ms. Brandie Canaday-Yalniz
