The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University was delighted to welcome Dr. Ernesto Dominguez Lopez, visiting scholar from the University of Havana, Cuba to its Glenside, PA campus. Dr. Dominguez Lopez is a professor within the Centro de Estudios Hemisféricos y sobre Estados Unidos (CEHSEU - Center for Hemispheric and U.S. Studies), where he teaches American History, Theory of History, US Politics, Sociopolitical theory and Advanced Capitalism.
The experience was a fruitful and positive one for Dr. Dominguez Lopez, who used the opportunity to work on two research projects and to engage with the Arcadia staff, faculty and students by giving several lectures and meetings. One project examines the realignment of US political parties and the overall political system in the 21st century, and the other project focuses on the changing nature of US/Cuba relations from a US perspective.
When asked about why Cuba is a strong destination for US study abroad students, Dr. Dominguez Lopez commented: “While the experience is a unique way to observe and even participate in some pretty historical moments, Cuba has a lot to offer aside from that. Cuba is a very safe location that challenges students with a different perspective. The University of Havana is very prestigious and Havana itself is one of the oldest cities in the Americas with a deep, rich heritage that is visible in the forms of buildings from every century dating back to the 1500s.”
Dr. Dominguez Lopez also noted that study abroad in Cuba is booming and he expects that will continue in light of the normalization of diplomatic relations. Of Arcadia in Cuba, he said: “This is one of the best programs of its kind that I’ve worked with. The level of detail both in Cuba and back in the U.S. is huge. Arcadia is making sure to take care of their students, but not treating them as if they are little kids, in the best possible way. There is a consensus among faculty at the University of Havana that this is probably if not the best, then one of the best.”
The visit forms part of the cooperative academic relationship in place between the two universities which helps strengthen and deepen the interactions between both institutions, including the provision of Arcadia's study abroad programs in Cuba.