KU receives 2-year license for students, faculty to study, teach, research in Cuba

LAWRENCE -- University of Kansas students and faculty now may travel to Cuba to participate in educational programs and research through a license recently granted by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. KU is the only Kansas university with such a license.

KU's two-year Cuba license will allow students and faculty to study or teach at Cuban universities, participate in educational programs and conduct research, following strict Treasury Department regulations. Approximately 200 U.S. universities hold Cuba licenses.

"Several KU faculty have research interests in Cuba and the Caribbean in general, so this opportunity will build on our strengths," said Diana Carlin, dean of the KU Graduate School and International Programs. "The license will allow them to directly pursue their research and enable graduate students to work with them."

The first opportunity for KU students to go to Cuba will occur in December with the 25th annual International Festival of Latin American Film in La Habana. Tamara Falicov, KU assistant professor of theatre and film, will take students from her "Cuban Cinema" course on a six-day study trip. This joint seminar with the University of Missouri-Kansas City will meet for three weekends in November on the UMKC campus and will culminate in Cuba. KU is hoping to develop future faculty-directed programs in Cuba for students on all KU campuses.

"This license will open up exciting academic and research opportunities for KU students and faculty that will enhance our reputation as an international university," said Carlin. "This is an exceptional addition to KU's numerous international programs."