Students on CLC field study trip to Cuba explore history and art

Cuba has been the destination for four field study trips offered by the College of Lake County since 2001, but an excursion this past March had a historical feeling because it coincided with President Obama's trip to the island nation. The group of 25 students, ranging in age from 20 to 74, took advantage of the opening up of Cuba to experience its history, art and culture.

"Art, culture and the humanities of Cuba" was organized and led by faculty members Bob Lossmann and Dr. Nick Schevera, who also lead a summer field study trip to Europe.

The March 18-28 trip offered lectures by Cuban professors on board a cruise ship and tours of Havana, Museo de Bellas Artes, Museum of the Revolution, Ernest Hemingway's home, the Buena Vista Social Club, Maria La Gorda, Cinefuegos, Montego Bay, Santiago de Cuba, El Morro Castle and many more sites of artistic, cultural, historical and architectural significance. Students earned 3 college credits for either a humanities or art course. The group included traditional age students, CLC Scholars, community members and current and former CLC staff members.

"I've been to Cuba nine times since 1998, both on my own and with CLC groups, so I've seen a lot of changes," Lossmann said. "But this time we enjoyed the historical significance of being there at the same time President Obama was there, which made it exciting. We even caught a glimpse of him in a motorcade."

Lossmann said the participating students were struck by the differences between the U.S. and Cuba, particularly the poor economy and lack of necessary infrastructure. "But they also commented on the inventiveness of the Cuban people to adapt what they have to their needs, such as keeping cars from the 1950s in running order. They have clever ways and are generally happy people," he said.

According to Cuban traveler Laura Hedien, "It was the experience of a lifetime to be able to visit a country so different than ours. The architecture of the country looks as if everything stopped in 1959."

Student Bill Pogson said that "CLC's 'people-to-people' exposure to Cuba provided a wonderful opportunity to experience a taste of the Cuban character before the post-embargo American invasion begins. While left with a sense of a true exposure to the Cuban character, I returned home with a sense that it wasn't deep enough and that there is a lot more to discover in another trip to Cuba!"

In May, six theatre and dance students and two faculty members will travel China to perform and present at four Chinese universities. Also in May, Lossmann and Schevera will lead a two-week field study trip to Europe, visiting the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, through Luxembourg, Brussels, Brugge and Paris. A third May trip will take students to Japan to study at Ehime University, followed by travels to Kyoto and Tokyo. Lossmann will also lead a painting trip to Door County, Wis. in early June.

For more information on CLC field study trips, both domestic and international, visit www.clcillinois.edu/fieldstudy or call the Center for International Education at (847) 543-2069.