Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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RUDN University students recently returned from a winter school held at the University of Havana, Cuba's oldest university, founded nearly 300 years ago. Recognized as one of the leading centers of education in Latin America, this university is where legendary Cuban leader Fidel Castro graduated. Today, its walls inspire new generations of students to pursue their knowledge.
Ten RUDN students took part in the trip: four each from the Institute of World Economy and Business and the Faculty of Economics, and two from the Law Institute.
Much in common
Participants completed an intensive Spanish language course and learned about the specifics of Cuban education, culture, and law. The classes were held at the University of Havana and led by local instructors, who shared their knowledge of the language and Latin American specifics of business and legal relations.
RUDN students noted many similarities in the two universities' approaches to learning. Classes at the University of Havana are just as engaging as those at RUDN, with attentive and sensitive professors who maintain a lively dialogue with the audience. And before classes, Cuban students, like their Russian counterparts, enjoy grabbing a bite to eat and discussing their plans for the day at a small local café or in the university courtyard.
The university building itself left a lasting impression on our students. It has a majestic, antique feel: tall columns, wooden shutters, and abundant greenery create an atmosphere of tranquility and inspiration. However, this tranquility is rather arbitrary: Havana is a city that never sleeps. Music—salsa, reggaeton—blares from every open window, and people dance right in the streets, turning every day into a small celebration of life.
Bridges of friendship and cultural code
The winter school program demonstrated that student life in Cuba is as full of adventure and events as in Russia. Cuban peers are just as open, boisterous, and cheerful. They enjoy gathering in groups after classes, hanging out until late at night, discussing music, and dreaming about the future.
Interacting with local residents also opened up unexpected cultural intersections for the RUDN students. It turned out that many Cuban students were well-versed in Russian literature. They eagerly asked the RUDN guests about Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Some students admitted their dream of reading the great novels in the original, to more fully appreciate the depth of the Russian language. This cultural dialogue became a true bridge between students from the two countries.
According to our students, Cubans are very open and helpful, and they supported conversations with gestures and smiles whenever a language barrier arose. This allowed the students to learn Spanish not only at their desks but also in real-life situations.
From the Capitol to the Coast
In addition to their classes, the students actively participated in the cultural program: they visited the Napoleon Museum, the Capitol, and Old Havana, sampled traditional Cuban dishes, and participated in a joint dance lesson with fellow Cuban students. One of the highlights of the trip was an excursion to the coast—an opportunity to experience the island's nature and atmosphere.
A special place in the program was occupied by a meeting at the Embassy of the Russian Federation.
"Thanks to the meeting with the Russian Ambassador, we were able to hear firsthand about the development of relations between Cuba and Russia. And the embassy building itself was striking in its scale and beauty," said Alina Chesebieva, a second-year student at the Institute of World Economy and Business, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations.
At the end of the trip, the students received certificates from the University of Havana confirming their participation in the Spanish language course.
"Studying in Cuba is a unique combination of academic knowledge and cultural experience. We not only improved our Spanish but also immersed ourselves in a completely different reality, where every day brings new discoveries," says Vasilisa Kosheleva, a first-year law student majoring in International Law.
"The trip was wonderful, the impressions were unforgettable! We were able to see life on the other side of the world, to see everything with our own eyes. We especially loved Havana—an incredible city with its own atmosphere and rhythm of life. I sincerely thank RUDN for such an amazing opportunity!" — Alina Chesebieva.
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