Havana Predeparture Information
Congratulations on your acceptance to study with SSA! We hope this is the beginning of an exciting and life-changing journey. Before you go, there are a few things we still need from you, which you may access by logging into your online account.
Below you will find important information regarding your program. These materials should answer most of your questions about the program and preparing to go abroad, but please do not hesitate to contact us!
Visa
This information may also be downloaded via the Visa Handbook. We recommend that you download and read it in addition to the information below.
Your Resident Director, Rocío Haro, will provide the Universidad de La Habana (ULH) with the names of our accepted students, your arrival dates/departure dates, your passport numbers, and your addresses in Cuba. ULH will assign a radio number to each of you and inform the Cuban Embassy. You will receive more detailed instructions from SSA closer to departure.
In the meantime, you may follow these guidelines:
- Students must complete the attached Cuba Visa Application Form and mail it along with all visa materials to SSA. The $70 (subject to change) visa fee plus $30 (subject to change) administrative fee will be added to your online account. You can log in and click on “View/Pay Bill" to pay the fee.
- Once the Resident Director has let us know your radio numbers have been issued, we will send your applications as a group. Once they have been processed, they will be mailed back to SSA. We will then mail them to each student individually.
- You will be responsible for purchasing your own flight to Havana, Cuba.
- Read through the Havana Student Handbook and Cultural Guide included in your online acceptance packet.
- Connect with Rocio Haro, your Resident Director in Havana, Cuba (cuba.spanishstudies@gmail.com). Rocio will be in touch with you soon to go over more details in preparation for your arrival.
- Connect with each other and start getting excited about your semester in Cuba!
Calendars
When booking your flight please refer to your program calendar.
2024 Summer (June) Term
2024 Fall Programs
Flights
You will be responsible for purchasing your own flight to Havana, Cuba. Commercial flights are becoming increasingly available. Check out companies such as JetBlue or American Airlines to see their options. Please note that charter flights are no longer the primary method of travel to Cuba from the United States.
Health Insurance
All students attending SSA programs are provided with health insurance for the duration of the program. Please note that 30 days of health insurance is required as part of your flight purchase. Thus, for the initial 30 days of your program, your health insurance will be provided by your flight provider. After 30 days, your health insurance will be provided through SSA, and the plan will be Asistur. Please see the link below for more information on the benefits.
Additional Documentation
Although not required, SSA recommends you travel with your original acceptance letter. You will receive this in the mail after acceptance to the program.
Additional forms
To be completed and returned to SSA, as needed
Facebook page
Have you already “liked” the SSA Cuba Facebook page? If not, you should! You can use the page to see what current students are doing, as well as the events, activities, and excursions that are happening around Havana with Spanish Studies.
