What does Global Engagement Mean to Me?
Henry Leighton Wesleyan University Class of 2025
What does Global Engagement Mean to Me?
Henry Leighton Wesleyan University Class of 2025
This section includes experiences associated with studying abroad in Cuba in terms of language development and critical reflection on the cultural competence and respect necessary for that journey.
While touring one of Cuba’s health facilities, I found this poster very fascinating as a physical representation of the Cuban healthcare system and its differences with respect to the American system to which I was accustomed. In the United States I haven’t come across this level of cost transparency, and this representation isn’t intended to …
One day, when walking through Old Havana, my friends and I came across the shop for Clandestina, Cuba’s first private fashion brand. The company references the clandestine operations that characterized the revolution’s resistance to the US-backed Batista dictatorship, but its existence marks the transformation of Cuba’s economy with allowances for more privately-owned businesses. There is …
I completed this reflection as part of an assignment for our CGST305 Capstone Seminar. Students were instructed to select an image from their study abroad experience, and write a reflection analyzing its context. The images were displayed around the classroom, first without the written reflections, and then with that context. We were expected to write …
Adjusting to the academic culture at the University of Havana was challenging in ways I hadn’t expected. At Wesleyan, even if a class is particularly difficult, I understand the general expectations of the university and feel integrated into that framework as a student. However, when I was studying in Cuba, I had re-learn that framework …
During a visit to one of Cuba’s mental health centers through my Global Coursework class specific to the region of the Caribbean (SOC Health & Society Cuba), I was struck by the cultural differences I experienced. The facility had once been the home of a wealthy landowner before the revolution, after which point its beautiful …
Studying abroad in Cuba has made me realize cultural misunderstandings are inevitable, even though I’ve been learning Spanish since kindergarten. Sometimes these interactions may be intimidating, but it’s necessary to take risks to build relationships within your host community. I explored this challenge with a Black classmate at the University of Havana who has lived …
