Sarah Kistner’s Study Abroad as a Graduate Student in Cuba

My short-term study abroad in Cuba opened many professional doors for me, particularly in the field of international education. After the program, I connected with several NGOs that support education around the world, building a network of contacts that continue to shape my career goals and future collaborations. Many attributed my experience studying abroad as a valuable experience and asset to their team. 

The experience was closely tied to my coursework, which emphasized conducting research in the host country. I developed research questions throughout the semester and carried them into the field, where I practiced and conducted interviews with local participants. This hands-on approach gave me valuable practical experience in cross cultural engagement and research.

Studying in Cuba also strengthened my Spanish language skills and expanded my ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments. Navigating new systems and cultural contexts grew my confidence in my own abilities to solve problems and embrace change. 

As a first-generation college student, I want others to know that just because no one in your immediate circle has studied abroad doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Take the leap forward to carve out a new path and utilize the resources on campus to explore scholarships. 

I wish I had known how easily study abroad can fit into your academic plan and that it’s not just something you do for fun (though that’s part of it!), but an experience that holds a significant impact on you academically and professionally. I probably would have studied abroad a lot sooner, and more often, had I known that. Also, I wish I would have known more about the short term study abroad options. I often had a misconception that study abroad meant months away, but the short-term study abroad options fit perfectly into my graduate school schedule! 

A challenge for me abroad was getting sick and not having access to the same comforts I have at home for when I'm not feeling well. Luckily, I had supportive people on my program who I reached out to and we came together to find ways to make me feel better. It was trusting and connecting with the people from UMD and in the host country that made that possible. 

I was most surprised by the kindness and hospitality of the Cuban people. Before arriving in Cuba, we used class time to discuss and critically analyze our positionalities as graduate students studying in the United States, and in my case, being a citizen of the country. Due to a long history of tension between the countries, I was expecting possible hostility towards our presence in their country, however I could not have been more wrong. They hosted us for lunches, dinners and cafecitos. I enjoyed my time getting to know the local people and build lasting connections. 

The most rewarding experience I had while in Cuba was being asked to recite a poem in Spanish alongside one of the Cuban professors who hosted us at our end-of-program celebration. It was deeply meaningful to be included in this demonstration and it remains a core memory I hold close to my heart. I still stay in touch with this professor and we continue to exchange poems over WhatsApp. 

If I hadn’t studied abroad, I would have never got the opportunity to help create a Global Classroom!