Studying Photography in Havana. Best answer on the web

Posted in: darrelrussell.com edit
07 Jan 2009
  • I am looking for short courses in photography (for amateurs) taking
    place in a school / college / university in Havana, Cuba. Preferably
    that start in January 2003, and preferably not too expensive.
    I would like to find out as much as possible about courses, dates,
    prices, and processes for abtaining a visa for such.
    Thanks.


  • Thank you for the research you have done regarding my question about photography courses in Havana. I am sorry, but I must have not mentioned that I am a United Kingdom citizen, and therefore feel that the information you provided me with is not entirely relavent, as we don't encounter the same "red tape" problems as US citizens, or the problems obtaining visas. Most of the course details you sent me I had already found myself, and felt they were not relavent as I am a UK resident. Furthermore, I was hoping to find something cheaper, as I would prefer to find a course independently thereby avoiding all the adminastrative and housing costs. My spanish is far from fluent, although I think I could struggle through if the course was taught in spanish (If a local institution would allow me). Ideally I would love to do a photography course with a spanish course. I would love it if you could research this further for me.
    Let me know.
    Thanks.


  • I was wondering if you had heard anything from any of the
    institutions you wrote to regarding my request to find a photography
    course in Havana, Cuba? I am particularly interested in the ISA ().
    However, the telephone number that you gave me doesn't work and
    I have not been able to contact them? This was what you sent
    me.... While other universities in Cuba offer classes, this is the most
    prestigious art institution.

    http://www.isa.cult.cu/


  • Information I received from the Fundaci n del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano -- As I get responses from each university, I will post the information as a clarification:
    INFORMACI N GENERAL

    Escuela Internacional de Cine y TV
    San Antonio de los Ba os, Aptdo. A reo 40/41 La Habana, Cuba
    Fax: (537) 335196 335341.

    E-mail eictv@eictv.org.cu
    mjgrillo@eictv.org.cu.
    hveitia@eictv.org.cu
    belkis@eictv.org.cu

    Talleres Internacionales

    El sistema de formaci n continua de la EICTV est compuesto por sus Talleres Internacionales, diversos en requisitos y niveles de ense anza. Su objetivo general es el de transferir a los talleristas, mediante programas coherentes y espec ficos, los conocimientos y experiencias de profesionales activos de primera l nea en las distintas especialidades del universo audiovisual. Todo dentro del concepto de ense anza te rico-pr ctica que caracteriza a la Escuela.
    Procedimiento para matricular en nuestros Talleres:

    1. El alumno lo solicita en nuestras oficinas en los diferentes pa ses, presentando su curr culum u Hoja de Vida. 2. La oficina manda la solicitud de matr cula y el curr culum del postulante a la Escuela para ser evaluada. 3. La Escuela env a la aprobaci n o el rechazo de la solicitud del alumno. 4. De ser aprobada la matr cula, el alumno abonar el 15% del importe total de la matr cula en la oficina como pre-matr cula y recibir el Reglamento de Talleristas. 5. A su llegada a la escuela, el primer d a de clases, el tallerista deber abonar el resto del importe de la matr cula en nuestras oficinas del Departamento de Econom a en efectivo (USD).
    Los Talleristas recibir n al final de cada taller un certificado y diploma si han cumplido todo los requerimientos de asistencia, aprovechamiento del taller de acuerdo con la evaluaci n del profesor, que ser ratificada con su firma en el certificado que se le extiende al alumno.
    Al emplear como profesores a profesionales en activo, cuyo trabajo presenta imponderables, en ocasiones es indispensable hacer cambios de especialistas o cambios de fechas en algunos programas. En el primer caso, los titulares ser n sustituidos por profesionales que garanticen la misma calidad del taller. Cualquier cambio se le notificar a los interesados.
    Al aceptar su participaci n en cualquier taller, el alumno se compromete a acatar las disposiciones establecidas por la EICTV en funci n de sus recursos. Debe tener en cuenta, adem s, que asiste a una Escuela susceptible de sufrir los imprevistos propios de un pa s bloqueado. La EICTV est a poco m s de una hora por carretera de la Ciudad de La Habana, capital de la Rep blica de Cuba. Con sus m s de 2, 000 000 de habitantes, La Habana es una ciudad de rica historia y tambi n sitio en el que existe una amplia oferta cultural para el visitante. Aunque la temperatura media del pa s es de 25 grados cent grados, debe tenerse en cuenta que en los meses de invierno (Dic -Febrero), se hace necesario vestir un abrigo.
    La Escuela cuenta con los siguientes servicios:

    Cafeter a
    Tienda
    Lavander a
    Areas deportivas
    Consultorio m dico (Servicio de urgencia, 24 horas)
    Telefon a internacional
    E-mail
    Transporte diario hacia y desde La Habana.
    Programaci n cultural.
    Servicio de fotocopia de materiales de inter s para el tallerista. ( la copia de filmes depende de la pel cula en cuesti n y la disponibilidad del servicio).
    ****This is the only class listed that looks like it is something you might want to do although I have a feeling if you talk to them, they might let you do some sort of independent study with one of the professors****
    Mayo 6 al 25 (3 semanas) Fotograf a Cinematogr fica.

    Matr cula: 1 500 USD
    Cantidad de participantes: 15

    Programa: Ejercicio de la visi n consciente, ajuste del color, sensitometr a y t cnica de la filmaci n, fundamentos de la iluminaci n, luz dura y luz blanda, lentes, filtros, instrumentos de medici n de la luz, el laboratorio, copia final, revelado normal y forzado, pr cticas utilizando soporte video, filmaciones en exteriores e interiores.
    Profesor: Ra l Rodr guez (Cuba). Colaborador del cineasta catal n N stor Almendros, ha trabajado junto a importantes cineastas (Richard Pierce, Saul Landau, Jorge Sanjin s y muchos otros) que han rodado en Cuba y otros pa ses. Como fot grafo ha rodado m s de 150 documentales en 35 mm, varios cortos de ficci n, video clips y otros. Ha impartido talleres de fotograf a en Espa a y Colombia.
    Requisitos: Estudiantes o graduados de las carreras de Comunicaci n Social, Institutos de Medios Audiovisuales, con alguna experiencia profesional en el rea de la fotograf a de Cine o Video, o una experiencia en el manejo de equipos profesionales que lo avale.


    leeann-ga


  • Hi, I have put the general contact information from the website here. It is likely that the contact information is old, or the position has been filled by someone else. They should be able to direct you to the right person.
    Direcci n
    Calle 120 #1110 e/9na y 13. Cubanac n. Playa. Ciudad de la Habana. Cuba.
    Tel fonos
    (5 37) 21-3780 (Rector a)
    (5 37) 21-6075 (Relaciones Internacionales)
    (5 37) 21-9771 (Promoci n y Comercializaci n)

    Fax
    (5 37) 33-6633

    E-Mail
    ISA@reduniv.edu.cu

    I haven't heard back from the other institutions. I have a feeling that a phone call would be the most effective as Cuba does not have as developed of a communications infrastructure (with regards to the internet at least).
    leeann-ga


  • Mins-ga:

    No problem, I will research this from the perspective of a UK citizen. I will have a full clarification for you later today!
    leeann-ga


  • Mins-ga:

    It would have been helpful for you to provide the fact that you are a citizen of the UK rather than a US citizen, but now we know for next time :D.
    Anyway, I revised my search to local institutions and did my search in spanish.
    "universidad en cuba"
    "clase de fotografia en cuba"

    I came up with a number of institutions, but very few of them have good websites. These websites are mostly outdated by at least a year or two and are often not very informative (i.e. no prices or comprehensive lists of classes). What I did find, however, is contact information for all of their International Relations departments who can tell you the exact processes required to enroll directly. I have contacted the three best prospects and have indicated below which ones I have contacted, but I would encourage you to call and/or email them as well as you know your needs best. I will post any additional information as a clarification when I hear back from them. I am inquiring about costs, how to apply, as well as specific course offerings.
    Please also note that there are not an overwhelming number of Universities in Cuba, let alone those that have an art/photography course and a web presence.
    -----------------------------

    While other universities in Cuba offer classes, this is the most prestigious art institution.
    http://www.isa.cult.cu/

    Their website is fairly antiquated, meaning it hasn't been updated in 1-2 years, but it does provide some good information. For example, it does show us that their summer classes only cost anywhere from US$200 through US$400, which means this will be a much cheaper alternative. I also found out that they do have direct enrollment for travelers, although sometimes it they require you take one Spanish language course simultaneously if you are not fluent. They do not have their course schedule online, but I imagine you can inquire with International Relations department. I have already sent her an email in Spanish to inquire about photography courses for the spring and the enrollment process.
    Mrs Sonia Ortega Bravo
    Director, International Relations
    Instituto Superior de Arte
    Calle 120 No. 1110 entre 9 y 13, Reparto Cubanac n
    Municipio Playa,
    Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
    Tel.: (53 7) 28 80 75
    Fax: (53 7) 33 66 33
    E-mail: vrri@isa.cult.cu
    General: isa@cubarte.cult.cu

    ----------------------------

    While the Escuela Internacional de Cine y Televisi n de San Antonio de los Ba os in Habana generally offers two year postgraduate courses, I have inquired about being able to take several classes instead of the entire coursework.
    http://www.fncl.cult.cu/

    Quinta Santa B rbara. Calle 31 y 212, n mero 21254
    Reparto La Coronela, Marianao 16
    Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
    Tel fonos: (537) 2181 41/ 218311/ 218967
    Fax: (537) 33 6364
    E-mail: funcine@cubarte.cult.cu

    ----------------------------

    Another university that is well known for cultural/artistic programs is the University of Matanzas (not in Habana, but very close in proximity)
    http://www.umtz.edu.cu

    Relaciones Internacionales
    Autopista a Varadero Km. 3
    Matanzas. Cuba
    Telefax: +53 45 26-2222
    e.mail: dri@umcc.cu

    ------------------------------

    This is another prestigious art institution, albeit not as good as the ISA. I have also contacted these people.
    http://www.cnearte.cult.cu/

    Centro Nacional de Escuelas de Arte
    e-mail / cneart@cubarte.cult.cu
    Fax / (537) 24 0047
    Telfs / (537) 24 0446 y (537) 22 3330

    ------------------------

    Interestingly, the largest, most established university, La Universidad de Habana is not well known for its art classes (in fact, I couldn't even find an art department on their website!), but may be worth a try if all else fails.
    www.uh.cu

    Contact information for International Relations Department: ripio@fayl.uh.cu
    -----------------------------

    Tuition information thus far: Please note that most of these universities will have their prices in U.S. dollars and will expect to be paid in U.S. dollars.
    Visa information:

    "To enter Cuba every tourist needs a passport (that's still valid for 6 months after arrival) and a visa that normally can be purchased together with the flight. This visa is usually valid for 30 days. At the immigration office one extension of 30 days can be made (25 USD). After a total of 60 days the student will have to leave Cuba for at least one day to enter again on a tourist visa." (www.mester.com/cuba/Cuba-Havana.html)

    "When arriving to Cuba visitors should possess a valid passport or a trip document stating their names and the corresponding visa or Tourist Card. The countries which have Visa Free Agreements with Cuba are excepted. Tourist Cards can be requested at the Cuban consular representations and also in travel agencies and airlines. They are of two types: for individual tourists or for tourists travelling in groups. Businessmen, journalists coming to work and Cuban born citizens, non-residents or having another nationality, must request a visa from their local Cuban Embassey." (http://www.cubavip.com/)

    To get the regular one year student visa, however, you will have to go to the Embassy of Cuba in London or find the nearest consulate at http://www.dtcuba.com/eng/embajadas.asp. They will give you all the proper paperwork.
    Great Britian - Embassy in Cuba
    Address: Calle 34 #702 Miramar, Ciudad de la Habana.
    Telephone(s): 24-1771
    Fax: 24-8104

    ----------------------------

    Housing Links:

    http://www.geocities.com/rooms_havana/eng/main-e.htm
    http://www.havana-rentals.com/indice.htm
    http://www.geocities.com/casamalecon/Casa_Habana_vieja.html

    -----------------------------

    Best Regards,

    leeann-ga


  • Hi! Please note that I have made several assumptions about the various programs I am discussing.
    First, that you have access to financial aid (such as federal stafford loans, etc.). I do not know what your budget is, so I will list the prices of everything, giving you a wide range of options.
    Second, I have included summer 2003 courses as you specify "short courses" and most university options are semester long courses. Summer courses may be more feasible as application deadlines for programs beginning in January may have already passed.
    Third, all of the detailed information can be found on the specified websites. I will only list travel dates and the price. Please note that almost all study abroad programs will give you detailed instructions regarding getting your Visa and doing all your travel arrangements. Check out any FAQs on the websites or talk to their representatives. Some programs will take care of the Visa for you, and others will simply give you instructions on how to find the nearest Cuban consulate and supply forms. These details will change from program to program. Of course, the most difficult way to do this is to try to directly enroll in a Cuban University... most study abroad programs have special deals with the Cuban government to make the Visa process much easier.
    Fourth, please consider that there are not many study trips and study abroad programs to Cuba because cultural exchange between the U.S. and Cuba has been quite limited due to political differences.
    Fifth, I am assuming you have a very basic/minimal grasp of spanish. If you are fluent in Spanish (as I am), then direct classes at Cuban Universities (namely the Universidad de Havana) may be accessible to you. Unfortunately, if you do not speak Spanish fluently enough to take a class at their university, they will most likely prohibit you from taking a class. Please request clarification if you would like me to investigate classes that require you to be fluent in Spanish.
    --------------------------------

    An alternative for studying during the spring semester is a summer in Cuba through this Study Abroad program. This summer program specializing in teaching students the basics of photography. This is by far the best program that I found, and other than being during the summer, I feel it fits your qualifications to a T.
    June 16 - July 19: $2300 not including airfare

    http://www.sbcc.cc.ca.us/academic/StudyAbroad/programs/summer_cuba/cuba.html
    --------------------------------

    Also consider doing an internship rather than taking a class and learning first hand. There are both Spring Semester and Summer programs available. While it does not specialize in photography, photography is one of the areas of study/intern. This would be more general education about Cuba with a concentration in photography more than anything.
    February 1 - May 16: $10,850 not including airfare
    Mid June - Mid August: $5,150 not including airfare

    http://www.internabroad.com/listingsp3.cfm?listing=1437&fkcountry=18
    http://www.lexiaintl.org/Havana/index.cfm

    --------------------------------

    This program specializes in photography. Check out number 4 for information and a contact name.
    May 25 - June 22: $3038 does not include tuition

    http://www.summerschool.appstate.edu/international.html

    --------------------------------

    "Hampshire College photography students travel to Cuba during January Term to work with the Office of the Historian in the documentation of the restoration process. Mainly working with digital cameras, but not excluding other formats, this January term trip provides students with the extraordinary opportunity to learn about urban documentary photography as well as the posterior organization of the visual archive." (http://www.hampshire.edu/cms/index.php?id=218) I am not sure if they accept outside students, it looks like you must contact the program director (which is provided on the website). Most programs are willing to take other students because it is more cost effective to take more students at one time.
    January Term - Cost unknown
    *Contact information is provided via this URL

    http://www.hampshire.edu/cms/index.php?id=218

    --------------------------------

    This program does not have it's 2003 dates set, but you may want to contact them for more information.
    http://www.cubartedu.com/havana/

    contact info@cubartedu.com

    --------------------------------

    Resources for getting a Visa on your own:
    http://www.traveldocs.com/cu/
    http://projectvisa.com/countryinfo.asp?countrycode=cu
    http://www.cuba-usa.com/visa.html

    Universities in Havana (in case you are fluent in Spanish, this is for my reference so I can easily find them for the clarification) http://www.cuba.com/universities.htm
    Univeristy of Havana

    Search Strategy:

    "Study Abroad Havana"
    "Study Photography Havana"
    "Havana University Photography"
    "Study Tour Havana"
    "Cuba Visa"

    Please feel free to request clarification before rating this question so I can provide more in depth information if required!
    leeann-ga