Hunter College Dance Department & Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program
Study Abroad in Havana, Cuba
Spring 2026
Check out this recap from our inaugural study abroad program in Spring 2025!
Hunter Dance students dance & learn with the iconic Cuban dance company, Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba!
This exciting new program piloted in Spring 2025, and serves as an intensive dance, dance education, and language education abroad program for Hunter College Dance Department & Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program undergraduate and graduate students in collaboration with Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba (LADC).
Havana, Cuba, where LADC is based, is a short flight from NYC with a wealth of local historic and folkloric dance forms. LADC houses several dance professionals who are experts on local Cuban folkloric and traditional dances. The national language of Cuba is Spanish, thus, Hunter Dance students will be immersed in the language providing them with the tools to teach a 40% Hispanic student population in NYC schools and beyond.
Program & Application Details
Applications for Spring 2026 will be live later this summer.
Check back on this page!
Who is eligible to apply?
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Currently enrolled Hunter College Dance majors (upper junior or seniors only)
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Currently enrolled MA in Dance Education students
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Currently enrolled BA-MA in Dance Education students
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Currently enrolled Advanced Certificate in Dance Education students
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Currently enrolled MSEd in Educational Leadership students (CLASS/Dance cohort only)
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Currently enrolled MFA in Dance students
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Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program alumni
What will be on the application?
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Basic personal details such as your name, myHunter email, personal contact information, EMPLID, etc.
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A current resume that highlights your dance and/or dance education experience
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A personal statement
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Prompt: In 500 words or less, outline your background or interest in working as a Dance Educator, and explain how participation in this particular study abroad program will advance your personal, educational, and/or career goals. Provide evidence of your capacity for traveling well with others and interest in and respect for other cultures.
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Transcripts (you must have a 2.5 GPA or above)
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A copy of your passport (must be valid through at least July 2026)
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Contact information for two emergency contacts
How are applicants selected to participate in this study abroad program?
Applications are carefully reviewed by a committee of current Hunter Dance/AGDEP faculty, staff, and alumni. Unfortunately, all who apply may not be selected to participate.
Will I be required to register for a specific course if I am selected to participate?
Yes, all participants will be required to register for a distinct section of Special Topics during the Spring 2026 semester, including any alumni selected to participate. There are coursework components that include reflexive ethnographic journaling, developing lesson plans, and co-teaching with other students while in Havana.
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DAN74667 (graduate students)
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DAN35268 (undergraduate students & alumni)
When will we go to Havana, Cuba?
February 14 – 22, 2026. Please note that flights to and from Cuba will be arranged by a travel provider; information about this will be shared directly with accepted students.
How much will this study abroad program cost?
The total program fee estimate is $2,800 (program cost will be updated in Fall 2025).
This fee includes housing (casa particular accommodations with private bathrooms), breakfast and lunch, 1 group dinner, ground transportation, entrance fees, cultural events and activities, visa and processing fee (additional fee required for Cuban-born travelers), and international health and travel insurance. This fee does not include tuition for the 2-3 credit special topics course accepted students are required to register for.
Thanks to the generous support of the Arnhold Foundation, the program costs will be subsidized. Accepted students will receive more details in late Fall 2025.
What is Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba (LADC)?
Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba (LADC) is one of Cuba's foremost professional dance companies and schools. Lizt's professional company is internationally acclaimed, and Lizt herself has been honored as one of BBC's 100 Women. You can learn more about LADC via their instagram, @liztalfonsodancecuba.
I have questions, who do I contact?
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For general study abroad inquiries, please email edabroad@hunter.cuny.edu
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For program-specific questions, including regarding the application, please email Rachel at rr3924@hunter.cuny.edu