Postcards From Cuba

We travel, initially, to lose ourselves, and we travel, next to find ourselves. - Pico Iyer

For centuries, travelers have been documenting their journeys to parts unknown. The travel narrative is the “oldest in the world” says travel writer, Paul Theroux. This course examines the history of travel literature and photography, while also challenging each student to document his/her first hand experience of travel to Cuba. 

Program Overview

In Havana, the students will experience the beauty of once glamourous buildings, the consistent sounds of music and views of dance wherever they venture in Havana, and they will also experience how Havana's people overcome their daily challenges with both creativity and positivity.  Students will witness Cuba through a structured and guided program, providing an understanding of a country that features a long-held nuanced yet intense relationship with the United States.

We will reference a wide range of forms: the essay, the report, the journal, the novel, film, the photograph, and photo essay. We will also explore different points of entry: ethnographer, mapmaker, geographical explorer, photographer, adventurer, social activist and tourist. In doing so, we will hone in on principles of travel writing and photography, along with basic guidelines governing the interaction between word and image. Memory and history as essential components will inform our conversation.  Students will be asked to document their travel experience in word and image into a form worthy of a reader. Day long visits to two locations outside of Havana are also included.

"I learned that there are so many different ways to make art, and it can be made and found in truly any kind of environment; surrounding circumstances can never fully stifle the inherent human need for freedom of expression and the natural instinct to create." 

— Alexandra Blanco, Postcards from Cuba 2023

Program Dates

January 5 - 16, 2026

Check-In: January 3, 2026

Check-Out: January 17, 2026 

Equipment Requirements: Students must bring a point-and-shoot camera of some kind, whether it's an iPhone or more sophisticated DSLR. They must also bring a thumb drive.

Admissions

The January 2026 application is closed. 

Please note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past the end of the program at the time of your application. There are no exceptions.

Please read the following application requirements before starting your application.  

Note: Students should wait to receive their admissions notification and confirmation that the program is running prior to purchasing airline tickets. Students accepted to the program should purchase refundable airline tickets and/or travel insurance in the event the program is canceled or program dates are changed due to world events. It is strongly recommended that students purchase insurance for trip cancellation, flight cancellation, luggage loss or damage, as well as medical and accident coverage.

Expenses

January 2026

• Undergraduate Tuition: $8,008

Additional Fees Include:

• Program Fee (includes housing and two meals a day for student): $1,350
• Airfare: Approximately $800-$1,000 (Required group flight to/from Havana from New York) 
  Tickets from group flight are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please review the Tisch Special Programs cancellation policy.

Visit the NYU Office of the Bursar for additional information on tuition and fees.

Housing

You will be housed in the Vedado district of Havana in home-stays (casas particulares). Students are provided with breakfast and dinner at their casas.

• Double bedroom
• Breakfast and dinner included in program costs
• Limited laundry facilities on-site
• No internet available in residence, but will be available nearby at additional cost
• Rooms furnished with linens and towels
• No overnight guests allowed