Two lucky students will be heading to Cuba thanks to
Northern Michigan University's historic international partnership between it and two Cuban universities.
Northern Michigan University is one of only 16 institutions in the United States that have been granted a license for study abroad programs in the country and the first to extend its presence beyond Havana.
Two NMU students, Michael Wiese-Gomez and Natasha Gallagher, started their term at the University of Matanzas yesterday, Feb. 15. Both speak advanced-level Spanish and will live in residence halls, attend classes and take 12 to 18 credits in a range of topics.
"Today's students are the ambassadors of tomorrow and NMU building a relationship with Cuba reflects our interest in getting our students out into the world to serve in this vital role," says NMU President Les Wong. "The two NMU students who will be studying in Cuba this semester are true pioneers. They are the first Americans that many of the Cuban students have ever met and they are great ambassadors for our university and the nation."
Matanzas is called the City of Bridges because of its three rivers. It is also known as the "Athens of Cuba" by virtue of the historical architecture and monuments. The city's population is about 170,000.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Les Wong, Northern Michigan University
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