Partnership with Cuban University Expands Study-Abroad Options

Buffalo State signed a memo of understanding (MOU) with Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas (UCLV) in Cuba recently, paving the way for developing undergraduate and graduate programs and joint research projects. Both institutions also expect to collaborate in events such as symposia and workshops.

Students may have the opportunity to attend UCLV for a semester or for short courses. “We look forward to collaborating on academic programs and research,” said Provost Melanie Perreault, “but most of all we are excited about expanding the opportunities we can offer to Buffalo State students.”

It was the first MOU between UCLV and a U.S. institution; it’s also the first time that Buffalo State has partnered with Cuba. Cortland, Farmingdale, Stony Brook, and Old Westbury also established MOUs with Cuban universities during the recent visit.

President Conway-Turner was among SUNY presidents who visited Cuba in February 2017 to begin the dialogue. At that time, SUNY and the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education laid the groundwork for individual campuses to develop relationships with Cuban colleges. Conway-Turner also visited Cuba earlier with a group of presidents from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

Establishing a partnership with UCLV will provide Buffalo State students with another study-abroad site. Buffalo State currently offers regular programs in 13 countries across six continents plus unique programs in other countries. “We want our students to have opportunities to experience other cultures to promote both their personal and professional development,” said Perreault. “International travel is an asset to our students, who will be living in an ever more global environment.”