American business school takes students to Cuba to be fed lies and propaganda

From our Bureau of Nauseating News Stories with some assistance from our Bureau of Agents of Influence in Higher Education

The Business School of the University of Colorado at Denver is singing the praises of a program that takes students to Cuba every year in January. As always, this trip is generously laced with propaganda, lies, distortions, and an unhealthy dose of brainwashing and visits to Potemkin village sites provided for their ideological enrichment by Castro, Inc.

For instance, the faculty who lead this trip actually believe that Castro, Inc. is developing a private business sector and that the students can learn a lot from “entrepreneurship’s critical role in today’s emerging Cuban economy.” Naturally, the students also learn that the U.S. embargo is a monstrous obstacle to progress in Cuba, which is described as a vibrant, energetic country that is “trying to embrace normalized relations with the United States.”

Yeah, sure, and good luck finding any mention in the school’s description of its program of unpleasant realities, such as totalitarian repression, or the fact that Castro, Inc. has never tried to embrace normalized relations with the U.S.. Unless “normalized relations” means total support for the dictatorship by the U.S. Adding insult to injury, these “educators” have deliberately chosen to call their program “Cuba Libre.” Lord have mercy.

From the Newsroom of The Business School of the University of Colorado at Denver

Cuba Libre: Study Abroad with the CU Denver Business School

Rich culture, historic cities, beautiful beaches, and educational opportunities. All of this and more await the CU Denver students who travel to Cuba each year. Accompanied by knowledgeable faculty, these students get to explore one of the most vibrant, energetic, and historically fascinating countries in the Western Hemisphere. To snag an insider scoop on what makes this island trip so special, the Business School met with Master of Science in International Business grad Kate Bittner, ‘23, and the trip’s faculty advisor, Dave Ruderman.

As Bittner and Ruderman recalled vivid and impactful memories from the trip, it became clear that Cuba is an ideal location for students to examine an economic and cultural iconoclast. Given the ongoing embargo, few have the opportunity for this boots-on-the-ground experience: the richness of Cuban culture, the beauty of its beaches and countryside, and the warmth of its people while learning about entrepreneurship’s critical role in today’s emerging Cuban economy.

Visits to the Cuban countryside and the Universidad de la Habana, horseback riding to a tobacco farm, and a walking tour of “The Old City” are wrapped around presentations by Cuban economists, artists, and entrepreneurs, making for a fascinating 13 days. Students gain an understanding of the complex political and economic system of the country as it tries to embrace normalized relations with The United States.

“Me and my classmates really became family,” said Bittner, recalling one of her most prominent takeaways from the trip, “We all came together.” Bitter’s biggest educational takeaway was learning about the lifecycle of the private sector in Cuba and its pivotal economic shift during the pandemic.

That isn’t to say the trip was without its challenges. For those traveling in a wheelchair, Cuba presents a unique hurdle during their time exploring its terrain and urban areas. Bittner remembered, “The biggest [challenge]for me would be traveling with a disability.” According to Bittner and Ruderman, accessibility wasn’t a “strong suit” in Cuba and the older infrastructure of the country proved to be a challenge at times. The lack of accessibility didn’t dampen Bittner’s enjoyment during the trip, though. She confidently maintained that, despite any challenges, she still got the most out of the experience.

“It’s my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity every January,” remarked Ruderman, who oversees the yearly trip. Visiting foreign countries allows students to see other cultures and engage with them in ways that are not otherwise possible. Ruderman described his time leading the trip as “eye-opening,” providing a stark contrast between life in America and that in Cuba. The visiting CU Denver students conducted a project with a local after-school program and as part of it were asked to bring school supplies for the local students. “Seeing these kids, completely overjoyed, to receive a pack of crayons, two pencils, and a little eraser, to me that was very touching, in that it does show you how much privilege we really do have here,” reflected Ruderman.