The M.S. in Conflict Management Cohort 21 Students

KENNESAW, Ga. (Nov 15, 2019) — The MS in Conflict Management Cohort 21 students traveled to Havana, Cuba November 3-10, 2019 to learn and practice their conflict management skills, while also do some beautiful sightseeing along the way

Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish. By the 17th century, it had become one of the Caribbean’s main centers for shipbuilding. Although it is a sprawling metropolis of 2 million inhabitants today, its old Centre retains an interesting mix of baroque and neoclassical monuments with a homogenous ensemble of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates, and internal courtyards.

The cohort visited the Museum of the Revolution to learn the Cuban perspective of the Revolution. They also visited the Martin Luther King Center to learn about their community development and reconciliation work, which included a guest lecture on racial, gender, and religious equality in Cuba. A visit to the U.S. Embassy included a dynamic conversation about the U.S.-Cuba conflict and the attempts to build ties and reduce conflict. On their sixth day, the students joined a conference on mediation, arbitration, and the legal system in Cuba which included the economic and political conflicts related to the U.S.-Cuban embargoes.

Plenty of fun was had as well which included horseback and water buffalo rides, tours of gorgeous Historic Old Havana, and a visit to the Viñales Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenic drive along the “Ruta del Tobaco” welcomed the students into the lush surrounds of the Pinar del Rio Province, which is surrounded by stunning views of the Mogote valley, made famous for its pin-cushion shaped hills, tobacco fields, and green vegetation.

Overall, the students had a well-rounded study abroad filled with a great mixture of education and recreation. It was a great ending to a wonderful 16-months of classes in the Master of Science in Conflict Management program.