Unique Opportunity for Psychologists to Visit Cuba

The American Psychological Association (APA) is joining forces with Professionals Abroad to sponsor the development of a professional delegation to visit Cuba for the purpose of studying psychology practices, services, education and research. Professionals Abroad, which began organizing professional delegations to Cuba as travel license requirements became possible, invited the APA to work together to develop an agenda for a delegation focused on psychology's perspective. APA's role in the delegation is to appoint a delegation leader and to work with the leader and Professionals Abroad to publicize the program and facilitate developing its agenda. APA members who wish to become part of the delegation may find more information about the trip details and costs by visiting the Professionals Abroad website.

Former APA president Carol Goodheart, EdD, will lead the delegation, which will depart from Miami on March 18 for a six-day study visit (return on March 23). Delegates will participate in professional meetings and site visits each day with Cuban psychologists, institutions, and agencies. The agenda for meetings and the topics for discussion will be determined by the professional background and preferred focus areas of the participants. Psychologists who are researchers, academics or clinicians are eligible to apply. The group will travel under a license organized by Professionals Abroad (Category 3, for full time professionals and academic researchers). Spanish language fluency is not required.

Download the Invitation Letter (PDF, 36 KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the trip and what is the cost?

The delegation will leave for Cuba on March 18 and return March 23, 2012. The cost is $4645 for single occupancy and $4195 for double occupancy.

2. Why is this trip more expensive than other tours I have seen to Cuba?

The delegation to Cuba is a specialized, psychology-focused professional trip, with an itinerary and sets of meetings developed specifically according to requests and interests of delegation members (which is why the itinerary currently listed on the web isnot yet specific). Other trips are focused more on cultural exchange and have a more generic itinerary that can be repeated for many groups.

3. Who is eligible to go?

All full time psychologists (researchers, faculty, clinicians, practitioners) are in principle eligible. Students are not eligible. There is no language requirement (e.g., delegation members do not need to speak Spanish).

4. Are there scholarships?

There are not.

5. What is APA's role?

APA was approached by Professionals Abroad about a year ago with an invitation to develop a delegation. After deliberation, and determination that this was a unique opportunity, this invitation was accepted. Professionals Abroad explained that in their earlier professional trips (for the American Public Health Association and for a Nurses Association) they had been told that a delegation focused on mental health and psychology issues would be most welcome. Thus, they reached out to APA. APA's role in the process is to select a delegation leader and to then work with Professionals Abroad as they develop materials and an agenda and an itinerary. Professionals Abroad will handle all the application, selection and implementation of the delegation.

6. The web seems to indicate that this is a research delegation. But I am not a researcher. Am I still eligible?

The delegation will travel to Cuba under a treasury department license, Category 3, which is a professional and research license. Professionals Abroad will structure the delegation agenda and itinerary to satisfy the requirements for this license. Eligibility requirements are as stated in #3 above.

7. How is the agenda determined?

Applicants indicate their interests and provide a CV. With this information, Professionals Abroad work with their contacts in Cuba to arrange relevant meetings and visits. In addition, APA is working with Professionals Abroad to provide contact information and suggestions. Generally, the complete agenda is not available until shortly before departure.

8. How many people will be in the delegation?

There must be a minimum of 12 and group size generally remains below 25.

9. Can my spouse accompany me?

Persons who are not full time professional psychologists are not eligible for this delegation. There is at this time to accompanying persons possibility.

10. Where do I get more information?

Professionals Abroad is in the process of updating their web information to explain eligibility more thoroughly. See their website for more information. You may also call CC McCarthy at 202-349-7351 or send her an email.