Although I had prior knowledge through research and teaching about Cuba, and therefore had developed a preconceived notion and expectations about this fascinating country, I must say that their level of achievements, especially in the area of health care and education, surpassed my expectations. According to the World Bank and our interviews with the head of education and health programs, Cuba has topped virtually all other poor countries in health and education statistics, despite the continuation of the U.S. trade embargo and the end of Soviet aid and subsidies more than a decade ago.

For example, in the area of health, Cuba has reduced its infant mortality rate from 11 per 1,000 births in 1990 to 7 in 1999, which places it firmly in the ranks of the western industrialized nations; the universality of the health care system which is free of charge and available to all. Even in education performance, Cuba is very much in tune with the developed world, and higher than schools in, say, Argentina, Brazil, or Chile. Public spending on education in Cuba amounts to about 6.7 percent of GDP, twice the proportion in other Latin American and Caribbean countries and even the U.S. The literacy rate of 97 percent in Cuba is the highest in the Latin American countries.

What I liked the most about this fascinating country was its people, especially the college students who were so knowledgeable about the world even though they had never had a chance to travel. Cuba can teach many lessons to the world as many developing countries are taking the Cuban experience well into consideration. In my opinion, it is a system which on the one hand is extremely productive in social areas and which, on the other hand, does not give people opportunities for more prosperity in terms of higher income and having access to more consumer goods.

Editor’s Note: Kamyab is the Study Abroad volunteer coordinator.