Fall 2025 IAFS 3000: Politics & History of Cuba

Contact Dr. Grant Cohen to learn more about the Fall/2025 global intensive program on Cuban the Politics and History Cuba. Dr. Cohen will explain the cost, dates, what you can expect to experience on the program, as well as the controlled registration process to sign up.

This is a standard 3-hour, upper division International Affairs course in the Fall/2025 semester, after which time the class will travel to Cuba for an intensive 10 or 11-day education abroad program. The travel dates, which have yet to be finalized, will be from December 26, 2025 to Jan 4 or 5, 2026. The course is usually capped at approximately 15 students.

Sample Highlights:

• Spend 10 or 11 days in Cuba exploring the following destinations: Havana, Cienfuegos, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad, Santa Clara and Vinales. Learn about Cuban politics, US-Cuban relations, economics, history, and society directly from local experts to everyday people.
• Meet with local experts, such as: entrepreneurs, economists, historians, gender and race experts, architectural experts, a former member of the Cuban Congress, and everyday local families. Visit Old Havana, salsa class, the Revolution Plaza, the National Museum of Fine Arts, a cigar factory, Che Guevara's statue/mausoleum, and private jam sessions with influential Cuban musicians.
• Visit the site of the Bay of Pigs invasion (Playa Giron), Cienfuegos, Che Guevara's statue and mausoleum in Santa Clara, and spend three nights in Trinidad, a beautiful, fun, historically significant town in the Sancti Spiritus region, a major area for sugar production. Finally, visit Vinales, the beautiful countryside and Cuba’s main tobacco growing region located a few hours from Havana.

This global intensive program is specifically geared toward, and prioritizing, students of the International Affairs (IAFS) program.

If ��dz�’r�� interested, you must email Dr. Grant Cohen ASAP.

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Join the for their upcoming meeting on Wednesday, January 22, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. in the �鶹ӰԺ Creek Room of the �鶹ӰԺ Public Library.

The featured presenter will be Dr. Zach Levey, Visiting Faculty in the International Affairs Program at CU �鶹ӰԺ, who will lead a discussion on "Confrontation in the Middle East, 2023-2025: Iran, Israel, Hizballah, and Syria."

Dr. Levey is an Emeritus Professor from the University of Haifa, with a Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Since joining CU �鶹ӰԺ in 2023, he has taught courses on the Arab-Israeli Conflict, the Cold War, and the Superpowers in the Middle East. With two published books and over 20 articles on topics such as Israeli Foreign Policy and U.S. relations in the Middle East, Dr. Levey brings deep expertise and perspective to this timely and complex topic.

Given the sensitivity of the subject, participants are encouraged to maintain a respectful and civil tone throughout the event. Dr. Levey has requested that questions and comments be held until the conclusion of his presentation, after which there will be time for open discussion.

While this event features an IAFS faculty member, it is not a CU �鶹ӰԺ or International Affairs Program-sponsored event.

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 CU �鶹ӰԺ Today: Thomas Zeiler, professor of history and director of the program in international affairs, shared more about former President Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy.

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Deadline Extended - February 1! Travel to Croatia and get IAFS credit! Email Anthony Papuzza anthony.papuzza@colorado.edu for more information. 

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Event Registration is CLOSED due to limited space!

Join us on Thursday, December 12 from 3:30-5pm in UMC 245 for a timely and thought-provoking panel discussion titled The Syrian Revolution in Historical Context. This event will delve into the evolving situation in Syria, offering historical insights and fostering a deeper understanding of its significance on a global scale. 

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See the details from the organization below:

This summer, Her Future Coalition, in collaboration with CU HEAL, invites YOU to join a six-week Community Health Internship in Kolkata, India. This unique opportunity places you at the intersection of geography, policy, and global health, where you’ll contribute to critical work in supporting survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence.

What you’ll gain:
📍 Insight into the role of geography in global health systems.
📍 Hands-on experience in community development and leadership.
📍 Cultural competency through direct engagement in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
📍 A deeper understanding of international social systems and policies.

What makes this internship a perfect fit for YOU?
✔ You’ll explore how geography influences health, equity, and development.
✔ You’ll work on the ground with professionals tackling global challenges.
✔ You’ll gain real-world experience to enrich your studies and future career in international affairs.

Minimum Requirements:
✔ Highly motivated, self-sufficient, and adaptable individuals.
✔ Interest in Indian culture, health systems, and geography’s role in global issues.
✔ Ability to work in challenging environments (including hot climates).

Preferred Candidates Have/Are:

✔ An academic background in global health, development, or cultural studies.
✔ A junior or senior academic standing.
✔ Have international travel experience and/or proficiency in Hindi or Bengali.

📅 Application Deadline: December 29th @ 11:59 PM.

Spots are limited, so act fast!

Have questions? Email us at heal@colorado.edu for more details.

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The world of climbing offers more than physical challenges—it’s a force for connection, mentorship, and transformation. Created with the support of (founded by IAFS alum Veronica Baker Amores),  and  are two short films that deliver powerful stories of community and resilience. The films take viewers on breathtaking journeys into the heart of climbing communities in Malawi and India, showcasing the sport's ability to inspire and empower. Learn more about the backstories behind the films on GCI's and articles. 

This documentary captures the vibrant climbing culture emerging in Malawi, a southeast African country with untapped climbing potential. The film showcases the experiences of Global Climbing Initiative trainers and local climbers participating in educational climbing workshops funded through GCI's Climbing Leadership Fund. Through stunning footage of Malawi’s mountainous landscapes and heartfelt interviews with local climbers, Climb Malawi highlights how climbing can foster leadership, resilience, and growth. 

Set in Badami, India, Powerstar chronicles the collaborative efforts of climbers developing new sport climbing routes in a region famed for its ancient Chalukya temples. The film tells a story of determination and innovation as a group of friends navigate obstacles, launch a crowdfunding campaign, and unite climbers from India and around the world to support the local climbing scene. Through their efforts, Powerstar celebrates the spirit of community and the importance of equipping future generations of climbers. 

Both films demonstrate that climbing is not just a sport but a global movement bringing people together to learn, grow, and leave lasting legacies in their communities. 

Read Advice for a Non-Traditional Career to learn more about   .

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Students in the International Affairs Program recently organized an engaging panel about how the 2024 U.S. presidential election could affect foreign policy. With global issues on the rise, the discussion dug into how the election results might impact things like immigration, the Israel/Palestine conflict, and the global economy.

Moderated by IAFS Director Dr. Tom Zeiler, the panel featured a lineup of experts:

• Dr. Molly Todd (Teaching Assistant Professor, IAFS & SOCY) examined immigration policy and its foreign relations impact.
• Dr. Zach Levey (Associate Professor, IAFS) provided insights into the evolving Israel/Palestine conflict.
• (Ph.D. candidate, ECON) discussed the economic implications of a potential shift in U.S. trade policies.

The panel discussed how the Trump administration might impact U.S. foreign policy, touching on everything from responses to global conflicts to changing trade dynamics, especially with China. They also explored potential changes in immigration policy, border management, and the future of U.S.-Israel relations, and what that could mean for the Israel/Palestine conflict.

The event attracted a curious crowd eager to dive into these important topics. The panelists brought a range of perspectives and expertise, sparking a lively discussion on how U.S. foreign policy might shift under the Trump administration.

It was a great reminder of how domestic decisions can have far-reaching international consequences. Events like these help spark important conversations and critical thinking among the IAFS community. Keep an eye out for more events where we’ll keep diving into the big international issues shaping our world.

Key Takeaways

Economic Impacts

Mate Szurop highlighted the potential for renewed tariffs on Chinese imports, risking a trade war that could disrupt U.S. agriculture and raise inflation. Broader trade restrictions could strain relations with key allies like Mexico, Canada, and the EU, while strengthening rival alliances such as Russia-China-Iran.

Israel/Palestine Dynamics

Dr. Zach Levey discussed the complexities of U.S.-Israel relations, noting that while strong U.S. support might embolden Israel’s government, controversial policies like West Bank annexation could strain international alliances and diminish U.S. influence globally.

Immigration Policy

Dr. Molly Todd outlined likely shifts toward stricter immigration policies, including increased border militarization and legislation impacting immigrant communities, with potential economic effects on sectors reliant on immigrant labor.

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Join Studio Lab for this virtual and in person event with free pizza. Mike Tran will speak about how his time at CU shaped his future career. Mike Tran graduated from CU �鶹ӰԺ with a double major in International Affairs and Geography. 

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