Cuba Summer Program: "Viva Cuba: Culture and Conservation"

In the summer of 2019, I went to the Dominican Republic on the “Life in the Bateyes” trip. Learning about Dominican and Haitian relations and how the sugar we buy is actually processed was truly eye opening. We visited and worked at a batey called Monte Coca. There we were welcomed with open arms by the whole community. We also learned about the lives of Haitian sugar cane workers. Working almost 15 hours a day, they get paid less than three dollars without healthcare and proper work attire, most of them being undocumented. Even faced with this difficulty, they were willing to talk to us and teach us how to cut sugar cane. Hearing everyone’s story was truly eye-opening and inspiring. This trip has taught me a lot about foreign relations and a different way of life.