Cuban Education - Are Cubans Forced to Study?

by Valeria
(California)

Is it true Cuban students are forced to study something they don't want to?

ANSWER by Vic webmaster Havana-guide.com
Education in Cuba has a strategy of reaching everyone and is tuition free, but admission to the university after high school is competitive, limited and based on an entrance examination.
Not only the examination but also the "Revolutionary Attitude" of the applicant is important for the admission to the Cuban education. Membership of Cuban communist youth organizations is a recommendation.
Students in Cuba can express their preferred field of interests but the Cuban government directs the best students to the most desirable careers. Some classes in communist history are mandatory and there is a constant pressure to attend political activities.

The admission to the university was reduced and rejected candidates have to settle for technical schools.
Many school drop outs seek access to the more lucrative tourist industry. Due to the low
salaries in the Cuban education sector, there was an exodus from teachers to the tourist industry, where they can earn a lot more as a waiter or taxidriver compared to the teacher profession.
The Cuban State's role in assigning rewards and employment guaranties has replaced the individual decision making in the Cuban education. Planning and rewards have sent students in the desired directions.

Study fields such as Arts and Social sciences are less promoted than medical and engineering studies.
The Cuban education is considered as one of the best in Latin America but observers see a decline in quality due to the lack of financial resources and the shortage of high skilled teachers.
References:

Education in Cuba

Cuba education