Havana, January 7 (RHC) -– A group of students from Hartwick College, in the U.S. state of New York, toured several institutions in the south-central Cuban province of Cienfuegos as part of a bilateral academic exchange program.

The 18 U.S. students toured the city and met with professors and students at the medical faculty here to learn about the Cuban health system. They also shared experiences with Cuban lawyers and other professionals.

Program coordinator Patricia Dopazo told reporters that this is the first time for Hartwick College students to visit Cuba, as they are now preparing for their degrees in nursing, political sciences, economics and biology. The program aims at sharing with Cuban students and professionals and at taking a first-hand look at Cuban reality, its history and culture, said the coordinator.

Meanwhile, U.S. student Rim Karovi said she was very excited with the trip, which allows them all to better understand daily life of the Cuban people.

The group will also visit the provinces of Villa Clara, Matanzas, Havana and Pinar del Rio during their stay here until January 22nd.