Harvard University has received an institutional license from the U.S. Treasury Department that permits it to engage in certain academic exchanges. The license was issued on January 8, 2008 and expires on January 9, 2009.

Both Harvard's David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies and its International Office provide advice and assistance to any Harvard student, faculty member, or staff person pursuing educational or research activities related to Cuba. The University's license permits it to authorize students to engage in travel-related transactions in Cuba for educational programs. Such travel would otherwise be illegal for U.S. citizens and residents because of the U.S. embargo on trade with Cuba. Harvard's license only applies to students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at Harvard University.

To the degree possible, the Center wants to be helpful to Harvard faculty and students interested in conducting academic activities related to Cuba. The Center can provide financial support for individual Harvard students who apply through the Center's regular grant competition. Any student who is eligible to travel under U.S. government regulations and who receives a grant from the Center will be able to travel under Harvard's license. Please note that U.S. regulations apply to all persons who currently reside inside the U.S. such as F, J, H, O, and TN visa holders.