Shawn Patton, Program Manager at IIE’s Center for International Partnerships, reflects on his visit to Cuba as one of the representatives of the U.S. higher education system at the Universidad 2016 Cuban Higher Education Conference in February. Focus was put on building partnerships between U.S. and Cuban institutions at a time when relations between the two countries are in flux. "The relationship with Cuban higher education institutions needs to be cultivated over time, with care. It’s impossible to create meaningful, lasting partnerships without having a basic understanding of the historical and political context that surrounds our relationship. As we continue to break down barriers between our two countries, I hope we take the time to listen to each other and look to understand the other side," writes Patton.