SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — Students at the University of Rhode Island will soon be able to spend an entire semester studying in Cuba.

University officials announced this week that the program at the Institute of Philosophy in Havana will begin next spring.

A spokeswoman says this is the first time URI has offered a semester-long program in Cuba. The school previously offered shorter trips to the island nation.

URI is one of several American schools to strike agreements with Cuban schools only months after the U.S. eased travel restrictions to the Caribbean country and onetime Cold War foe.

Tourism is still forbidden, but the new rules make it easier to travel for educational purposes.