Learn Spanish & Volunteer in Habana

Upon arrival Havana International Airport you are picked up for a transfer to your Casa Particulares' in the atmospheric heart of Old Havana. Our main Casa, Corazon Cuba, which doubles as our language school was opened at the end of 2015 and features shared bedrooms, separate shower and toilet facilities, dining rooms and lots of comfortable indoor and outdoor space (including two spacious roof terraces). Here you can enjoy hanging out with new friends or chilling on your own to enjoy the cool breezes and great views of the streets below. As with most of Havana you will enjoy taking in the atmosphere in this central location which is truly unique.

Welcome Camino

On your first day in Havana you are taken on a short walking tour – usually within 24 hours of your arrival – to familiarize you with your new surroundings, including money change & internet services and to give you a flavor of the opportunities to enjoy your free time in this exciting location.

Ideally arrival is on a Sunday so you are here first thing Monday morning when we organise new arrivals for Spanish classes and other activities. However, the program includes 7 nights and you are welcome to arrive earlier or later if that works best for you. Just give us your flight arrival details and we'll take things from there!

SPANISH LESSONS
Monday to Friday’s intensive Spanish lessons take place shortly after breakfast. Tuition is delivered by an accredited and licensed Cuban teachers and on day one you receive a short test to establish your level and objectives. Lessons take the format of 3 x 45 minute lessons each morning, with 15 minute breaks to refresh, making approximately 3 hours of Spanish lessons each day – 15 hours per week. Lessons are held from 09:00 sharp, Monday to Friday.

* The Cultural Immersion content features additional Spanish language tuition, oral comprehension and dialogue (approx. 4 hours per week).

VOLUNTEERING
When you start packing we ask you to consider bringing something to donate; such as any sports items, children’s toys… and arts & crafts items. We’re not asking you to go shopping or break your budget, just ask around and see if there are unused or under used things lying around yours or friends houses that might be put to more productive use here. Cuba is still subject to heavy hitting sanctions and a trade embargo imposed by her next door neighbour! For more details about or main volunteer partners, see below;

Arco Iris & Barrio Habana Vieja Community Centre’s

We work with kids, and support volunteer organisers with maintenance and kids activities in Habana Vieja & Centro. The kids include those from broken and troubled families and our focus – in addition to creating a fun filled environment – is to give its members better preparation for adulthood and parenthood. A variety of classes are given, but focus always remains on social skills and confidence building. Activities include acting, dancing and singing classes and we often make presentations with our volunteers.

Sports Complejo

The sports complejo has been the main sports facility for all the schools in Habana Vieja for generations. It is a very established facility but lacks basic facilities. Sports run at this location include; baseball, volleyball, athletics, wrestling, basketball and judo in the near future.

We support sports in Cuba whenever possible, the benefits sports bring to society are well known to Cubans and we follow their lead. Improving facilities and donating equipment are where our support is most required.

DISCOVER CUBA
In its day Havana was one of the most important and wealthy cities on the planet. The source of this wealth is undoubtedly controversial and Cuba’s more recent history is testament to this controversy. The faded patina of Havana’s gorgeous neo classical architecture, rumble of classic American cars and curious soviet era high rise buildings force you to question – what is Cuba?

We would like to help you answer this question through a series of cultural excursions and encounters with Cuban people. The format is varied, for example, a guided tour of a museum, or a weekend excursion down ‘Paseo del Prado’ to see the free open air art classes and discussion groups, or a sporting event such as baseball or basketball game or other ‘event’ where there is a big social gathering.

These cultural experiences and excursions are with our trained local guides who will show you how to buy (and spend!) local peso’s, take local transport and generally make you feel at home and comfortable with your new surroundings.

Your first free weekend in Habana! There are so many things to do including the amazing nightlife. It's possible you have made new friends and have made plans - either way our Program Managers are on hand for ideas.

Usually the weekend features some quality beach time at one of the pristine sandy beaches that lie less than 30 minutes by bus to the east of the city. This program includes an escorted trip to the beach one afternoon, and it's great to do as the locals do, and chill at the beach to recuperate before a busy night on the town.

There is also the opportunity to help out at Paseo del Prado where local artists give local kids free arts & crafts lessons on Saturday and Sunday from 12 till 3pm. Our clients have a long history of helping out including donating arts & crafts supplies that we encourage clients to bring to Cuba.

We encourage clients to take this program for 2 to 4 weeks to really progress Spanish lessons and get immersed in Cuban life. For clients staying for a few weeks there is also the option to take a popular 3 day / 2 night trip to Vinales where our local partner organises activities such as a horseback exploration of Vinales Valley among tobacco plantations. If you are interested in doing this drop us a line when you are booking this tour for more information.

SPANISH LESSONS
Monday to Friday’s intensive Spanish lessons take place shortly after breakfast. Tuition is delivered by an accredited and licensed Cuban teachers and on day one you receive a short test to establish your level and objectives. Lessons take the format of 3 x 45 minute lessons each morning, with 15 minute breaks to refresh, making approximately 3 hours of Spanish lessons each day – 15 hours per week. Lessons are held from 09:00 sharp, Monday to Friday.

* The Cultural Immersion content features additional Spanish language tuition, oral comprehension and dialogue (approx. 4 hours per week).

VOLUNTEERING
When you start packing we ask you to consider bringing something to donate; such as any sports items, children’s toys… and arts & crafts items. We’re not asking you to go shopping or break your budget, just ask around and see if there are unused or under used things lying around yours or friends houses that might be put to more productive use here. Cuba is still subject to heavy hitting sanctions and a trade embargo imposed by her next door neighbour! For more details about or main volunteer partners, see below;

Arco Iris & Barrio Habana Vieja Community Centre’s

We work with kids, and support volunteer organisers with maintenance and kids activities in Habana Vieja & Centro. The kids include those from broken and troubled families and our focus – in addition to creating a fun filled environment – is to give its members better preparation for adulthood and parenthood. A variety of classes are given, but focus always remains on social skills and confidence building. Activities include acting, dancing and singing classes and we often make presentations with our volunteers.

Sports Complejo

The sports complejo has been the main sports facility for all the schools in Habana Vieja for generations. It is a very established facility but lacks basic facilities. Sports run at this location include; baseball, volleyball, athletics, wrestling, basketball and judo in the near future.

We support sports in Cuba whenever possible, the benefits sports bring to society are well known to Cubans and we follow their lead. Improving facilities and donating equipment are where our support is most required.

DISCOVER CUBA
In its day Havana was one of the most important and wealthy cities on the planet. The source of this wealth is undoubtedly controversial and Cuba’s more recent history is testament to this controversy. The faded patina of Havana’s gorgeous neo classical architecture, rumble of classic American cars and curious soviet era high rise buildings force you to question – what is Cuba?

We would like to help you answer this question through a series of cultural excursions and encounters with Cuban people. The format is varied, for example, a guided tour of a museum, or a weekend excursion down ‘Paseo del Prado’ to see the free open air art classes and discussion groups, or a sporting event such as baseball or basketball game or other ‘event’ where there is a big social gathering.

These cultural experiences and excursions are with our trained local guides who will show you how to buy (and spend!) local peso’s, take local transport and generally make you feel at home and comfortable with your new surroundings.

If you are leaving us then on request we can book your airport transfer or help you with plans to explore other destinations in Cuba. Either way, hopefully we will have prepared you for your next adventure in a Latin country!