Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Location - we are based in the heart of atmospheric Old Havana within walking distance of cools bars, cafes, music and nightlife... and museums and historical sights
  • Cultural immersion - Spanish lessons combined with dance lessons and 'discover Cuba' cultural excursions to connect, understand and enjoy this amazing country
  • Cubans - our all Cuban crew are super friendly and fun and will immediately make you feel at home and comfortable

Highlights

  • Location - we are based in the heart of atmospheric Old Havana within walking distance of cools bars, cafes, music and nightlife... and museums and historical sights
  • Cultural immersion - Spanish lessons combined with dance lessons and 'discover Cuba' cultural excursions to connect, understand and enjoy this amazing country
  • Cubans - our all Cuban crew are super friendly and fun and will immediately make you feel at home and comfortable
  • Mix of nationalities - we have clients of all ages and backgrounds most of whom are solo travellers so you will have a ready group of friends to enjoy/share your experience with
  • Program support - we host 30+ clients monthly and have 7 years of experience running these programs. We have partners around the country for those wishing to explore Viñales, Trinidad or further


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Two or four week full cultural immersion based in Old Havana. Spanish classes are supplemented with dance classes, cultural tours, and weekend in Viñales valley.

    Two or four week full cultural immersion based in Old Havana. Spanish classes are supplemented with dance classes, cultural tours, excursions and trips out of town. Start dates EVERY week - ideally arriving during the weekend (Sunday is best) so you are here first thing Monday.

    Based at our ...

    About the program

    Two or four week full cultural immersion based in Old Havana. Spanish classes are supplemented with dance classes, cultural tours, excursions and trips out of town. Start dates EVERY week - ideally arriving during the weekend (Sunday is best) so you are here first thing Monday.

    Based at our school/hostel in the heart of Old Havana, Spanish language classes take place Monday to Friday in the mornings, and in the afternoons there are dance classes and 'discover Cuba' cultural excursions. Weekend trips feature the beach and a two-night/three day weekend road trip to Viñales (four week program only).

    This is a busy program and offers the possibility of a full immersion into Cuban life – past and present – and the opportunity to really understand what makes this amazing country so special.

    Airport transfers arranged on request. Our programs comply with travel restrictions for US citizens - see SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE and contact us for more information about the rules!


    Typical day

    SPANISH LESSONS

    Monday to Friday’s intensive Spanish lessons take place shortly after breakfast. Your teacher is licensed 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, ...

    Typical day

    SPANISH LESSONS

    Monday to Friday’s intensive Spanish lessons take place shortly after breakfast. Your teacher is licensed 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 at Casa Jakera.

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

    DANCE CLASSES

    There are 2 dance classes per week, usually Tuesday and Thursday from 14:00-15:00. You are taken through your paces – lessons feature Salsa but depending your progress you may also be introduced to Son, Rueda de Casino, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, and Rumba and perhaps a few moves you haven’t heard of! The lessons are delivered a short walk from your Casa by a licensed dance instructor, and in the evenings there are MANY free live music venues where you can do your homework!

    DISCOVER CUBA

    Hop onto a Wah-Wah (fume belching local bendy bus) or Colectivo (classic car/communal taxi) and take to the streets to discover the real Habana. Understand how Habaneros live; the practical day to day issues Cubans face living in this complicated country at this exciting time and help us take away some answers to our own ‘first world’ problems!

    Three times weekly (usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons 14:00-17:00 approx.) we take you on an adventure to help you understand and enjoy the history of Cuba and Habana. Understand the source of her amazing wealth, the rich cultural mix, marvel at the faded patina of Habana’s famous gorgeous neo classical architecture, the rumble of classic American cars, curious soviet era high rise buildings, ubiquitous live music on every street, dance, exotic religions etc etc the list is endless.

    You will quickly feel at home, gain the knowledge and confidence to enjoy the city during your own time, with new found traveller and Cuban friends. You have been immersed into the Cuban culture - enjoy!

    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.

    WEEKEND EXCURSIONS

    During the 4 week program* you have three weekends with us, and we have included activities for each of these. For two weekends you are accompanied on a daytrip to the beaches directly east of Havana. Journey time is 30 minutes by bus and you can enjoy the exhilarating rollers that break on these pristine sandy beaches.

    * The second weekend featurea a two-night trip to Viñales; a three hour drive to the central western region of Cuba. Viñales is a UNESCO World Heritage destination owing to the outstanding landscape, traditional architecture and agricultural techniques still used.

    The trip includes a horseride into the valley to drying houses where you can learn about the art of curing tobacco and rolling cigars, and an early morning hike to view a spectacular sunrise.

    Free-time activities

    Habana is one big arts school with art, music and dance in abundance so there are MANY fun and interesting diversions during your free time. Our Program Managers are very knowledgeable so should be able to help if you have any special interests... not much that goes on is publicised on the internet ...

    Free-time activities

    Habana is one big arts school with art, music and dance in abundance so there are MANY fun and interesting diversions during your free time. Our Program Managers are very knowledgeable so should be able to help if you have any special interests... not much that goes on is publicised on the internet so its a case of word of mouth!


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Open mind and spirit of adventure!

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Corazon Cuba

    Weekly price includes: 
    • accommodation (14 nights / 28 nights in two and four week programs)
    • breakfast & lunch
    • 15 hours intensive Spanish lessons each week (30 hours / 60 hours in two and four week programs)
    • twice weekly dance lessons
    • three times weekly cultural excursions/activities
    • two escorted trips to the beach and a weekend in Viñales Valley (2 weekers’ are welcome to come to Viñales if time permits on payment of a supplement!).

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is in our licensed Casa Particulare in the heart of Habana Vieja, sharing a dorm room with other student clients or upon payment single room supplement you have your own private room and en suite bathroom (couples, friends and families booking together are automatically upgraded to a private room).



    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast & lunch provided.


    We cater for food preferences.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Jose Marti International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) in Havana. We assist you to find cheap flights to Cuba. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Cuba provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Cuba you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Cuba. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program starts EVERY week (ideally arriving during the weekend/Sunday is best so you are here first thing Monday morning) and includes 28 nights (4 week program) or 14 nights (2 week program). You you are welcome to arrive early/extend and pay for extra nights bed & breakfast as we are open 365 days a year.

    Within 24 hours of your arrival enjoy a 'welcome camino' with one of our Program Managers to get to know your local neighbourhood including; how not to get lost(!) and local services like banks and wifi hotspots.

    2 week program price includes accommodation (14 nights), breakfast & lunch plus 30 intensive Spanish lessons, four dance lessons at a professional dance school (private instructor), six 'Discover Cuba' cultural excursions and escorted trips to the beach.

    4 week program price includes accommodation (28 nights), breakfast & lunch plus 60 intensive Spanish lessons, eight dance lessons at a professional dance school (private instructor), eleven 'Discover Cuba' cultural excursions, two escorted trips to the beach and a weekend in Viñales Valley (3 days/2 nights).
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 882€
    3 weeks 1,326€
    4 weeks (max. stay) 1,765€
    Average fees 441€/week

    Program fees

    441€ per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 4 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Corazon Cuba during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Corazon Cuba

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (26 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2014

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Tim

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    A unique blend of learning Spanish, culture & dance, and volunteer projects. Amazing things are happening in Cuba right now - it starts in La Habana.

    Meet your organization

    Join one of our amazing life affirming travel experiences in Cuba or Guatemala

    Who we are?

    We are a small organisation who have worked together for 20 years delivering fun and life affirming travel experiences in a variety of countries. Our experienced leadership team, led by Leonel & Leandro in Cuba and Tim in the office, together with our local team love what we do - and our clients do too!

    What we do?

    Adventure travel, cultural immersion, gap year/life affirming travel to exciting Spanish speaking destinations. Outdoor adventure and cultural immersion - including volunteering and the legacy our clients leave - are what motivate us.

    Where we work?

    We currently have operations in Cuba (Habana, Viñales & Trinidad since 2014 ) and Guatemala (Antigua & Monterrico since 2017 - see Monterrico Adventure). Habana is one of the safest cities on the planet and Cubans super friendly and well educated.

    Our mission/vision

    Our job is to invigorate, excite and connect our clients to the amazing world we live in - and help set your inner compass for life!

    Our goals

    In Cuba our goal is to to help you connect with Cuban people, understand their culture and history and turbo charge your Spanish language tuition.

    Who are we looking for?

    Our programs are for over 18's but families or supervised younger persons - including groups - are most welcome (no upper age limit!). There are no fitness or other entry requirements. Our only criteria is an open mind and spirit of adventure! Our clients are a diverse mix of ages and nationalities which is great.

    Our programs comply with travel restrictions for US citizens - see SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE (contact us for more information about the rules).

    Why choose us?

    We offer amazing value and 24/7 program support to help maximise your time in Cuba. We love what we do - and our clients do too!

    26 reviews · rating4.7

    If everyone reading this review spoke Polish I'd use two words to describe my experience with Corazon Cuba - "Było zajebiście!!!", which translates to the highest level of awesomness possible! I cannot be more grateful for helping me live the best adventure of my live. ❤️❤️❤️ You ...
    elizabeth smith rating5

    2023 at Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture

    i met a lot of fascinating fellow volunteers and really enjoyed the classes, food and activities.It was very easy to get around havana even without use of a cell phone. a weekend trip to vinales was ...
    Corozon is perfect for the solo traveller with ages ranging from 20 to 70! Spanish lessons in small classes with amazing teachers. Beautiful terrace classroom, right in the hostel. Delicious meals that are vegetarian friendly. Dance classes are close by with fabulous Cuban teachers! Group evenings ...
    When I decided that I would like to travel to Cuba, I did not know where to start or what the best way to go about it was. Corazon Cuba presented the opportunity to live amongst a mix of people from all over the world, yet also spend lots of time with the most friendly Cubans who work in the casa ...
    Patricia rating5

    2023 at Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture

    It was my first trip outside of Europe and by myself. I'm currently 28 years old and I never took a time off to travel and discover the world. This year I decided to travel to Cuba. My cousin went to Cuba three years ago and told me about the wonderful experience she had. I searched the internet for ...
    George Carey rating4.8

    2023 at Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture

    I stayed for a little over three weeks for the Learn Spanish,Dance Culture. They have single rooms available on the second floor. It's important to bring extra money if you are from the US as your bank debit/credit cards fo jot work here. Euros are better than usd for currency conversions and ...

    Location

    Americas > Caribbean > Cuba > La Habana

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