Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture
Coordinator | Tim
Coordinator | Tim
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
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
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.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
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, 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 quite knowledgeable so should be able to help if you have any special interests... not much that goes on is publicised on the interest so its a case of word of mouth!
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (basic level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Open mind and spirit of adventure!
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
09:00
- 16:00
What's Included
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 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).
Breakfast & lunch provided.
We cater for food preferences.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.
The nearest airport is Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) in Havana. We assist you to find cheap flights to Cuba.
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.
If you are intending to volunteer in Cuba you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Cuba.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
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.
Accommodation is in our licensed Casa Particulare, sharing a dorm room with other student clients OR upon payment $12 per night 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). Breakfast and lunch are included plus program activities such as Spanish lessons, group discussion/planning meetings and impromptu social gatherings.
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).
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 4 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$875
3 weeks
$1,315
4 weeks
(max. stay)
$1,750
Average fees
$438
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Corazon Cuba
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by SEPA bank transfer (EU) or wire transfer (Non-EU).
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.
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All program fees are charged directly by Corazon Cuba.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture
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.
$438/week
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