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Itinerary
Learn Spanish & Volunteer - Havana
About Your Location
Havana is an exciting city with many interesting neighbourhoods. However, to experience the "real" Havana you should stay in Havana Vieja (old Havana). Here you are located next to the best bars and nightlife, and during the daytime you will be living among the real Habanos working in shops, bars, art galleries and going about their daily lives in this atmospheric part of the city. Havana has a unique distinction, being the safest city in the Caribbean and Latin America generally. There are a number of reasons for this, but what it means for the curious traveller is that you will be able to enjoy unprecedented access to local people as you wander around the ‘barrio’ that makes up Havana Vieja.
Learn Spanish & Volunteer Program
Below you will find more information for this program and volunteer placement.
Spanish Lessons
Your Spanish classes take place in the morning from Monday to Friday 09:00-11:45. The sessions comprise of 3 x 45-minute lessons spaced with 15 minute breaks, which makes 15 hours per week. The lessons are held at Casa Jakera by an accredited and licensed Cuban teacher. On the first morning there will be a short test to establish your level and requirements. We cater for students at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Volunteer Placement - Havana
Our volunteering begins with a group ‘orientation’ walk around Havana Vieja & Centro, during which we stop and visit our projects; to discuss the issues and bring everyone comfortably up to speed and feeling welcome. Work begins the next day, and depending where our need is greatest will include a combination of the following projects:
InSurgentes
InSurgentes is our newest volunteer partnership with local communities in and around Havana Vieja. At the moment our volunteers are helping to create a green space at Sol420 - Aula Ecológica (Ecological Classroom). Other InSurgentes projects include recycling organic materials into educational games at Fábrica de Bicicletas y Juguetes. This ambitious collaboration with DVV International includes a commitment to produce bicycles with wooden frames and other initiatives to raise ecological and environmental awareness - Eco Urbanism - in this vibrant neighbourhood.
Sports Complejo
The sports complejo has been the main sports facility for all the schools in Havana 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. Our work as volunteers includes, renovation and maintenance of facilities, donating equipment, assisting in sports training and hosting sports events and matches.
Círculo Infantil José Aguinaldo Tudela
Our newest community partnership is a local preschool hosting approximately fifty 4-6 year old students. The building includes three classrooms, two reception areas, bathrooms, kitchen, computer room, infirmary and outside recreation areas. Our main focus is to support the teaching staff by improving the infrastructure of the building including carpentry, electrics, plumbing, cleaning eaves & air vents, preventing leaks and general maintenance as well as assisting with educational games and play areas. Some of these activities we coordinate with local professionals. This is an important project to improve the learning environment for the young students..
Paseo Del Prado
Weekends are generally free but we also include activities to help you enjoy your surroundings. On Saturdays, weather permitting, we take a trip to the beaches that lie 30 mins by ‘collectivo’ taxi or bus, immediately east of the city, known as Playas del Este. Sunday afternoon from 12:00-15:00, we take a short walk to the famous Paseo del Prado, where a collective of local artists give free ‘arts and crafts’ lessons to local kids. We bring supplies to donate as well as helping out, depending what’s going on. It’s all very casual and a great way to enjoy and learn about the diversity of local art, as well as mingling with the locals and helping out the kids.
InSurgentes
InSurgentes is our newest volunteer partnership with local communities in and around Havana Vieja. At the moment our volunteers are helping to create a green space at Sol420 - Aula Ecológica (Ecological Classroom). Other InSurgentes projects include recycling organic materials into educational games at Fábrica de Bicicletas y Juguetes. This ambitious collaboration with DVV International includes a commitment to produce bicycles with wooden frames and other initiatives to raise ecological and environmental awareness - Eco Urbanism - in this vibrant neighbourhood.
Sports Complejo
The sports complejo has been the main sports facility for all the schools in Havana 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. Our work as volunteers includes, renovation and maintenance of facilities, donating equipment, assisting in sports training and hosting sports events and matches.
Círculo Infantil José Aguinaldo Tudela
Our newest community partnership is a local preschool hosting approximately fifty 4-6 year old students. The building includes three classrooms, two reception areas, bathrooms, kitchen, computer room, infirmary and outside recreation areas. Our main focus is to support the teaching staff by improving the infrastructure of the building including carpentry, electrics, plumbing, cleaning eaves & air vents, preventing leaks and general maintenance as well as assisting with educational games and play areas. Some of these activities we coordinate with local professionals. This is an important project to improve the learning environment for the young students..
Paseo Del Prado
Weekends are generally free but we also include activities to help you enjoy your surroundings. On Saturdays, weather permitting, we take a trip to the beaches that lie 30 mins by ‘collectivo’ taxi or bus, immediately east of the city, known as Playas del Este. Sunday afternoon from 12:00-15:00, we take a short walk to the famous Paseo del Prado, where a collective of local artists give free ‘arts and crafts’ lessons to local kids. We bring supplies to donate as well as helping out, depending what’s going on. It’s all very casual and a great way to enjoy and learn about the diversity of local art, as well as mingling with the locals and helping out the kids.
Discover Cuba Culutural Tours
Cultural Tours are included in your program.
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 Havana. Understand how Habaneros live; the practical day to day issues they face living in this complicated country at this exciting time, and help us take away some answers to our own ‘first world’ problems!
We take you on an adventure to help you understand and enjoy the history of Cuba and Havana. Understand the source of her amazing wealth, the rich cultural mix, marvel at the faded patina of Havana’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!
NOTE: Donations from abroad
We ask for all participants to bring a small amount of needed equipment, for donation purposes, when coming to Cuba. The local team will then undertake the responsibility of distributing the needed donations amongst the various outlets with whom we work. Recommended items for donation include sports equipment and arts & crafts, and can be second hand or new. Thank you.
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 Havana. Understand how Habaneros live; the practical day to day issues they face living in this complicated country at this exciting time, and help us take away some answers to our own ‘first world’ problems!
We take you on an adventure to help you understand and enjoy the history of Cuba and Havana. Understand the source of her amazing wealth, the rich cultural mix, marvel at the faded patina of Havana’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!
NOTE: Donations from abroad
We ask for all participants to bring a small amount of needed equipment, for donation purposes, when coming to Cuba. The local team will then undertake the responsibility of distributing the needed donations amongst the various outlets with whom we work. Recommended items for donation include sports equipment and arts & crafts, and can be second hand or new. Thank you.
Weekend Excursions
On weekends, you will be accompanied on a daytrip to a beautiful white sand beach directly east of Havana. Journey time is 30 minutes by bus and you will enjoy the exhilarating rollers that break on these pristine sandy beaches.
Inclusions
- Spanish lessons each morning Monday to Friday from 09:00-11:45, you will receive intensive Spanish language tuition comprising of 3 x 45 minute lessons spaced with 15 minute breaks. On the first morning there will be a short test to establish your level and requirements.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and lunch
- Three ‘Discover Cuba’ cultural excursions.
- Volunteer placements and support per timetable and descriptions above.
- Weekends will feature a guided trip to the beach.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and lunch
- Three ‘Discover Cuba’ cultural excursions.
- Volunteer placements and support per timetable and descriptions above.
- Weekends will feature a guided trip to the beach.
Requirements
Police Clearance Certificate
Summary
What’s included?
Activities
There are lots of museums, great restaurants, bars and clubs you can visit while in Havana.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in licensed Casa Particulares; shared same sex dorm rooms with other program participants (couples or friends booking together are automatically upgraded to private room with en suite/private bathroom) OR upon payment of a single room supplement you have your own room with private en suite bathroom.
Couples or friends booking together are automatically upgraded to a private room with an ensuite bathroom. Paying a single room supplement you have the option to stay in another nearby Casa with your own room and private ensuite bathroom. Either way breakfast and lunch are served at our main Casa and this is the hub of program activities. This is also where the Spanish lessons take place as well as group discussions, planning meetings and impromptu social gatherings.
Should you wish to book additional nights at a Casa Particular, this can be done via your travel advisor at a rate of 40 EUR per night per person in a shared room, or 50 EUR per person per night in a private room.
Couples or friends booking together are automatically upgraded to a private room with an ensuite bathroom. Paying a single room supplement you have the option to stay in another nearby Casa with your own room and private ensuite bathroom. Either way breakfast and lunch are served at our main Casa and this is the hub of program activities. This is also where the Spanish lessons take place as well as group discussions, planning meetings and impromptu social gatherings.
Should you wish to book additional nights at a Casa Particular, this can be done via your travel advisor at a rate of 40 EUR per night per person in a shared room, or 50 EUR per person per night in a private room.
Local transport
Arrival transfer is included only if you have chosen this option (against a fee). Local transportation during the program is at own cost.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch included
Additional info
To ensure maximum flexibility and to achieve the best rate of exchange, it is recommended that you bring some cash - ideally USD or EURO.
Although ATM machines are widely available throughout Cuba the exchange rate is not so good - you will be shown where/how to change money into local currency during your ‘welcome camino’ after you arrive. Only government owned business accept card payments.
Although ATM machines are widely available throughout Cuba the exchange rate is not so good - you will be shown where/how to change money into local currency during your ‘welcome camino’ after you arrive. Only government owned business accept card payments.