Internships in Cuba

Prepare to Intern Abroad

Set goals

Before packing your bags, take time to map out your goals and what kind of internship experience you want.

• Research program types. Cuba offers diverse placements, so look for one that aligns with your field and interests.
• Set a realistic budget. While Cuba is affordable, plan ahead for flights, meals, and leisure activities to make the most of your stay.
• Choose your city. Havana offers fast-paced, business-driven opportunities, while Santiago de Cuba leans more toward cultural and artistic experiences.
• Stay flexible. Life in Cuba moves at its own rhythm. Embracing that pace will make your internship experience far more rewarding.

Understand the benefits

Interning in Cuba is more than professional experience—it’s a cultural adventure that gives you a front-row seat to a country in transformation.

• Cultural immersion. Dive deep into a society that has preserved its identity while welcoming change. You’ll learn how culture shapes work, community, and creativity.
• Language growth. Spanish immersion in Cuba’s lively streets and workplaces helps you communicate confidently in a global language.
• Professional skills. Internships in Cuba build adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving—qualities that make you stand out in any career.
• Networking opportunities. Connect with local professionals, entrepreneurs, and artists who are reshaping Cuba’s industries.

Things to know

Cuba is a one-of-a-kind destination, and understanding how things work will help you make the most of your internship.

• Visas & documentation. Most interns enter on a Tourist Card, but always confirm visa requirements with your provider well in advance.
• Accommodation options. Homestays are popular for interns and offer authentic immersion, language practice, and home-cooked Cuban meals.
• Cultural respect. Be open, polite, and patient—Cubans are famously warm and welcoming, and cultural exchanges happen best through mutual respect.

Safety & travel. Cuba is one of the safest Caribbean nations, so exploring cities and rural towns alike is easy and rewarding.

Choose a Location

Each Cuban city has its own rhythm, personality, and professional focus. Choose your location based on your field, interests, and desired cultural experience.

Cayo Coco

Known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and thriving tourism scene, Cayo Coco offers an ideal tropical setting to build professional skills while enjoying paradise. Internships focus on marine and environmental conservation and eco-tourism, providing hands-on experience in sustainable travel practices.

Havana

Havana is the cultural, business, and creative hub of the region. With a booming tourism sector and an expanding private industry, Havana is an ideal destination for internships in hospitality, communications, and international relations, set against a backdrop of vintage charm and lively street music.

Santiago de Cuba

Cuba’s cultural capital and birthplace of son music and Afro-Cuban traditions is ideal for arts, history, and cultural interns. Interns gain hands-on experience in museums, festivals, and community projects that celebrate Cuban culture and identity.

Choose a Field

Cuba’s growing industries and rich heritage make it a fascinating place for internships that balance professional learning with cultural discovery.

Marine Sciences

With its pristine coral reefs and protected marine reserves, Cuba is a dream destination for marine science internships. Interns can study marine biodiversity, conservation, and ocean sustainability through hands-on research and fieldwork. It’s the perfect opportunity to contribute to environmental preservation while exploring Cuba’s breathtaking underwater world.

Hospitality & Tourism

As Cuba’s top economic driver, tourism internships offer firsthand experience in hotels, tour operations, and cultural management. Interns learn to deliver unforgettable experiences while engaging with visitors from around the world.

Healthcare

Cuba is renowned for its strong public health and community care, making it an ideal place for healthcare internships. Interns gain experience working with local professionals, learning about preventive medicine, public health outreach, and Cuba’s holistic wellness approach in urban clinics and rural health centers.

Tips & Advice

Your Cuban internship adventure starts with good planning, a sense of adventure, and an open heart. Here’s how to begin:

1. Get matched

Use GoAbroad’s Online Advisor to find programs that align with your goals, skills, and ideal location in Cuba.

2. Choose a program

Sign up for MyGoAbroad to compare internship options, read reviews, and select the one that fits your vision best.

3. Best time to go

Cuba offers warm weather year-round, but timing matters:

• Summer: Lively festival season with abundant cultural events and tourism opportunities.
• Fall: Fewer tourists and pleasant weather, great for longer internships.
• Winter: Peak tourism season, ideal for hospitality and event management roles.
• Spring: Perfect balance of sunshine and activity, with lower costs and vibrant energy.

4. Funding & scholarships

Complete the scholarships and deals application to get matched with funding options for internships in Cuba.

5. Apply

Visit your chosen program’s page on GoAbroad and click “Apply Now” to start your Cuban internship adventure.

6. Get your essentials

Confirm your visa, passport, flights, insurance, and accommodation before departure. Then pack your curiosity, confidence, and maybe a few salsa moves, and you’re about to experience Cuba like never before.