What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to take my first trip outside of Europe and my first trip by myself. Never before this had I taken time off to travel and discover the world. I studied and worked nonstop until last year.
With my master’s degree in special needs education and that bit of money that I earned until now, I decided that I wanted to see something else, before I settle down. Because I love to dance and I already speak 6 languages (which I wanted to improve further), I knew I had to travel.
Why did you choose Corazon Cuba?
My cousin went to Cuba three years ago and told me about the marvelous experience she had. I searched the internet for organizations that offer dance, culture, language and also volunteering and came across Corazon Cuba. Everything about the program appealed to me and the program seemed to include exactly what I wanted to experience in my 3 weeks, which proved to be true.
We found the perfect spot to sit and watch the gorgeous sunset at the Malecon.
What was your favorite part about Cuba?
La Habana or Cuba in general is completely the opposite of Switzerland, where I am from. I enjoyed the freedom and the warmth that was shown to me by all the locals and surprisingly by the tourists too.
I loved that spontaneity and improvisation is always on the agenda and no day is like the other. I could easily live three weeks being in the moment while enjoying every second without thinking about what comes next. I have never lived so stress-free and relaxed as in these three weeks.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I have met wonderful people from all over the world with whom I want to stay in contact. But more importantly, I learned to know and love myself in a whole new way.
I have made important decisions for my future life and realized what is really important to me in life. It was almost a bit of a "soul journey" or retreat for me. And I fell in love with Cuba: its culture, music, flora, and its fauna, simply everything!
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The hosts were fantastic. I felt like I was at home, although as I said, I have never traveled alone before and have never been outside of Europe. They welcomed me like a family member, which they did with all the residents.
I found the stay so wonderful that I want to repeat it soon. Any questions or uncertainty I had were immediately addressed to support me.
Beach days are incredible at the La Playa beach that is 20 minutes away from La Habana.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had planned more time so I could have still traveled around Cuba with Corazon Cuba. If I had more time, I could have benefited from the dance lessons even more. Also, I could have taken more diverse dance classes like kizomba, chachacha and so on. Essentially, I should have planned for at least two months.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
In the morning we all enjoyed a wonderful breakfast together at Casa Jakera, with cheese toast, eggs, coffee, milk and a fabulous selection of fresh fruit. Afterwards, we had Spanish lessons in groups of two or three (divided into levels). During those lessons, we were allowed specify the topics for the lessons. Then the lessons were combined with walking tours.
We would then all be together again for lunch at the Casa Jakera, which was just as good as breakfast. In the afternoon, I always had two hours of dance lessons. Afterwards, I would go for a walk with people from the casa and often drink fresh coconut water or a chocolate frappe.
Next, as a group we decided where to go for dinner. Most of the time after dinner we went home to rest for a little bit then we would go to a salsa club!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Every weekend I spent at the beach. The beach and the sea in Cuba were simply breathtakingly beautiful.
In the evenings, the salsa clubs were my go to place. I have never experienced so much emotion, passion and fire then at these salsa parties. Also, I often enjoyed spending time together with others in the house.
I had a blast seeing Cuba while on the Classic Car Tour in a hot pink convertible.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I was in a shared room with three girls. The rooms had everything you needed. It was fun to room with them because I always had someone to do something with. Since I generally don't like to be alone, most of all the first time abroad alone, I was glad to have other girls in the same room.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Cuba is a country where you can't go it alone, so ask the hosts for help. The hosts are really happy to help. Everything is a bit more difficult and hidden, but it's even more fun once you've accomplished something!
On the first day, connect with like-minded people so the start of the program will be much easier. If you are willing to interact a lot you will get to know the country better and explore all it has to offer.
Would you recommend Corazon Cuba to others? Why?
Definitely, and I already did! I would recommend Cuba as a travel destination to every young person who is trying to find themselves. Besides this, I thought Corazon Cuba was very sympathetic and helpful. I plan to travel back to Cuba again with Corazon Cuba.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Getting to know other people and getting to know yourself better are certainly two of the most important advantages of traveling. In addition, immersion in a foreign culture allows you to learn about your own needs and desires. Also, I think improving your language skills is a great benefit while traveling abroad.
This snow-white cat's name is Luna. She was an adorable and sweet house cat.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
It had an extraordinary impact on my life, because I completely changed my career path. I discovered a passion for traveling and learned that I don't need that much to live to be happy.
On a more personal level, I now have more self-confidence and dare to do much more in my everyday life at home. Also, I have become much more relaxed in my daily life.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To always thank the country and the people for the stay and the hospitality. To treat the whole environment with respect and to give good back. It also means for me to share, as they share their home with me, I share mine as much as possible with them. I want the whole country to have as good memories of me, as I have from the country.
Did Corazon Cuba provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, tell us what kind of support you received.
I didn‘t ask for covid support but it had information about it on the website and I could always contact the program manager and ask questions about it. As I am fully vaccinated and healthy, the whole covid situation does not have a great impact in my life. That is why I didn‘t ask for any support.
How did Corazon Cuba help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
I felt very safe and was safe all the time. I never felt in danger at any time, health or otherwise. I think that is also due to my age and my good basic health. So yes, the program acted very well.
