What inspired you to work for your organization?
I love travel and was inspired by Cuba—the history, people, music, and arts in general. Despite being materially poor, Cuba is incredibly rich in so many ways.
Civic pride and a sense of shared values—though very much stretched at times—continue to be inspiring and remind me of how important connectedness is.
Tasting new beans at El Cafe with Nelson, Leonel and Paul
Describe a typical day at work.
I don’t have fixed hours or a set routine since I'm based in Europe but our business is located in a different time zone and visitors come from all over the world.
It's very important to respond to new enquiries as soon as possible and help assure folks that we are a valid organization—which is where longstanding partnerships including with GoAbroad come in.
We have a great local office in Habana who, considering the 24/7 nature of our operations, also maintain 'flexible' hours.
Why do you do what you do?
I've had a number of previous jobs, including office based working for large multinational organizations with many thousands of employees. Those were fine and I enjoyed that part of my life.
Now, I enjoy being part of a smaller organization where I can make a real impact on the experiences of clients. Meaningful travel experiences are one of the very top of life experiences that have the capacity to change how we look at the world and who we are. It's great to be a part of that process.
What is your favorite part of your job?
It’s nice to share the excitement of first time visitors to Cuba. I always feel a buzz when I actually meet people in Cuba who I've been corresponding with for months beforehand. I love our local team and the whole interaction between local people and visitors. Especially when visitors start to feel the love and connection to Cuba as I do!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
It's important to manage people's expectations—under promise/over deliver—and try not to assume too much. Our visitors are a whole mix of ages, backgrounds, and nationalities and it's important to let them discover the magic rather than over-managing stuff.
Yes, our programs have a lot of scheduled activities but there is also space for visitors to explore and figure out stuff for themselves. That's where the magic lies. Thankfully, because I've had a varied background, I can usually make a connection with clients.
So many questions... So little time ;)
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Sadly, many issues are associated with the ongoing U.S. sanctions against Cuba which are unfair, cruel, and damaging to all sides. Even doing bank transfers is a hassle and sometimes impossible.
US citizens—who are always VERY welcome in Cuba—can't use their mobile phones or bank cards. Silly issues which require patience and creativity!
What are some current projects you are working on?
Bildungsurlaub - in Germany you can apply for paid leave to participate in educational programs overseas.
We are currently applying to various Landers (German states) so people can come to Cuba to learn Spanish and understand how things work here, which will make them more rounded people and effective employees.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Come with a plan, but enjoy an adventure! That's it, in a nutshell.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
We're the only language school in Old Havana and have compiled exciting andunique programs combining accommodation, breakfast & lunch with Spanish lessons, afternoon activities including dance lessons, volunteering, cultural activities ,and weekend trips to the beach and further afield to Viñales and Trinidad.
No one else does that. We are prepared to make changes where required and I believe we have consistently improved what we do. Basically, we have a winning formula that our clients love!
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
That we continue to provide quality and meaningful employment for our all Cuba local team AND that we continue to deliver fun and meaningful travel experiences for our visitors.
I also hope that one day soon the U.S. relaxes and eventually removes the sanctions regime against Cuba completely. Neighboring countries need to get along with each other, as this sets an example to the rest of us as individuals.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
Covid was tough... we're so happy to be fully operational again and heading into 2023 with a lot of reasons to be upbeat, optimistic, and energized. We have retained most of our old team and have some new faces which keeps things fresh and exciting.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
To deliver fun and meaningful travel experiences in Cuba with a focus on 'intercambio': exchange between local people and visitors.
We believe that international travel can be a force for good—both in terms of personal development and furthering understanding and mutual respect between different cultures.
We continue to work at this one visitor at a time, ensuring that each visitor has a meaningful personal experience with the time and space to discover the magic of Cuba for themselves.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Some knowledge of Cuba, of course. Improved Spanish language comprehension as well. A better understanding of themselves and enhanced ability to connect with others is also important. To be ambassadors able to speak knowledgeably and with affection about Cuba.
How do you help support participants?
All visitors have a 'welcome camino' within 24 hours of arrival. This is a short 30-60 minute walk around Old Havana to help clients get their bearings, locate practical services such as money change, WiFi, nice cafes/bars/restaurants, and to get a feel for the neighborhood… and how not to get lost!
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Probably our most popular program, Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture for four weeks. A real immersion experience with a lot of stuff going on; half board, Spanish lessons, professional dance classes, Discover Cuba cultural excursions, weekend trips to the beach and lots more.
In addition to time in Habana, this program includes a long weekend in Viñales which is a great contrast to the city.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
How much spending money should I bring?
Most of our visitors come on a small budget and because so much is already included in our programs, including accommodation, breakfast, and lunch, you really don't need much extra spending money.
About $20 per day will be more than enough for snacks and drinks, but being a capital city there are lots of diversions so it's possible to spend a lot more especially if you are a night owl. Therefore I generally guide $20-50 per day.
How is your company handling Covid protocols? What should participants know about your Covid readiness? How are you assisting participants with navigating the new travel landscape?
Happily, Covid pretty much behind us. The health services in Cuba are highly respected. Cuba sent a brigade of doctors and nurses to northern Italy to help during the very scary early days of Covid in Europe.
Cuba is the only country in the Americas outside of Canada and the U.S. that developed its own vaccination and managed the situation very well, though it had huge economic consequences for the country. We have always been pretty good at managing health care issues that occasionally arise with visitors.
Volunteering in Suspiro
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Travel broadens the mind, is my standard answer. But the fact is, because we are seemingly so connected to the world with internet enabled handheld devices, it's more important than ever to travel and see for ourselves what's actually going on.
People are so knowledgeable now on so many subjects, but how do you know what to believe unless you actually get out there, see things first hand and form your own opinions?
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Some people find learning languages intrinsically interesting, like crosswords or other mental gymnastics.
However, there is so much more to language learning—from demonstrating a commitment and respect to others by imparting a few words, to gaining a better understanding of a society/culture.
At a fundamental level, humans are social and need to communicate with each other—you are missing out if you only understand one language!
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Do it! It can be scary/exciting trying new things and going outside your comfort zone, but it's an essential part of our personal development.
Yes, there are potential risks, but life isn't risk free. We have an obligation to ourselves to go out there and explore the world. Be the best person you can be. You might even make great friends and, if you are very lucky, a life partner. As I did!
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
Life is full of imperfections/imbalances. There are obvious inequalities in that people from rich countries can go and enjoy the hospitality of people from poor countries but not the other way around! Travelers from rich countries often have negative impacts in host countries.
And I'm not even going to get started about damage to the environment caused by international travel. It's up to us as individuals to take responsibility to try to offset some of these consequences in the best way we can. Think global & act local!
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
It IS the future. An education isn't complete without some formative and meaningful travel experience.
It's not possible in a single lifetime to see everything and do everything, but it's super important to experience a different culture and try to see things from a different perspective every now and then.
Brothers Leonel & Leandro - two of our amazing program managers
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)
Be patient, and understand that because of jet lag, unfamiliar surroundings, etc., it can be difficult for visitors to acclimatize and get comfortable in their new surroundings, no matter how hospitable you are.
Be professional ensuring visitors receive all the services agreed and be sure to ask them regularly how they are settling in, if they have any concerns, and enquire about their welfare to make sure they are having a great travel experience. If there are any problems, get these sorted out early on.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Seeing great sights that move us in some way. Connecting with local people and discovering differences, but also how most people want the same things in life—peace, happiness, modest prosperity, good health, and a long life for our loved ones.
A profound experience—it could be a new food or flavor sensation, or cultural rite. I've had the privilege of spending time with Indigenous peoples in South America and southern Africa that I'll always treasure as a learning resource.
