Learn Spanish & Volunteer in Old Havana

The Spanish lessons and the provided meals were the best. Me gustaron mucho las clases y la comida. I was met exactly where I needed to ne met. I plan to go back ASAP. I don't like to be away from home too long but the time flew.

This is a great program and I recommend it for anyone wanting to improve their formal Spanish--the instructors are great, although it is much more of an "academic" class that I expected--although it was what I needed in terms of speaking better/more correct Spanish. The "volunteer" portion was rather short (2 hours in the afternoon) and did not allow for much practicing of the Spanish I'd studied (or any Spanish at all, but that might just have been my volunteer site.). The program has many alternative options/classes/side trips etc that you should ask about when you get there. When I found out about them I signed up. Some are not listed in the descriptions. The staff (teachers and guides) went out of their way to accommodate everyone's levels/needs/wishes. The accommodations were basic but very clean and safe--I was pleasantly surprised. I'd suggest you read up on Cuba and Havana before you get there, and have a good idea of what you'd like to do/what you want to see. They will do their best to give you what you ask for!

As the title says, my experience with Corazon Cuba was way above my expectations. Everyone involved in the program made me feel like I am part of a big family and I really wish to thank them for that. Even though we didn’t do much volunteering in my 1 month in the program, there were a lot of things to keep me busy such as daily Spanish lessons, salsa lessons, cultural tours and trips outside Havana. I would like to give a big thank you to Leo, the amazing manager, as he always made sure that I am happy with my stay in Cuba. Whatever problem or concern you have, this guy can fix it! Thank you for the whole experience and I will surely return to you soon.

Through Corazon Cuba which has local connections and network, I enjoyed my stay in Cuba more than just doing sightseeing. We also met a lot of diverse people from other countries. Friendly and insightful teachers also helped us learning Cuba.

I can't recommend Corazon Cuba enough! This was a truly immersive experience getting to Havana and the Cuban people. The Spanish lessons and teachers were amazing - I already speak pretty much fluent Spanish and was put in an advance class that totally surpassed my expectations and I definitely came away improved. The volunteering program was fantastic, so much fun and everyone was so welcoming. I had the most incredible and memorable 2 weeks, and can't wait to go back another time.

There are some trips that you remember fondly, some you might look back on as exhausting, and then there are those that actually change your life, heart, and perspective forever. Jakera's Learn Spanish & Volunteer is absolutely this last option. With a combination of a thoughtfully built and well-run program, and the setting of the absolutely unforgettable and unique Cuba, I promise you will find these 6 weeks too short. The program was 2 weeks in Havana taking Spanish classes in the morning and then having a cultural activity in the afternoon (either a salsa class - my FAVORITE! - or an interesting cultural tour around important sites in Havana), then 2 weeks volunteering in a beautiful small beach town called Playa Giron (where the Bay of Pigs happened), and then the final 2 weeks back in Havana taking Spanish classes again and volunteering with local programs. Housing both in Havana and in Playa Giron was in a central location, comfortable, clean, and community-building (without wifi and with travelers from all over the world, people build a close knit community so quickly and easily). Every single night people in the house would either sit on the terrace, play cards, talk for hours, go out dancing, go for a walk around the city, go for a drink, walk the Malecon, etc. No boring moments when there are always people around wanting to explore and experience Cuba with you! The Cuban staff is AMAZING. They make you feel welcome, comfortable, invited, at home, and like family. The Spanish teachers are professionals who are well-trained in Spanish instruction and also always open to suggestions. They are helpful and warm, and they make you laugh constantly. The house staff will even also help you plan out travels you might want to do around Cuba on your own, after the program has ended! The volunteer opportunities were varied and purposeful; construction, wildlife preservation, cultural activities with children, aiding art programs, and more. The program is still growing, so I know they will be continuing to look for even more ways to get involved although we already stayed quite busy! I know people always want to hear about the "cons" as well, but I didn't experience many. The "cons" as far as I could tell were all things that were simply "Cuba," not the program. For example, the heat and humidity - not Jakera's fault, but certainly made work more exhausting in the summer months. At times the water or electricity would have a moment when it would go out, but it would always come back on before long. Also one volunteer program changed things on us at the last minute. But this is just Cuban culture - they don't adhere to specific schedules very often. The Jakera staff was always ready with a Plan B if this happened, and always kept a positive mood going. Overall, I absolutely loved this program. I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to give back to the community and actually experience (not just pass through as a tourist) an entirely new culture while traveling. Cuba is a magically unique place. I have traveled a lot, and I can honestly say I've never been anywhere so special: old American cars roaming the streets, music playing on the streets, people talking to you wherever you go, gorgeous beaches, old style buildings with some new modern ones in certain places, food carts on the street, dancing every day, color everywhere you look. Planning a return trip as I write this, and will go through Jakera again!