Corazon Cuba

I booked a 2-week Spanish course (60 hours) in Havana Vieja, the old part of Havana. My teacher was Laritza, a young, highly motivated, professional and funny teacher. Apart from giving me a hard time in learning grammar (irregular verbs ARE a nightmare), she allowed several deep dive into Cuban history, culture, traditions and much more. This was extremely interesting! All people at the casa particular where I stayed are extremely helpful and friendly - within 2 hours and despite the jetlag they made me feel at home! They will do everything to make life as easy for you as possible - and this is really difficult given the continuous power cuts, the incredible head and air humidity. So having an aircon in your room is nice but does not help very much if there is no electricity ... At the end, you will turn to take your matress and take it out on the terrace, sleeping as everybody else outside. All in all a positive experience I will never forget.

Learning Spanish with a view of Old Havana is a unique experience. Due to the U.S. oil embargo, there were only about 8 students on average at the language school, and we all had one-on-one lessons. My lessons with Pablo always took place on the rooftop terrace. I learned a lot about Cuba, its people, and the country itself, and I significantly improved my Spanish. Breakfast and lunch were served in a small dining room. My wife and I had a clean room in a casa particular 500 meters from the language school. A highly recommended language school with very friendly staff and teachers.

I decided to treat myself to some time at a language school in Cuba, combining a fascination for a culture I knew little about with a love for the Spanish language and an interest in salsa dancing. I had taught myself Spanish using Duolingo and this program was my treat for having completed the app. Surprisingly I really knew a lot of Spanish before arriving, but the school was able to put me into an advanced class and was also wonderful in adapting group activities to make sure that I had ample opportunity to speak Spanish even when mixed with students at more beginning levels. The staff really care about the students and it all feels like one big family. Yes, there were sometimes the normal issues that unfortunately come with Cuba - electricity shortages or (temporary) no hot water - but I honestly didn't notice them at all. I had so much fun and would recommend this program to anyone - it is a great way to learn Spanish, see and learn about the country, and be instantly in a group of like-minded people all looking to explore.

I spent around 3 weeks in January in Cuba and I fell in love with every minute I spent in Cuba. New friendships formed at the hostel, amazing staff, fun classes and, of course, amazing Havana! I can't wait for my second trip!!

I've always wanted to know Cuba, but as an American, I had a lot of fear and concern for my safety. That's where Corazón Cuba helped me the most. Having a "home base" with friendly, amazing people to help me navigate the cultural differences and become confident to walk alone in the streets of old Havana. It was an invaluable month-long experience for me and I made amazing friends from all over Europe, friends for life. Salsa classes, cultural tours of the city, trips to Viñales and Trinidad, we did so many things that pushed me past my comfort zone. It was an amazing experience. I do recommend a month-long stay to truly start to understand Cuban life and feel more at home. I recommend bringing antibiotics, medications, deodorant, mosquito spray, etc, as those things are not available in Cuba. Pack 1/2 your suitcase with gifts and donations... You will be glad you did. The Cuban people are so lovely, but you must remember the country is in difficult times and you are there to understand and have a better awareness about how you can help. It was a life changing and humbling experience. I highly recommend going to see Cuba for yourself!

I went to Cuba in August this year and stayed to weeks in Habana. It was a great experience. Language course was amazing as well as dance lessons. I had a nice room with my own bathroom not far from school. I met a lot of new great people. Would do it anytime again

My wife, two kids ages 10 and 12, and I studied at Corazon Cuba for 3 weeks in June and July this past year, and we absolutely loved it. As Americans, there were obstacles to visiting Cuba, and the office was timely and supportive in helping us navigate the requirements. Airport transfer was easy. The accommodation was exactly as described, near to the school, and serviced as needed throughout our stay. The teachers were professional and experts in their field. Our family placed into three different Spanish levels, and we all strongly progressed in our language proficiency. The teachers adapted to our levels and interests and prepared to meet our language needs. Food at the school was exceptional. As a vegetarian, I was well-accommodated and our kids particular requests were fulfilled when they could be - the kitchen staff created a family environment that was second-to-none. The office and management of the school had an always-open door and had our well-being and satisfaction at the forefront of their minds and work. The cultural tours and events were well-designed and flexed to the composition of the participants. We loved the salsa dancing and noted the community partnerships created by the school. We traveled around the country after our time at Corazon Cuba and maintained some contact with the school and teachers - they cared about us and our experience in their country. The school and experience they provide receives my strongest recommendation because of their professionalism, accommodating flexibility, and value. A great way to visit Cuba!

Thank you to all the wonderful team in Havana for the most interesting and exciting adventure. Loved the dancing meeting local people and our kids leant such good Spanish. The international crowd were amazing. One that our family will never forget !

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.

I searched for a language school and I found Corazon Cuba. The booking was very easy and Tim Patterson told me everything about the price and sent the detailed program. I arrived later then I should in Cuba, because me plane was late. A Taxi was waiting for me with my name on a sign and brought me to my apartment. The living situation is in the middle of Havanna. In the night I had the opportunity to change money and to buy some water. At the next morning Carlos brought me to the school. After an introduction and made a test for my language skills. My teacher was Laritza and I was with her for the next 5 days. The learning situation is outside on the terraces of the school, which is new to Euopeans, but it was very nice. Also all the people from the school were nice and helpful. I loved being there and i am sure, that I will come back:) Thank you for everything.

I had an amazing experience with Corozon Cuba Language School! Delvis was mi Maestro (my teacher) and he was the best! So patient, kind, friendly and made our small class feel so comfortable! Leo was exceptional and so were the rest of the staff! Food was incredible and the Salsa lessons were such a fun experience! I made friends there I’ll never forget and I just wanted to say thank you!

I was really lucky to have chosen Corazon Cuba for my trip to Cuba. As an American it is especially important to have a properly prepared stay. Tim was super responsive, flexible for special requests and clarified everything before my departure. Considering that Cuba has various challenges, my itinerary was well organized and everything went smoothly. The hosts in Havana and Vinales were wonderful and very helpful. I'm frankly amazed that Corazon Cuba provided such a rich program of activities, good accommodations, taxi collectivo transfers, breakfast and lunch as well as Spanish lessons for such a good value! I returned home full of great experiences, memories and fun stories to tell.

A friend and I booked the course through Tim of Corazon Cuba. Tim showed a lot of patience and good humor as we send a lot of mails correcting mistakes of previous emails and reasking question (traveling through india is mentally not a good time to book anything I learned...). But in the end we arrived in La Habana, got picked up by a nice taxi driver and had two amazing weeks. The course was on the rooftop of the school, so sunscreen and a cap were mandatory materials for class. Jose was an incredible teacher, also showing us La Habana and giving us tips where to go after class. The class itself was very intense (most of A1 and A2 in two weeks) but also very interesting and funny. The whole crew was amazing and most evenings we spent relaxing on said rooftop and just enjoying life with the other very cool students.

Honestly, best decision I ever made. Not only I improved my Spanish, I made friends for life and was able to dive into a new culture above the tourist level. And all of this was simply possible because of the AMAZING Team working at Jakera. They make you feel that you are exactly in the right place from the first second you arrive. They are a huge family and they will make you feel as you are a part of it. They try to make everything possible for you. They are all locals and they don´t just work there, they mostly spend even all of their freetime there to hang out with you, show you around or accompany you to parties. My reccomendations: Book the trips to Vinales and Trinidad! Do the dance classes! Try to speak as much Spanish as you can! Join the nights out to Fabrica del Arte! Visit the beautiful beaches! Just keep in mind a few things, before you go: bring ENOUGH cash! (its not possible to pay by credit card and you cant get cash out of ATMs); Spotify/Netflix etc. are not working there so download what you need offline in advance; No wifi! but use it as digital detox and to spend time with those wonderful people; don´t get offended by catcalling just smile about it and go on; bring donations such as useful medication If I could go back in time, I would always book the programm again to have this unique experience again. Thank you all for having me! <3

Excellent way to experience Cuba in a very friendly atmosphere. I stayed two weeks in Havana and one in Trinidad. Intensive Spanish courses in the mornings, salsa classes and city tours in the afternoon. Leo and his team's contribution to such a well-structured atmosphere for intercultural dialogue is amazing. I have met wonderful fellow students from all over the world, age range was 20-70.

I did 2 weeks of language and culture class. It was a lot of fun. We had large group and did many things together. Every day we were eating breakfast and lunch together, so it always gave us a chance to catch up. I will defiantly suggest to my friends and co-workers to be part of this program.

From our first contact with Tim through the final day of our two week stay, we were delighted with Corazon Cuba. We went for the Spanish lessons and they did not disappoint. After taking a quick assessment of our language knowledge so far, we were assigned a class. Surprisingly, the classes had only 1 - 3 students and personalization was a big benefit. Both of us felt our teachers were superb - mine was Daniela, and Jamie's was Delvis. They kept us on track with pre-planned daily lessons but we also had plenty of time to learn about Cuba and the people of Cuba (all in Spanish, of course.) All the staff were fun and helpful. Miguelito, the chef, prepared plenty of tasty vegan food for us and we were so grateful. Andy was our tour guide for the culture portion of our program and he is a history buff who enjoys sharing stories. We spent many pleasant afternoons walking abound old Havana with Andy. The salsa dance program is held in a lovely dance studio with a student/teacher ratio of 1:1. I didn't know it was possible to learn so many steps in a one hour class. Rather than stay at the hostel, we chose a home stay. Accommodations were pretty basic but clean and included a refrigerator. The airport transfers were excellent. And, again, everyone we encountered was so welcoming and gracious. We highly recommend Corazon Cuba and hope you will have the same positive vibe and experience we had.

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the Corazon Cuba experience. What stood out the most were the exceptional friendliness of the staff and the effective leadership and coordination provided by Leo, which included arranging excursions, taxis, and restaurant recommendations. The central location, and Havana Vieja was perfect. The quality of the food and coffee was excellent, and I particularly appreciated the casual dining atmosphere. The teaching staff was also excellent, being patient and relatable. I highly recommend Corazon Cuba, and I have already suggested it to others here in the United States. The only areas of improvement that I can think of would be to provide Wi-Fi/Internet access, and improving the cleanliness of the bathrooms.

I was joining this group to learn spanish. I cam with zero language skills and it was no problem. The teachers are really great so the time is flying during learning. Also the Management of the School was amazing, i had to shift my days twice and it was not at all an issue. They supported me an all belongings. Thanks a lot - highly recommend to everybody who wants to learn spanish or one of the other programs. Will come definitly another time again.BR, Chris

I booked the the learn spanish, clulture and volunteer program. I already had a good grasp of the Spanish basics. The teacher placed me with basic beginnners -- which I didn't mind because we were the only class that week (If I did I would have spoken up to the director). I was having so much fun with the other students I didn't want to be alone in a class!. The teacher also showed me/taught me some of my weaknesses in Spanish. I enjoyed his teaching method with the other students -- the pace that we progressed was great. He helped them be more conversational--which as travelers we want. The city tours provided were wonderful -- informative. I was slightly disappointed with no hands on for the volunteer part -- I know my donations I brought went to worthy cause "for the good of the Cuban people". The housing was good -- liked being apart for the main school -- I gave a 9 only because my water wasn't very hot. I loved my room and got accustomed to walking 4 flights of steps!. The room was spacious, clean and losts of storage --bathroom clean and modern. Also, I was assisted in making arrangements after my time at the school. I can't say enough about that. I loved what was provided to me in Vinales (despite the minor housing mix-up) and Trinidad was lovely too. The activities arranged for me in Vinales was beyong my expectations. I was on my own in Trinidad but the casa particular there assisted me with arranging any activities I wanted. Oh, the meals provided at the school -- breakfast and lunch --plenty of food! Then, I don't want to forget all the other people working there -- sorry I am bad a names but so friendly and happy to socialize or answer any questions help me with currency exchange. Leonel the directory of course a big thanks for making my additional arrangements

I loved the trip I will go back maybe this year So much fun People are so nice I had so much fun A place that you will enjoy A safe place in a poor city Teaches host and everyone are so cool I met a lot of nice people and that makes the place even better

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!

I just had the most magical 9 days with Corazon Cuba. The Spanish teachers are so smart--they are great educators who know exactly how assess your skills and build from where you are. The staff is incredible--creating a safe, clean, fun environment. There is round-the-clock security, regular cleaning, air conditioning, laundry service, bottled water and incredible food from in-house chefs. The staff is always available for needs, questions, advice and help---they take you to get SIM cards, get a VPN, help you change money, find anything you are looking for, make sure you pay reasonable prices, feel like a local--plus they are so nice and fun and soon become family. The program is structured and organized and every experience and lesson offered is high quality and meaningful--but you also have as much free or alone time as you want. The location is perfect in Habana Vieja--safe, walkable to shops, restaurants, music, museums, the Malecón, and more--it is a very cool building with multiple levels and roof decks with great views. They have apartments down the street if you'd rather not share a room. Although I am on the older side, I decided to stay in the main house and share a room and I'm so glad I did--the fellow students were amazing--from everywhere--Germany, Sweden, Italy, Norway and even my hometown in Colorado. We bonded and will be life long friends. It's like camp! I just can't say enough good things about the program. Everything was perfect; every day was great. Magic is the only way I can describe it. They really have created a very special community here and I can't wait to get back.

This was a great experience overall! My goal was to practice Spanish as much as possible and this was easily reached thanks to the great staff of the school and friendly Cubans around. You do feel at home! As September is a low season, I was alone in my Spanish class which was more of an advantage in the end as the topics were tailored to my needs and interests. The lessons included all types of activity: grammar, speaking, listening, and the most valuable - immersion into the Cuban culture. Daivy, the teacher, was eager to share her personal stories, everyday routine and aspirations. It was not just a standard teacher-student interaction, but friendly conversations about everything. We still keep in touch! I was supposed to have a shared room, but as there were few people I had it all for myself? Even though I was warned that there could be hot water and electricity problems in Old Habana, nothing of the kind happened during my stay. The place is clean, nice and really authentic! From the balcony you can see the street with all its night life and daytime events. The food was good as well. Even though the variety of products is limited, the cooks Miguelito and Tania managed to satisfy all the needs, both vegetarian and not. I had a chance to try some fruits that I have never eaten before. There was always somebody of the staff around. Aylin has answers to all your questions during the daytime and Kidsue and Arkeli keep you company at night as night guards. In the afternoon I had salsa classes and excursions. The dance classes were great even though I'm a really poor dancer and remain such in spite of the teachers' efforts.They were attentive and understanding. Even if you have no experience in salsa, you will still enjoy this activity. The only downside was that every class I had a new teacher. Somehow they managed to understand from where to continue and my experience seems rather smooth in general. The excursions were informative and my guides, Laritza and Jose, added a great personal touch to the history of Old Havana with their own stories. The school manager Leonel is just charming. He does his best to make sure that everyone is happy. Despite the fact that he has lots of work to do, he is always available. The pre-trip email support from Tim was indispensable as well. Old Havana is a safe place even if it does not seem so from the first sight. It may happen that some seller will cheat on you charging more money or will sell you fake cigars, but no violence occurred in my presence. I had no health issues, but do take all the medicine with you. There is a lack of it in Cuba. You can share it with the locals when leaving. Besides, I would recommend to bring fewer personal things and more donativos.

Pablito was very patient and flexible in his Spanish classes. I learned about Cuban history and the Cuban culture. Administration attended to details around lodging- I had a single with en-suite bathroom. Larissa did tours and came out with us to “Yellow Submarine” a Cuban rock club. And Willie-best Salsa teacher. Meals were well prepared and varied. I was only there one week and I plan to return. Everyone was so friendly.

Awsome, a must do in a life, Cuba is such an amazing country, and Jakera is a perfect option to go to discover La Havana ! I learnt a lot about cuban culture and i learn to love dance thanks to dance lessons provided by Jakera

My husband and I did the Jakera Spanish language, salsa and volunteering program for 2 weeks. We had an amazing time. Jakera is very well run and all the Cuban staff and teachers were so friendly and so professional. We stayed at a casa particular 2 blocks away from the school/dormitory as we’re in our 50s and wanted our own space and this worked out well. We had breakfast and lunch with all the other students and staff at Jakera and had our morning Spanish lessons there. Then we all went as a group in the afternoons to volunteering or salsa lessons. It was a rich, bonding experience with the other participants and the Cuban people at Jakera, at the salsa studio and on our volunteer placement at a community garden. We would highly recommend it!

tl;dr If you're hesitant about going, go. This was safe and a truly unique experience, and I had a wonderful time. This program is great! Here is a general idea of how the days went: Monday-Friday: 8am breakfast, 9am-noon Spanish classes, noon-1pm lunch, rest of the day is free (sometimes there were guided excursions at various times depending on the activity). Weekends: Breakfast and lunch provided but otherwise on your own. Food: I have a sensitive stomach and was concerned about not having a lot of control over that. The staff is extremely accomodating and I did not have any tummy troubles in my week there! I'm lactose intolerant and do not eat red meat, which they easily accomodated. There was another person there who had Celiac's, and she also did not have any issues. They have filtered water available as well. I brought a Life Straw but didn't need it. Lodging: While I was there, everyone else had paid to upgrade to private rooms so I ended up having a private room myself! There is AC in the rooms which I did not know about the first night. They provide you with a basic pillow, fitted sheet, and flat sheet. I can't imagine sleeping with more than a flat sheet given the heat though. There is a small lock box for your belongings and a space to hang your clothing. The door of the hostel is always locked and there is always someone on staff, so I never felt like any of my belongings were at risk. There are multiple toilets and showers available to use, but bring everything you will need (they provide a small towel). Spanish: We took a placement test on the first day, which I was excited about. Because there weren't a ton of people during my week, we all had one-on-one lessons which was AMAZING. Everything was catered to my ability level. I took Spanish for several years in high school (and have a bachelors in linguistics--I'm a dork), and the amount of latent Spanish I was able to revive in this week was truly astonishing. I loved my lessons so much. Staff: The staff here feels like one big family. They speak varying degrees of English, but if you don't speak Spanish, you'll usually find at least one person who can act as an translator if need be. You can also practice your Spanish with any of them judgement-free. They truly made me feel so welcome. Transportation: Biggest recommendation besides to do this trip is to pay for the add-on for transportation to and from the airport. I like to travel and would never opt for this service, but it was so nice to have one less thing to worry about. Also, it was the only cab ride where I didn't get ripped off. There are no meters like we're used to in the US and they will overcharge you if you're a tourist (which ends up still being cheaper than an equivalent ride in the US). Internet: Assume you will not have access to internet. The wifi at the airport does not work. The wifi at most places that have wifi did not work for me. My understanding was that SIM cards could only be purchased with a credit card, and they do not take American cards. We were lucky to find a bar that had outstanding wifi and I used that to contact my family and check my email. Safety: I felt safe for the entirety of my stay. There is a ton of catcalling but it doesn't go beyond that. If you look like a foreigner, you will be approached often and people will try to scam you. People are not forceful though and you can always walk away. I had a cab try to overcharge my friend and I once after we had pre-agreed on the amount and we said no and were able to leave the cab. I wouldn't walk around late at night but yourself but I wouldn't recommend doing that pretty much anywhere. LIke I previously stated, the hostel itself is extremely safe as well. Other info: -Do your research beforehand. Assume nothing you need will be available here (shampoo, soap, tampons, medicine). -Bring a small first aid kit. My must haves were aleve, claritin, and an anti-itch cream (I got quite a few bug bites). -I went the first week of June. This is the off-season for tourism as it tends to be excessively hot and humid, and is the start of hurricane season. If you come during this time, bring more clothing than you will need as you will sweat through just about everything. (Also, I would honestly consider returning during this timeframe because despite how terribly hot it was, there are less people) -Wait to exchange your money until you get to the hostel. Make sure all of your bills do not have writing or rips/tears. -Download maps.me and download the map for Cuba so it will work offline. -I booked some afternoon excursions through Airbnb and was so glad I did. The excursions the staff offers are great, but if you're looking for something more specialized, you can book it yourself. Make sure you do this all before you leave, as you will likely not be able to access Airbnb while you're in the country. -Make sure to bring donativos! -If you're a light sleeper, maybe bring earplugs. -While it is safe, leave your jewelry or nice handbags at home. Cuba is extremely poor and it just looks like you're flaunting your wealth. I saw people (not in this program thankfully) doing this and it was embarrassing. -Have an open mind and you will have a fantastic experience!

Everyone was very friendly at Corozon Cuba, it is in an excellent location with lots to do and the included meals are delicious. I met so many friends and Havana is now one of my favourite cities ever

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.

I stayed for a little over three weeks for the Learn Spanish,Dance Culture. They have single rooms available on the second floor. It's important to bring extra money if you are from the US as your bank debit/credit cards fo jot work here. Euros are better than usd for currency conversions and overall value. There are alor of incidental expenses that uyou will have to pay put of pocket to be aware of. My Spanish instructor was nice and thoughtful. Going to Cuba is a life chs going experience and you will see alor of unique things unlike other carribean destinations and their 500 years of history cannot be ignored. I came back with alot of new experiences and some new friends. You can't put a price on that.

Cuba Corazon (Jakera) made my trip to Cuba a BLAST! I highly recommend their programs! I was only able to stay for 10 days but I loved it so much I am already looking to go back! The program I was signed up for included Spanish lessons, Salsa lessons, and a mini trip to Vinales. Tim is very easy to reach via email and answers every question thoroughly. He also explains the entire process very well (something I was nervous about because I was traveling from the US). Leo, the man in charge of the hostel/housing in Cuba, is very down to earth and will help you organize things like taxis and give information about things in the area. Andy, the man that does the walking tours, is very chill and funny- definitely take a tour or two with him! My Spanish teacher, Ariel, was very sweet and was able to teach me more Spanish in a week than 4 years of Spanish classes in school. I highly recommend visiting Vinales, as well! The town is very small but welcoming and it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL there!! If you’re considering visiting Cuba (which you totally SHOULD visit!!), give Corazon/Jakera a try! They make everything so easy.

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.

Spanish lessons in small classes with an amazing teacher. Beautiful terrace classroom. Delicious meals. Dance classes a close with fabulous Cuban teacher! Group evenings out to dance and see incredible live music. But most important of all was the incredibly support atmosphere, from the moment you arrive you are family … which is why I can’t wait to return to Corozon!

If everyone reading this review spoke Polish I'd use two words to describe my experience with Corazon Cuba - "Było zajebiście!!!", which translates to the highest level of awesomness possible! I cannot be more grateful for helping me live the best adventure of my live. You can read on their website - "Corazon Cuba - Your home away from home" - when I've read it, my though was "Such a cool marketing statement" ? ... Let me tell you something. You will feel home... and you will NEVER want to go back to your real home. So, be careful, saying goodbye will hurt. I could go on with all the amazing stories FOREVER. But I think it is better to leave some space for you to be surprised with the program. Muchas gracias Leo & Tim and the entire Corazon Cuba family.

It was my first trip outside of Europe and by myself. I'm currently 28 years old and I never took a time off to travel and discover the world. This year I decided to travel to Cuba. My cousin went to Cuba three years ago and told me about the wonderful 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 three weeks. Which finally also proved to be true.La Habana or Cuba in general is completely the opposite of Switzerland, the country I'm from. I enjoyed the freedom and the warmth that was shown to me by all the locals and surprisingly by the tourists too. Can't be done, doesn't exist. Improvisation is on the agenda and no day is like the other. I could really live three weeks in the moment and enjoy every second without thinking about the next one. I have never lived so stress-free and relaxed as during these three weeks. I have met wonderful people from all over the world with whom I want to stay in contact. But more importantly, I have 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, its music, its flora and fauna…. simply everything. 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 and they did this with all the residents. I found the stay so wonderful that I will repeat it soon. Any question or uncertainty they were immediately there to support me. So l actually did not travel alone at any second. I wish I had planned more time so that I could still travel around Cuba with the organization. Every weekend I spent at the beach. The beach and the sea in Cuba were simply breathtakingly beautiful and little filled. In the evenings during the week and on weekends, the salsa clubs were my to go place. I have never experienced so much emotion, passion and fire as at these salsa parties. Furthermore in the house we often spent time together and I enjoyed this very much. Cuba is a country where you can't do nothing by yourself, so don‘t be shy to ask the hosts for help, they are really happy to help. Everything is a bit more difficult and hidden, but it's even more fun when you've accomplished something. Don't be overwhelmed by the many impressions on the first day and connect with like-minded people so the start will be much easier. If you are willing to interact a lot you will get to know the country from all facets and enjoy the most beautiful and free time of your life. My journey in Cuba had an extraordinary impact on my life, because I completely changed my professional development. I discovered a passion for traveling and learned that I don't need that much to live and be happy. I now have more self-confidence and dare to do much more in my everyday life at home. I also have become more relaxed. I‘m very grateful that the cuban people shared their country with me and I hope I left a positive Footprint there. I‘m sure I‘ll come back.

Although I have traveled widely in Latin America and in post-Soviet Eastern Europe, I found myself feeling nervous about visiting Cuba. The folks at Corazon Cuba created a rich and safe experience for me. I was picked up at the airport by a kind taxi driver arranged in advance (having the driver arranged in advance simplifies things for US visitors, as we cannot change US dollars at the airport). He brought me to my lodgings: a comfortable, air conditioned single room with bath in a family home. My language instructor was experienced and professional, able to work with my level and help me polish up my Spanish (I am very comfortable speaking Spanish, and have even lived in Central America, but over time had lost proficiency with some verb tenses and gotten quite lazy in other areas). The building where the language instruction is offered is very comfortable, and I immediately bonded with other program participants. There were people of all ages the week I was there, and I felt very welcomed despite being considerably older than some of the participants. Cuba is difficult to visit. The poverty, created by historic and current US and Cuban government policies, is hard to witness. The facilities at Corazon Cuba and at the home where I stayed, while perfectly comfortable and impeccably clean, are meager by American standards. It's...a lot. That said, I am profoundly grateful I had the opportunity to visit. I brought some medications as donations, and would strongly urge other program participants to do the same. Some of the medications I brought are available in the US only by prescription (my child is very sensitive to medications and I have lots of prescriptions that she started but couldn't finish) and the folks at Corazon Cuba were able to get them to a local doctor who could make appropriate use of them. Other important info: as a middle aged, vegetarian queer woman, I had no difficulties. I felt perfectly safe, accepted and well-fed the whole time I was there, and I hope to return soon.

For two weeks me and my mom joined the Spanish and salsa program. The first week we stayed in Havana and the second in Trinidad. Both of the places have their own charm and we had an amazing time. The Spanish classes are a good and you can discuss with the teacher what you want to learn. The dance classes are a lot of fun, good teachers and a great vibe. The program is flexible as well, so you can always add more hours of Spanish/salsa. The people at the house are super helpful and you can ask them anything! It feels like your own little family!! I would definitely recommend booking with corazon Cuba and you'll have a great time.

When I decided that I would like to travel to Cuba, I did not know where to start or what the best way to go about it was. Corazon Cuba presented the opportunity to live amongst a mix of people from all over the world, yet also spend lots of time with the most friendly Cubans who work in the casa and direct the programme. Lionel is so kind, helpful and lots of fun to be around, along with the rest of the team. I would recommend this if you are planning to go as a group and especially as an individual; primarily to feel secure in your travels and to minimise pre-travel anxieties but also to reside in a fun and culturally enriching environment. It made me a lot more confident during my time in Cuba and my time spent far more worthwhile. The programme involves Spanish classes in the morning (which feel more like a conversation about the culture & history of the country but en español) followed by an afternoon of salsa dance classes, which definitely came in handy on our nights out over there. It was the perfect place for me to improve my Spanish; I was above basic level prior to coming, but not only do you receive grammar lessons, you are also immersed in the language from the moment you wake up to when your head hits the pillow! A few of my friends had little to no Spanish at all, yet left with the ability to have conversations with locals so do not let the language barrier put you off. One thing I would say is to bring bug spray and antihistamines! I was quite prone to the bug bites and as Havana is a city, I underestimated how many I would unfortunately encounter :( Cuba is the most culturally rich country I have ever visited, and Havana and the people of this city are beautiful, intelligent souls.

I had initially only booked for one week but the course was engaging and efficient that I soon added another week. It helped that my teacher only spoke spanish and that my class only had two students. So, for someone who is very keen to learn this was a super set-up. The fact that we lived in the school was another advantage. The social side of things was well taken care off and it was easy to feel that you belonged to a group of likeminded people.

As soon as I arrived at the casa I was welcomed with open arms and felt at home! The staff are incredible and so friendly. My teacher Pablito is so full of energy and really motivated me to practise my Spanish! The beds were comfy and the house is amazing with a great rooftop to chill as well as party! Breakfast and lunch were delicious and I am so grateful that they catered to my vegan diet! I loved the salsa classes even though I usually never like to dance but I was made to feel comfortable and really enjoyed it. Honestly had the best time of my life and can’t wait to go back to Havana!

Cuba is such a fun, beautiful and friendly place, I felt like I knew as many people in havana as I do back at home in Ireland! I had 1 on 1 Spanish lessons and we were just talking about the world, and it was great, I did salsa lessons and then afterwards you would go to a salsa club and dance, everyone is just dancing around the place its such great energy, literally never a dull moment I must go back!

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.

My long standing desire to visit Cuba and learn more Spanish was fulfilled by my enrollment in Jakera's Spanish, Dance, and Culture program. The academic aspect of Jakera exceeded my expectations as I was challenged every weekday by my teacher's efforts to help me better understand the Spanish language. My first two weeks in the program were taught by Pablito, the director of the teaching component of the program, and by Darbel the last two weeks, an engaging and excellent person from which to learn. Because learning Spanish was my primary goal and reason for attending the Jakera program, I can say that I was and am very happy with what I learned in that component of the program. The cultural tours occurred three weekdays each week, while the dance occurred the other two days. I have mixed feelings about this aspect of the program. Some of the cultural tours were repeated during my four weeks there, and didn't happen at all on one of the scheduled days. Depending on the tour guide, the tours had the potential to be very informative and fun. I can say that the beach trips arranged on alternative weekends were very nice and a relaxing break from the overwhelming city life. The trip to Viñales (for the four week program) was also well organized and enjoyable, although the horseback tour was led by a company that has some very thin, maltreated, horses. Besides that, though, the host family at Casa Marisel in Viñales was extremely hospitable, and I would strongly recommend looking them up if you want to plan your own trip to Viñales. Senora Marisel is an excellent cook and very enjoyable to talk with if you want to practice your Spanish. Back in Havana, the dance classes were, at times, enjoyable, especially when smaller and given the opportunity to receive more individualized instruction. I think more dance and less cultural tours might have been the better way for me to go now looking back on my experience. It was fun to get a taste of the Cuban rhythm and I think I would have preferred a bit more than twice a week. The most frustrating part during the program was the hostel itself. Perhaps I went with too many expectations, but Jakera has definitely more of a hostel/party atmosphere than an academic setting. It was difficult to go to 3 hour Spanish classes each morning and get the most out of the classes after having got very little sleep due to the noise being made in the hostel. This is normal in a typical hostel setting, I realize, but the displayed rules at Jakera listed noise curfews that were not enforced. I noticed quickly, during my time at Jakera, that the majority of the posted rules were not followed, including noise curfews, designated smoking areas, and personal, intimate relationships between staff and students/guests. The unprofessionalism of some of the staff was distasteful, and not something I enjoyed experiencing every day during my stay there. Despite that negativity, however, other staff members were wonderful and engaging, especially the kitchen staff who made delicious meals always with smiles on their faces. My feelings about Jakera Cuba are mixed, but I write in the hope of allowing other potential students to make an informed decision if considering going to Havana, Cuba. I may have made a different decision regarding my studies if I would've known what I know now, but ultimately am grateful for what I did learn and was able to enjoy during my time in Havana.

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!

My plan was spending 4 weeks in Cuba for Spanish School and then 4 weeks in Costa Rica for voluntary work. But during the first 2 weeks living in Havana Vieja I already realized that I absolutely fell in love with this country, especially with the city Havana and the cuban lifestyle - that's why I decided to change the program to 6 weeks Cuba and 2 weeks Costa Rica. I informed my travelling organization in the second week and they managed everything without any problem, so they were really flexible and tried to support me the best way they could - and they did a great Job. The group I lived together with was great, lots of people with the same wishes and plans that I had - here I realized really fast that travelling alone doesn't mean being alone because you have people around you all the time. That was a great experience too. School was really nice too, the teachers tried hard to learn us Spanish the best way they could, but also became good friends who always had good advices for us. My highlights of the trip were the city tours through Havana with cuban people, who were able to show us the "real" cuban life and some places, we might not have seen if we walked through the city alone. Next highlight was the trip to Vinales, where we did horseback riding through the tobacco farms (amazing and unique experience) and visited the most beautiful beach I have ever seen in my life - white sand, light blue water and nearly no tourists at all - amazing!! After my 6 weeks in Cuba I spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica, where I had the possibility to work in an animal rescue center (really cute) and got to know the beautiful country sides of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. If you compare it to Cuba, Costa Rica is really different (dark beaches, more kind of American lifestyle, little bit colder), but beautiful and charming in its own way and it's worth visiting. After my program was finished, I decided to come back to Cuba again - I was just flashed by this great country, the people, the lifestyle - that's why I had to experience this place for 2 more weeks and that's what I did. I travelled all trough the country, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Cayo Santa Maria and I was even more flashed! All in all I can recommend Cuba to everybody who likes to experience something totally different than the European or American way of life - if you're open minded and like to see a "real" country, Cuba is the best choice! Although you won't have a lot of luxury (supermarkets don't have a big assortment) nor WIFI possibilities, you will enjoy the trip totally because you're going to learn again, that real social contact is a lot more important than the social network. You'll get to know cuban people who will impress you with their talents of Improvisation in every aspect of life and especially with their everyday happiness, although they really don't have a lot. You will come home positive and with a lot of new aspects that will change your mind - just like I did! Nos vemos pronto Habana!