Travel to Cuba is restricted, and although rules have relaxed a fair amount, U.S. citizens still face a number of barriers. This is why it is often recommended to participate in a volunteer program in Cuba instead of seeking opportunities yourself. Lack of internet in Cuba is one factor that makes it difficult for foreigners to find their own volunteer placements.

Volunteering abroad in Cuba through a volunteer program means you don’t have to deal with the headaches of trying to find your volunteer placement, or try to navigate through the ever-changing bureaucratic hoops to get a visa. Cuba is a relatively poor country, so there are many opportunities to help. Many volunteers abroad in Cuba choose to participate in construction, environmental conservation, or teaching English.

Construction. Trade embargos and lack of resources have made building repair and maintenance difficult. As lines start to reopen, opportunities have also opened up to volunteer abroad in Cuba repairing buildings and homes. Volunteering in the construction field means that you will leave behind a physical and lasting impact of your time spent volunteering in Cuba!

Environmental Conservation. Cuba usually conjures up the image of colorful cities, but don’t forget it’s still a Caribbean island. This means it is home to a ton of wildlife and gorgeous white beaches. Cuba has magnificent coral reefs, and there are opportunities to volunteer to protect marine life and coastal habitats. Some examples of environmental volunteer projects are coral reef conservation and turtle conservation.

Teaching English. As the tourism industry grows, and visitors pour into the country, English becomes more and more of a valuable asset to locals. There is money to be made in the tourism industry, so many locals are eager to learn a second language (Cuba is a Spanish-speaking country). You can help by volunteering to teach English in Cuba!