Havana the capital of Cuba is one of the most truly individual and interesting cities in the world.
Established in 1519, the location of the city made it a perfect gathering point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Havana became the front door to the vast Spanish colonial empire and in 1607 it became the capital of Cuba. When Spain became embroiled in the Seven Day war between Britain and France in 1762, Britain celebrated by seizing Havana, hanging onto it for 11 months and then exchanging it for Florida.
Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1899 with military aid from the Americans, who played a dominant role in Cuban politics and industry for the next six decades. During this period, Americans were drawn to Havana by its flamboyant lifestyle, especially during prohibition when the city turned into the playground of America.
However, corruption was rife and the population became restless. A group of guerrillas under the leadership of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara finally succeeded in liberating the island in 1959 and the Americans fled, taking much of Cuba's wealth with them. Today, the Cubans welcome Americans and you will find many American back packers or tourists, however the US do have restrictions on Americans traveling into Cuba.
The Cuban economy is tentatively expanding, helped by the government allowing its citizens to hold US Dollars, once illegal, which has created consumer demand and also a big increase in tourism, Cuba's main industry. The Cubans continue to be upbeat and the infectious smiles of the residents of Havana persist as the music pulsates and the rum flows - Cuba libre!
Havana is the capital of one of the few Communist states remaining in the world today, but it does not have the moribund feel normally associated with Communism. Havana, has a sense of fun and the city sizzles by night.
Situated on the north coast of the island, it is built around a deep harbor and has exquisite Spanish colonial architecture with baking plazas whose only shade is towering palm trees. Hidden doorways lead to cool courtyards and the facades of buildings are graced with wrought iron balconies where whole families sit to observe passers by.
Many of the buildings are crumbling and it is decades since they have seen a coat of paint. However, in 1982, the city's importance was recognized and Havana was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site and work is now under way to preserve its heritage.
On arrival in the city, the vibrancy of the people is one of the first noticeable things. Also striking is the fact that, day or night, music can always be heard and most evenings, somewhere in the city, people can be found dancing on the streets.
The rich history of the island is apparent in the faces of the people. They are the descendants of the Spanish conquistadors, who colonized the island in the sixteenth century and the African slaves brought over to work on the tobacco and sugar plantations.
Havana is a dynamic place for nightlife and the choice of venues is endless. It is also a great place for live music and you do not even to go to a club to hear it, as there is plenty on the streets.The social scene does not get going until about 11 PM and, as there are no official licensing hours, clubs and bars tend to close when the last customer leaves.
The free city listing paper, Cartelera has a list of what's on around the city, including any gigs for famous bands such as the Buena Vista Social Club or Los Van Van.
On first sight, Havana appears faded, with peeling paint and shabby buildings, but a walk through Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) reveals glorious Spanish colonial architecture, much of it under restoration. Visitors can spend hours strolling the streets peeping through half open doorways, is like walking through a living museum.
The Plaza de la Catedral is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved squares in Havana with the surrounding buildings almost all restored to their original splendor. The Catedral de San Cristobal de la Habana is an attractive eighteenth century baroque building that dominates the north side of the square.
Housed in the oldest building in the square, dating from 1720, is the Museo de Arte Colonial, an architectural masterpiece, built around a central courtyard containing tropical plants, and complemented by the collection of colonial furniture from the grand mansions. Other sophisticated houses line the square house cafés, restaurants and the post office.
The Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) now occupies the magnificent old Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, once home of the highest colonial authority in Cuba and a former Presidential Palace. This popular museum gives an overview of the history of Havana from its founding until the present day. The oldest building in the square is the impressive Castillo de le Real Fuerza, a sixteenth century colonial fortress surrounded by a moat, today home to the Museo de la Ceramica Artistica Cubana.
Alternatively, a stroll along the Malecon, the sea front walk, gives a wonderful view of Havana's cityscape. Havana is a truly stunning city, the people friendly, beautiful climate, great beaches, incredible Spanish colonial architecture, a fascinating history and culture...the perfect place to learn Spanish.
It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.
Havana has an international airport with good connections to Canada, Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, Latin America and Europe. The airport is located approx. 20 km outside of the city. If students plan to stay longer than 2 months, they will require a visa from the Cuban government and applies to ALL students from all countries.
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Catedral de San Christóbal de La Castillo de la Real Fuerza
The Royal Palm-studded Plaza de Armas, the seat of authority in Cuba for 400 years
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales
Capitolio cigar factory
Nice beaches only 20 minutes away, hotel pool, swim every day
La Bodeguita del Medio
Great night life and Salsa
Learn to scuba dive at the hotel
Many international students
Friendly people and very safe country
Old 1950 American cars and the architecture
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Our school is located in the in the pleasant district of Miramar, not far from the sea, 10 minutes from the Old UNESCO City and about 15 km from Havana airport. Miramar is an upscale district of Havana where a significant number of diplomatic headquarters are concentrated.
Our school is housed in a renovated Cuban building, which is located about 12 minutes walk from your accommodation. For those students staying at our hotel, they can choose to walk or catch the free bus transfer to the school.
Our school building offers a friendly atmosphere with a international mix of students from around the world: Dutch, German, Italian, English, Canadian, American and many more. The school offers bright 8 classrooms (some with AC), spacious social rooms, student kitchen, snack bar and a garden/patio were students can relax between or after classes.
The classrooms hold 8 students per class and classes normally start at 9.30am Monday to Friday. Students also have access to a video room at the hotel and internet access is available for $5 per half hour.
At the back of the school we have a dance area where Salsa dancing courses take place, classes are normally held in the late afternoon. Faxes can be sent and received from the hotel and all the staff members speak English. Our teachers are very experienced, most have over 10 years experience in teaching Spanish.
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Holiday: 2 Lessons daily (10 lessons per week) starts 09:30am each day.
Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week)starts 09:30am each day.
Intensive: 6 Lessons daily (30 lessons per week)starts 08:30am each day.
Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program. For more information please see Prices and Start Dates.
Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. Lessons are usually held in the mornings, which leave the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.
Our teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. They will also use interactive techniques such as role-play, games and perhaps videos to support lesson content. Current political, social and cultural materials are integrated to add interest and increase knowledge of the host country and culture. Homework assignments are given and students will be tested.
Important: Students are expected to bring with them pens, note books, pencils, any basic materials as they are very difficult and expensive to find in Cuba and the school will not provide them. For more information please see Course Outline
After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates, experience cultural and social activities together, and also practice your new language skills in real life situations. In some cases, a small additional fee will be charged to cover local transport
and entrance costs.
Activities offered include:Guided city tours in Havana Vieja & Center Havana including museum visit, market visits, Visit to "San Carlos de la Cabaña" Fortress with "Cañonazo" Ceremony and Che Guevara museum ($5.00), Guided trips to the numerous museums in Havana ($5.00), Salsa music at "Casa de la Música" or "Casa de la Amistad" ($5.00). Beaches of Playas del Este, ($5.00 each for a shared taxi in a group of 4).
Salsa Lessons can also be arranged by a professional Latin Dance teacher, upon request for about $15.00, all these activities can be arranged after arrival at the school.
Other places of interest include, wonderful colonial churches, palaces, colorful handicrafts markets, used book markets, intriguing revolutionary monuments, Gran Teatro de la Havana the oldest functioning theater in the Americans and sizzling 1950 style night-clubs. The Center Wilfredo Lam displays the works of one of Cuba´s leading modern painters and presents exhibitions by third world artists.
At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions are slightly more expensive than the daily activities ($10-$40), as they are normally full day or full weekend excursions and could include (transport, meals entrance fees and even accommodation). We also offer additional one week tours that are offered to students who wish to remain in Cuba and travel around after their course has finished, see above for details.
If you are interested in sight-seeing by yourself or with other class mates, our school staff are more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have and help you book local travel or excursions.
NOTES: School is closed on all public holidays, private lessons and options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes, you will be studying with students from around the world, lessons run from Monday - Friday , you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take the placement test, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.
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Hotel Residence: private or double rooms, no meals.
Located in Miramar, a beautiful old and exclusive neighborhood where most embassies and foreign offices are located, our new (4 star)residence which faces the sea, includes: three restaurants and three bars, cafeteria, coffee shop, internet access, shops, medial care on the complex and games room.
The complex also offers a pool with pool bar, a beautiful small private beach and an outdoor salt water pool. It is located only fifteen minutes from the old part of Havana.
Located in beautiful gardens, our modern accommodation is located in the grounds of a large hotel, close to several shopping facilities, a beauty parlor, and excellent sports facilities. Water sports are included in the program price with several other discounts on the complex.
All apartments are equipped with a kitchen where the students can prepare cold dishes, walk out balcony or terrace, Air conditioning, telephone, bath/wc, cable TV and mini bar.
A local bus stop is close to the hotel so it is very easy to get into the center of Havana, the Hotel is about 10 minutes by taxi from the center (approx. $8.00) taxi fare.
Most students eat outside of the hotel in local Cuban restaurants, they are very cheap (meal with drink $5.00), they are easy to find and its the best way to meet the locals and practice your new language skills. It is a very safe city, so many students use their legs and walk every where, unlike many other Latin countries.
Beaches are about 30 minutes away and normally cost students about $5 each if they travel in a group of 4, many students head off to the beach after classes are finished for the day so its not hard to find other students to go with. Dance classes can also be arranged at the school or hotel.
If you have ever wanted to learn how to dance Latin style or learn how to scuba dive, we have optional courses, please see above for details.
NOTES: Airport transfers may be included or available, also extra nights can be booked before / after course (at an additional cost), please check price page for details. The Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included in the program price. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat.. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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