Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture - 1 to 4 weeks

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.

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.