Spanish course in Cuba

Can anyone recommend a Spanish course in Cuba where I would be able to stay with a local family?
Jaini Patel

· In 1997, I spent 6 months in Havana and I highly recommend the Spanish courses at the University of Havana in the Vedado district. They were such fun and my Spanish, which was practically non-existent when I arrived, quickly improved. The University contact details were listed in the Travellers Survival Kit written by Simon Calder and Emily Hatchwell. I would give you the details myself except I can't find the book.

Friends of mine on the course had been found accommodation via the University with Cuban families but this was unofficially organised. However, as the politics have changed since 1997, staying with a family and paying them is now permitted so someone at the university might be able to help.

If you want more info, please feel free to email me and I would be more than happy to help.
Regards, Cecily Craven,

· I attended a Spanish language course in Santiago de Cuba, which I can thoroughly recommend, organised by Caledonia Languages Abroad ( 0131 621 7721, Lessons are tailored to the students' needs from beginner upwards, with choice of hours, and can be part of a small group or one to one. They arrange home stays plus other activities, salsa, music etc; in both Santiago de Cuba and Havana.
Regards, Malcolm Andrews

· I spent six weeks at the Jose Marti School in Havana last year and I stayed with a family. I arranged my whole stay there with Caledonia Languages and they provide the option of classes in Havana or Santiago de Cuba. What I would say about studying Spanish in Cuba is that it is expensive to live there and the Spanish spoken there is very hard to understand for a beginner. If you want to learn salsa, drink mojitos, have a good time and spend a lot of money while learning Spanish, then go to Havana.

I also took Spanish classes in Antigua, Guatemala where the cost of living is a fraction of Havana, Spanish is spoken much slower and clearer and the majority of the classes are taught on a one-to-one basis. I learnt much more in three weeks there than during the six weeks of lessons in Havana: But didn't have half of the fun.
I hope that this is of some help
Ian Todd

· The Cuba Solidarity Campaign recommends the language courses offered by Havana University. Please contact:

Dr. Jorge Nuñez Jover or Lic. Ilerana Dopico Mateo

Dirreción Posgrado

Calle J, #556

Entre 25 y 27


Ciudad de la Habana

Tel (53-7) 33 4163 or 4245

Fax (53-7) 33 5774

Prices start from $250 for a two week course to $1,425 for a six month course.

As for staying with a Cuban family, there are now so many 'casas particulares' as they are called, in Havana, that travellers will be able to easily find a place to stay once they arrive. There is no obligation to stay in a hotel or university accommodation while studying there. The only obligation is that in order to obtain a tourist card (visa), flight only travellers are required to make a three night booking at a hotel. This can be arranged with most Cuba travel specialists in budget hotels.

Once in Havana, we advise travellers to look around for signs outside houses indicating that they are bona fide 'casas particulares' and negotiate a deal with the owners. By asking around, most people will usually be able to find a place that suits them.

Cuba specialists:

Havanatour UK Ltd, 3 Wyllyotts Place,

Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 2JD, Tel: 01707-646463

Progressive Tours

Tel: 020-7262-1676 or 01908-201879 (24hr line)


Dr Stephen Wilkinson, National Coordinator, Cuba Solidarity Campaign,