Program Reviews

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 nice marketing statement" 😂 ... 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. I've loved it!!

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 within a day added another week. This was because my teacher only spoke Spanish and my class consisted of 2 students only. So, I had the chance to learn a lot and I did. Another bonus was that the students lived in the school and there was thus a lot of interaction and social events.
Havana was excellent too with music, food and so much to see.

I went to Cuba and got the chance to meet such amazing people on this programme, some travelling alone or in groups up to 4 so there was never a shortage of interesting people to talk to or go out with. Everyone including the staff and teachers were all so welcoming and great fun. I learned so much and got to experience things I never would have such as in Viñeales where I got to horse ride to a tobacco and coffee farm, or morning hikes to see the most incredible sunrise. My Spanish has also improved so much more since the trip, definitely thanks to the teachers as the classes are small in sizes to ensure everyone benefits. If I get the chance ever again I will be back 1000%

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 unforgettable 2 weeks making friends and learning so much, and can't wait to go back another time.

We had so much fun on this trip. I was really hoping to get under the skin of Cuba and the local staff were so great at offering that experience. Really wish I could have stayed longer! Leo and the team were really considerate and attentive whenever I had questions or needed help. There’s so much to see in Havana and beyond, I would definitely suggest two weeks as minimum. Depending on time of year, I would go for the dry season if possible. Too many good bars and music spots to recommend…… Thanks guys

I couldn’t have asked for a better week! From the beginning, the organization of the program and the contact with Tim was excellent; everything went flawlessly. Every single staff member in Havana were Amazing; very warm, friendly and helpful - I was made to feel at home and supported. I opted for a private room and was very happy with the accommodation in all aspects (cleanliness, comfort, location, safety). My spanish teacher was better than I expected, and I really appreciated being put in an appropriate level with only one other student in my class. The dance classes were a dream, I couldn’t get enough! I loved that everything I needed was walking distance and I always felt safe no matter the time of day or night. All in all, I have zero complaints, and would absolutely recommend this program. I can’t wait to return for another amazing experience!