Join Cuba Beyond The Beaches and learn Spanish. These courses are taught by professional language teachers with a curriculum designed to help you learn Spanish and introduce you Cuban culture. Enjoy the pleasures of very small classes, a completely Spanish environment, the chance to meet others from around the world, all in a friendly atmosphere.
Located in Santiago de Cuba and Havana our courses give you the opportunity to learn Spanish and explore the exciting culture and natural beauty of this marvelous island. Our courses are designed around you:
When: Our mini-group classes with a maximum of 3 people begin every Monday morning. Individual tuition is available whenever you arrive.
How long: You can come for a little as a week or as long as six months (eligibility for long stay tourist visas may vary with your citizenship).
Where: Santiago de Cuba, and Havana or you can mix and match your program.
Where do I stay: We offer homestay accommodation because it is more affordable and you will be with a Spanish speaking family. All our accommodations have been inspected and approved. You have a choice of living near the school or in accommodation near major cultural centres. If you prefer a hotel we can arrange this accommodation.
Please note if you have any special dietary requirements we shall place you in the most appropriate accommodations we can find. If you are taking any of our other education packages we shall recommend the most suitable accommodations for this.
What qualifications: We cater to all levels, and to place you correctly we test you first. We have four levels of classes, each level has approximately 20 hours of classes, but you work at your own pace. Classes are for 4, 5 or 6 hours a day, Monday through Friday.
How many people are in my class: Our groups are small, a maximum of 3 people. If you pay for a small group and your test results mean that you will receive individual tuition we adjust the number of hours you receive.
How much does it cost: The following prices are the language course and accommodation and 2 meals per day in Santiago de Cuba, and Havana.
Santiago de Cuba:
| 4 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 2 Weeks | $1134 | $1200 |
| 3 Weeks | $1575 | $1700 |
| 5 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 2 Weeks | $1200 | $1275 |
| 3 Weeks | $1685 | $1800 |
| 6 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 2 Weeks | $1270 | $1350 |
| 3 Weeks | $1700 | $1800 |
| Individual | ||
| 4 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 1 Week | $760 | $764 |
| 2 Weeks | $1190 | $1270 |
| 5 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 1 Week | $800 | $830 |
| 2 Weeks | $1275 | $1375 |
Havana:
| 4 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 2 Weeks | $1255 | $1465 |
| 3 Weeks | $1775 | $2090 |
| 5 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 2 Weeks | $1325 | $1535 |
| 3 Weeks | $1880 | $2200 |
| 6 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 2 Weeks | $1395 | $1600 |
| 3 Weeks | $2000 | $2300 |
| Individual | ||
| 4 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 1 Week | $770 | $965 |
| 2 Weeks | $1315 | $1525 |
| 5 Hours | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| 1 Week | $820 | $920 |
| 2 Weeks | $1415 | $1615 |
What is included: Tuition, Accommodation (7, 14 and 21 nights) and Meals (2 meals per day) Airport PickUp and DropOff.
Can I take some Music and Dance Classes?: Yes we have some terrific percussion and dance classes. We have tried to make these cultural programs really accessible as add-ons to your language experience. The costs are as follows for 5 hours/week (one hour per day):
| Dance | 1 hour / day – 5 days per week |
| 1 Week | $65 |
| 2 Weeks | $130 |
| Percussion | 1 hour / day |
| 1 Week | $65 |
| 2 Weeks | $130 |
These courses are available only with the language courses. For our full dance and percussion programmes please see the other programs in our Education Section.
(Click to Percussion) or
(Click to Salsa) or (Click to Guitar)
When do I have to pay: We require a deposit of 50% of the fee on booking. This deposit is non-refundable to a maximum of one week of classes and one week of basic accommodation. All fees must be paid 4 weeks before the start of classes. If you are booking within 2 weeks of starting classes there is an additional administration fee of $30.00 Cdn.
Do I need a visa: Everyone arriving in Cuba must have a visa. You will receive a tourist visa from the airline flying you to Cuba or you must apply for one from your nearest Cuban Consulate or Embassy. Check with your travel agent or the airline. The cost is $25.00 CUC and is good for a month, many airlines include this in the price of the ticket. You can renew your visa while you are in Cuba with the payment of $25.00 CUC. Canadians receive a three month visa on entering Cuba; it is renewable once more for three months.
What happens if I have to cancel or I am sick during the trip: We advise you to obtain cancellation and medical coverage. They are available from your insurance agent, some financial institutions, etc. US travelers, we can provide coverage through Canada.
How do I get there: Cuba is accessible from Mexico (Mexico City or Cancun) to Havana, from Nassau to Havana, from Jamaica (Montego Bay or Kingston to Havana), from Toronto to Havana or Santiago de Cuba (charter), also from Santo Domingo direct to Santiago twice a week, and every day to Habana.
Getting to Santiago from Havana or other points. There are several flights a day from Havana to Santiago, or there is excellent bus service in an overnight bus from Havana to Santiago. The same excellent service connects most major cities throughout the island. Train service is still not recommended.
We would be pleased to book your flight into Cuba and your travel while in Cuba. We can also book other homestay accommodations for you.
Add-ons: We have many day and half day tours in and around Santiago, and Havana and in other cities. Ask us if you would like to include one or more short tour in your language package.