Easy Languages

Program

Destination

Cuba is not only great because of its vistas, but also because of its inhabitants, known for their kindness and hospitality, all in spite of the difficult economic conditions through which they have lived these last years. This country is bursting with music, poetry, dance, song, and fervent discussion. People always have time to chat, to share, and be together.

Going to Cuba is like going back to the 50s: old cars, a calm atmosphere, far removed from the seemingly permanent western stress. The climate is pleasant, and there are plenty of beach and sea activities to do.

Classes can be given in three different locations:

• Havana
  This city is being tamed and you can't help but learn to love it. It's a melting pot of cultures and styles, considered a historical heritage site by UNESCO, and is almost like an open-air museum governed with an iron fist by Castro, who is beginning to relight the fire.
  Moving away from its characteristic town centre, the "Playas del Este" and the well known "Malecon" (a huge boulevard known as the "dining room" of Havana), as well as the Vedado district, all deserve a small detour. The latter is where the host families live, in a commercial or business district about 10 minutes by car from the town centre, full of restaurants, theatres, and night clubs.
  
  
• Trinidad
  Its past is an agricultural one, and along with its war of independence, the town is now almost a "museum town", all while being entirely lively. The evenings are animated by traditional music throughout the town's bars, and every year there are several music festivals. Classes are given in the centre of town, right next to the town's major attractions.
  
  
• Santiago de Cuba
  Second largest city in Cuba, it rivals Havana in terms of literature, music, and politics. Its natural port has made it very significant for more than 5 centuries. Santiago represents Cuba as a whole: revolution, hospitality, and music, with the lingering scent of a colonial past, without the sky-scrapers of North America.
  The city is bordered by the Caribbean sea and the mountains of Sierra Maestra, so there are plenty of open air activities to do. Classes and accommodation are situated in Reparto Sueno, a residential district just next to the town centre.
  
  

School

Classes are given in homes, either at the home of the teacher or at the host family, or at cultural locations. Most of the time they will take place in libraries in Trinidad, or in a Paradiso centre at Santiago de Cuba. Students are informed as to their class locations when they arrive.

The average age of the participants is 30. They will come mainly from the Netherlands,Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, or the UK. All teachers are native Spanish speakers and are qualified to teach it as a foreign language.

Courses

Classes take place Monday to Friday, either in the morning (9am - 1pm) or the afternoon (2pm - 6pm), apart from holidays (see dates), according to the language level of the students.

There is a placement test on your first day at 8:30am. All levels take this test. Programmes last from one week (or two weeks for mini-group courses). Each lesson lasts 50 minutes.

The school reserves the right to change a mini-group course to a private course if there are no other students of that level. In this case, the number of lessons is reduced by 25% (15 private lessons instead of 20 group lessons).

• Mini-group course: 20 lessons per week
  These classes focus on grammar and speaking with exercises to expand vocabulary and improve pronunciation. In addition there is work on listening and writing skills through songs, newspapers, and books.
  
  
• Combined course: 20 lessons per week + 1 or 2 private lessons per day
  This intensive course adds 1 or 2 supplementary lessons to the general course. We strongly recommend this Spanish course for students who wish to completely immerse themselves or who wish to progress at a faster rate.
  
  
• Private lessons: 20, 25, or 30 lessons per week
  To progress rapidly and become more confident.
  
  
• Spanish & Dance: 20 private lessons + 5h of dance per week
  You can combine your Spanish course, in the format of 20 lessons per week, with salsa, mambo, rumba, or son lessons (5h per week).
  
  
• Spanish & Music: 20 private lessons + 5h of music per week
  You can combine your Spanish course, in the format of 20 lessons per week, with percussion or guitar lessons (5h per week). Other instruments are available upon request. Singing lessons are also possible in Santiago (supplement to be paid on site).
  
  

Activities and excursions

This programme offers a collection of activities which focus on learning and improving the language, while discovering Cuban culture. Example activities: tour of the town, dance, music, excursions, discovery of their religious life, swimming...

Other activities and trips can be organised with the school upon request. Playas del Esta, Valle de Vinales, Varadero, Valle de los Ingenios, Cayo Blanco...

Accommodation

Accommodation is available from Sunday afternoon before the start of the course until the Saturday morning after your last day of classes.

Host Family

This option is an ideal choice for those who wish to spend their stay learning Spanish whilst immersing themselves in the country's culture with a Cuban family.

The families are carefully selected and regularly tested thanks to inspections and feedback reports from the students. They all live in pleasant residential districts, accessible through public transport. Students stay in a private room with half board.

Take note: traditions are different in Cuba. It's possible that you won't eat with the family, because in general, guests eat in the lounge while the Cubans stay in the kitchen. If you wish eat with them, don't hesitate to ask.

Bed linen and towels are provided, but laundry is up to the student to pay for.

Prices & Dates

Dates 2012

All levels can begin each Monday.

Holidays:1/01; 8/03; 1/05; 26/07; 25/05.

Classes don't take place on these days. Activities organised by the schol can, however, take place instead.

Prices include:

• The chosen programme
• Accommodation in a host family with a single room and half board
• Placement test upon arrival
• Academic materials
• Certain activities
  
  

They do not include:

• The flight
• Transfer to accommodation from the airport
• Possible visa fees
• Public transport
  
  

Practical Info

Transport

• From Havana airport, Alberto Delgado Trinidad airport, or Antonio Maceo Santiago de Cuba airport, depending on the destination.
• An optional (payable) transfer is offered from the airport to your accommodation.
  
  

If you prefer, we can book your travel for you. Please make this clear when you enrol.

If you intend to book your own travel, please try to arrive the Sunday before the start of your course and leave the Saturday following its end.

Visa Information

To enter Cuba, you will need a valid passport and a tourist visa which you can obtain normally when you buy your plane ticket. This visa is valid for 30 days. It is possible to extend this visa once arrived (for around 29€).

If you are staying for more than 60 days, you will need a student visa, valid for 6 months. The cost of the visa depends on your home country and duration of your course. Please consult your nearest Cuban embassy.