Teaching English in Cuba
In April 2005, exactly a year after my previous visit, I stepped once more through the doors of the Josè Martì Airport into the warm, tropical sunshine in the Republic of Cuba. This time was different. On the previous visit, I had come as a tourist but now I was here to teach English as a volunteer at the University of Ciego de Avila in the Ciego de Avila province in the centre of the island.
It had come about through word of mouth. A friend of a friend knew someone at the University who had put out the word that a native-speaking English teacher would be welcome to come and teach English as a volunteer in exchange for food and accommodation. Could my friend do it? No she couldn’t. She wasn’t a teacher. Did she know anyone who could? Yes she did. Me.
What's On in Cuba
Many different kinds of events and festivals take place in Cuba throughout the year. Below are some of the most popular entertainment and cultural festivals.
Cuba is renowned for its music which is an important part of life on the island. Therefore many of Cuba’s entertainment festivals revolve around music. The following will interest music lovers.
Where can I stay in Cuba?
Generally there are two types of accommodation in Cuba; hotels and casa particulars. Any good guide book will have a list of Hotels in the various regions of Cuba. These are usually organised into three groups; the top end, such as the famous Hotel Nacional and the Havana Libre, mid-range and budget, with information about the facilities that the visitor can expect to find there. There is also an inexhaustive list of websites with this information.
Travellers essentials for Cuba
Useful things to take with you to Cuba
- Camera
- A torch and a supply of batteries.
- Small padlocks for securing gear.
- Travellers' clothes washing detergent (in liquid and not powder form) and a clothes-drying line
- Small sewing kit.
- Thermos.
- Battery powered alarm clock ( for those early morning departures.)
- Universal plug for sinks.
- Power converter ( or adaptor) - 220v - 110v
- Some travellers like to take their mobile phone. (See further article for advice about this.)
- Guide book and maps.
Activities in Cuba
I don’t really want to spend my holiday lying on a beach in a resort. What are some other ways that I can experience Cuba?
There are certainly many ways to experience Cuba. Some travelers opt to go independently and stay in casa particulars rather than a hotel so that they can meet local people and immerse themselves in the daily life. There is plenty to see and do in Havana so many visitors plan their own trip and choose places to visit depending on their interests. The popular museums and galleries are featured in all the guide books on Cuba. Other visitors may choose to co-incide their visit with one of the festivals listed in a previous edition on this website but another very popular way to see Cuba is to go as part of a group with a specific focus; for example, dancing or cycling.
