• Learn Spanish in Santiago de Cuba
• Cuba
• Know Cuba
• Cuba Culture

The City:

• Santiago de Cuba lies in a partly submerged valley of the Sierra Maestra. The city's large natural harbour has made it an important port for almost five centuries.
• Not only is Cuba a beautiful country, it also has a population that is very friendly and hospitable in spite of recent economic difficulties.
• Visiting Cuba is like going back in time to the 50´s: old cars, a relaxed atmosphere and no hurry.
• Santiago de Cuba is Cuba's second largest city and a strong rival to Havana in literature, music and politics.
• Santiago de Cuba has a thick Spanish colonial air without the American high-rise buildings from the 1950s one finds in Havana.

With 420,000 inhabitants, Santiago de Cuba is the country's second largest city and Havana's long-time rival in literature, music and politics. The arrival of French settlers in the 19th century added yet another flavour to the diverse mix of Haitian, African and Spanish influences that make this cultural melting pot the most Caribbean of all Cuban cities. Santiagans of all backgrounds are bound together by their widespread reputation as happy, hospitable and laid back people.

Located on the southeast end of the island, Santiago de Cuba has a thick Spanish colonial air unspoiled by the imposing presence of the 1950s American high-rises ones finds in Havana. The city is home to the University de Oriente, one of Cuba’s leading education institutions. You can enjoy beautiful beaches year-round and stroll through the large, natural harbour that has made Santiago an important port city for nearly five centuries.

Historically important sites in Santiago de Cuba include its Cathedral--the oldest in Cuba (1522), and the world’s first lithographic workshop, founded by Don Juan Meta and Tejada. Internationally distinguished cultural institutions such as 'La Antigua Filarónica' (later known as Sociedad Filarmónica Cubana), 'El Liceo de Santiago', and 'La Sociedad Beethoven' are also well worth a visit. Santiago's fine arts academies have contributed to making Santiago de Cuba what it is today: the birthplace of eminent musicians, a true cultural centre and, historically, one of the most important cities in the Americas.

The School

Our partner school in Santiago de Cuba is unique in that it is not centralized in a physical building! Instead, to be sure you truly experience Cuban culture and the Cuban people, we provide an intimate, personalized learning experience with well trained, highly educated teachers of Spanish.

You’ll take your classes either in your teacher’s home, in the home of your host family or, for certain mini-group courses, in a Cuban cultural centre. In all three cases, you’ll learn Spanish surrounded by native speakers, and the culture you’ve travelled to Cuba to explore.

Individual courses start every weekday and mini-group courses every Monday.

Spanish Courses in Santiago de Cuba

• Intensive group course: 20 group classes/week
• Super-intensive group course: 20 group classes/week + 10 one to one classes
• One to One private course: 20 classes/week
• Spanish + Dance (salsa, samba, rumba and son): spanish course + 5 dance classes/week
• Spanish + Music (percussion or guitar):spanish course + 5 music classes/week

Individual courses start every weekday and mini-group courses every Monday.

Timetable

The school will select your timetable based on your Spanish level. Classes are available in the mornings (starting at 8:30) and in the afternoons. One lesson is 50 minutes.

Teachers

All teachers are university graduates and have been well trained in the teaching of Spanish to foreigners.

Accommodation

In Cuba, we recommend you stay with a host family. The selected host families live in spacious homes in a lovely part of town called Reparto Sueño. They offer single rooms with half board (breakfast and dinner). Almost all bedrooms have air-conditioning and private bathroom.

Activities and Excursions

While learning Spanish in Santiago de Cuba, you‘ll have the opportunity to take excursions. Excursions may include visits to:

• a rum museum
• a tobacco factory
• the Morro Castle
• a mango farm
• Gran Piedra – (1214 m) near Santiago with spectacular views
• Bacanao Parque - Visit the car museum, valle de la prehistorica, dolphinarium and relax at the Bacanao Lagoon or at the beach.
• a guided tour of Santiago de Cuba.

Our Opinion

Renowned for its welcoming, cheerful air and Caribbean personality, Santiago de Cuba is a wonderful place to learn Spanish in a warm, nurturing, picturesque and very safe environment.