Cuba Travel Forum

has anyone studies in Cuba? Havanna or another Cuban university?
I am quite fluent in Spanish but would like to brush up by taking an academic course in Cuba. Anyone experience with accomodation arranged through the tour office of the university?
thank you.

Hello: My name is Shauna Kelly and I am from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I was in Habana in January and February. For reasons to detailed to get into, I did not study Spanish, but have some information. I had several friends who studied at the University of Habana. This may sound strange, but (hey, it's Cuba!), you show up at the University, the first Monday of every month, to determine your level and placement. I would suggest you contact damarys@rect.uh.cu. Damarys's name was given to me, and she has been helpful. There are 2 types of Intensive classes, both for 4 week durations. Its sounds like you would probably want/need the intensive/upgrade class, as you indicated a knowledge of the language. The cost for the regular intensive is 300CUC for 4 weeks, where the intensive/upgrade is 360CUC. They run Mon-Fri, from 9am - 12:30pm. They usually ask for (4) passport photos (size 1 inch X 1 inch). I mention this, as it is easier to come to Cuba with these, and avoid line ups in Cuba. I don't know where you are from, or how long you plan to be there, but, you will probably need a student visa, and Damarys can help you with that. I have 2 sources for potential accomodations: the first is with cuba amigos... cubaamigos.webcindario.com (please tell Humberto that I referred you)...as well as Angela hid@yahoo.es (this was given to me by Damarys). I highly recommend getting ahold of Humerto with cubaamigos. He is very accomodating, and a kind and lovely man. I hope this helps you. Please contact me directly, should you have any other questions. I am planning to attend classes, either in the fall, or beginning January...for a 3-4 month period. You may also be interested to know that there is a one month course on Cuban Culture. It runs every second month, and (of course), you need to be quite fluent, as it is taught in Spanish. I hope this proves helpful and wish you the best. I would love to know when you are planning to go, in case we are there the same time. Take care, Shauna Kelly email: bellacini@yahoo.ca