Language Immersion Courses in Cuba

Cuba attracts learners who want to practise Spanish in daily life rather than only in a classroom. Spanish language courses there tend to be small and personal: homestay programmes in which students live with a teacher or a host family, and one-to-one lessons tailored to each learner. Living with a family means using Spanish from breakfast onwards.

The offer is small. SpainExchange currently lists one language school in Cuba: Academia Caribe in Santiago de Cuba, in the east of the island. Before planning a stay, check the current situation in the country, described below, and whether the course you want is running in person.

What Spanish courses in Cuba look like

The typical format is homestay immersion. At Academia Caribe, students live and study either in their teacher's home or with a host family, on the dates that suit them and at the intensity they choose. Programmes last at least one week and include at least 15 hours of classes per week, and they are aimed mainly at adults over 18; students under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For absolute beginners, the school recommends three hours a day for two weeks.

Host families provide accommodation and all meals are taken in the home. Students can take part in family life, such as preparing meals and grocery shopping, which turns everyday situations into speaking practice. The school also offers stays with Cuban host families for people who simply want to practise Spanish without a course.

Online lessons

At present Academia Caribe offers online Spanish courses only; it states that its in-person programmes will be available again soon. The online lessons are one-to-one with a qualified teacher over Microsoft Teams, start with a free trial lesson and a level assessment, and use materials prepared for each student and sent by email before class. This is a way to start with a Cuban teacher before travelling.

Costs

Prices depend on the school, the length of stay and the type of accommodation. As an example, Academia Caribe's 14-day homestay immersion programme includes 30 Spanish lessons and 14 nights with a private bathroom, and costs:

• €945 with full board
• €860 with half board (breakfast and a light evening meal)
• €790 with bed and breakfast

The price also includes teaching materials and a host family search and placement process. The full tuition fee is paid four weeks before the course starts, after the school has sent a letter of acceptance.

Visa, insurance and current conditions

Many nationalities, including British and Spanish citizens, need a visa for Cuba. The tourist visa, also called a tourist card, can be requested online through the eVisa-Cuba site; according to Spain's foreign ministry, the tourist visa allows a single entry and a stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended once, while travel for other purposes requires a visa from a Cuban consulate. Ask the consulate which visa fits your course. Travellers must also complete an online arrival form on the D'Viajeros portal to obtain a QR code, and Spain's foreign ministry lists medical insurance as a required document.

The same ministry currently reports long power and water cuts, sometimes of more than 24 hours, a near total shortage of diesel and petrol, and serious problems with transport and access to medical services. Check the latest travel advice before booking.

How to choose

• In person or online: check whether the programme is currently running in Cuba
• Accommodation: your teacher's home, a host family, and the meal plan
• Intensity: hours per week and length of stay
• What the price includes: lessons, meals, materials, laundry and placement fees
• Payment and cancellation terms, given the current situation in the country

Frequently asked questions

Can I learn Spanish in Cuba at the moment?

Academia Caribe in Santiago de Cuba currently offers only online lessons and states that its in-person programmes will be available again soon. Check the current travel advice before planning a stay.

How much does a Spanish immersion course in Cuba cost?

Academia Caribe's 14-day homestay programme with 30 lessons costs €790 with bed and breakfast, €860 with half board and €945 with full board.

How long is a Spanish course in Cuba?

Academia Caribe's programmes last at least one week with at least 15 hours of classes per week. Beginners are advised to study three hours a day for two weeks.

Do I need a visa to take a Spanish course in Cuba?

Many nationalities need a visa. The tourist visa is meant for tourism, so ask the Cuban consulate which visa applies to your course.