 Chart your island course on official Cuba Education and Explorer Tours. |
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| 1 888 965 5647 toll free 1 877 687 3817 toll free |
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| Together our Canadian, American and Cuba staff has decades of experience conducting educational and social tourism. We are proud to have assisted tens of thousands of North American guests witness Cuba since 1997. |
| Our guests return renewed, rejuvenated and optimistic lending meaning and pride to our work. Their fulfillment and enlightenment is the fount of our motivation and reward for labors done well. |
Our programs are possible because of close ties with the University of Havana and other educational institutions, and a score of island organizations focused on youth, culture, equality, history, architecture and social justice. Joint Cuban-North American cooperation counts! Get to know our staff
In his own words From 1991 to 1996, I served as a volunteer press correspondent for the Pastors for Peace Caravan. Its objective was to break the horrible US economic blockade of the island. In 1997, I organized the Canadian contingent of the International Feminist Brigade to Cuba. On my first trip to the island I witnessed an entire people affirming principles of social justice, dignity and equal rights. It was profoundly transformative and I was hooked. I came home to Canada with the conviction to assist others to encounter Cuba. I, together with Leonardo Hechavarría, founded Cuba Education Tours.
In his own words Throughout my elementary school years I studied in the morning and worked in the afternoons in the huerto escolar [school garden] with my fellow students. This was standard practice across Cuba at that time. I gained a knowledge and appreciation of nature and what sustains us. I loved my hometown. It was a big warm friendly community where everyone knew each other and helped one another. It's like that now. My family was large and extended. We cared for all – still do to this day. My secondary years were spent at Vocacional José Martí y Pérez in Holguín province. These were the most important years of my youth. The school was one of the best in the country. The quality of instruction in every subject was tops. I was very lucky to attend that school as it prepared me for many subsequent opportunities. Attending secondary school in Holguín was only possible because of support from my precious mother Haydeé. She too gave me a good education in the humanities: love, care, kindness and compassion. She's the best mom in the world. She's my "little sunshine." After high school graduation I moved westward to study languages at the University of Havana (one of the first institutions of higher learning in the Americas). My dream was to become a translator. My favorite tongues are English and Italian. I credit my time and learning at the University of Havana for where I am and what I do today. We studied very hard – day and night – for five years to become fluent. My big break to practice my language skills came when I volunteered with the University's translation services department. I met many hundreds of foreign guests who regularly visited campus. In 1991, my country hosted the Panamerican Games. What a thrill! I was chosen to serve as an official translator. I also helped with the construction of the Panamerican Village just east of Havana city. I dug ditches, poured cement and built walls. I also recruited and organized fellow students to do the same. We were so proud of our accomplishments. We constructed a village and community center that is entact today. Many youth train there and it remains a popular convention and meeting facility. It provides accommodations for guests from many third world nations. My first job after university was as a translator and tour guide for Universitur, an educational tour project under the auspices of the University of Havana. My work brought me into contact with many wonderful foreign visitors. It was an occasion to explore ideas and hone my language skills. Every person who grows up on an island desires to explore. My country and circumstance handed me the chance. I met Marcel Hatch in Havana in 1997. I was a translator and he was the Canadian organizer of an international delegation examining women's and social justice issues in Cuba. In the year 2000, I moved to Vancouver, Canada, and began working with Cuba Education Tours. I find enormous gratification in helping Americans and Canadian visit my homeland. My job allows me to meet and assist wonderful people from every state and province. The greatest reward is when those I help to go to Cuba return with new island friends and admiration for my people, their culture and history. It goes without saying my heart remains in and with Cuba. I return vicariously to my country through travelers I assist weekly. I get to go to Cuba once a year to spend time with my mom and family. PS I love to dance.
In her own words I have lived in the city of Havana all of my life. I am the second child of a mixed marriage. My parents' cultural contrast runs deep in my blood. I love the Chilean author Isabel Allende and closely relate to many of her words and ideas. I obtained a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature in 1993. During my university studies I met Leonardo Hechavarría. He quickly became one of my best friends in the world. He introduced me to the fantastic Cuba Education Tours project. I've spent the last two decades involved in quite a few professional activities. I have worked as a language teacher and as a liaison officer. I currently divide my time between my job as a production coordinator for a French advertising company in Cuba and coordinating social content and events for Cuba Education Tours. Cuba Education Tours gives me a chance to enhance my cultural and social horizons and meet many creative Cubans. I love helping our international guests meet and interact with my people. For many of our guests, our tours are a life altering opportunity. They are able to experience island reality objectively and partake in its culture. Knowing this is the best reward I get from being part of the amazing team lead by Marcel Hatch. We all work hard and devote ourselves to the simple yet demanding task of showing what the island and its people are really all about. I speak for myself as well as all Cubans when I say we love music, we love dancing, we work, we laugh, we cry but above all, we embrace life with all our strength.
In her own words Learning languages was always my passion and is what led me to study English at the University of Havana's Facultad de Lenguas Extranjeras FLEX (Foreign Language Faculty). After completing my studies in 2002, I joined the Instituto de Artes e Industria Cinematográficos ICAIC (Cuban Film Institute). I worked as an event planner in its Department of International Relations for four years. Being at ICAIC helped me to cultivate my other passion: movies. I had the opportunity to meet film industry personalities from around the world. I served on the International Jury at the 35th Tampere International Short Film Festival in Finland, one of the oldest and largest in Northern Europe. What an honor and pleasure! In 2008 I came to Canada with my husband and my two children to start a new life in rainy Vancouver. While I love my new evergreen city, I miss the warmth of my homeland. Being part of the Cuba Education Tours team gives me the opportunity to be closer to Cuba in a very gratifying way. When assisting Americans, Canadians and others visit the island I feel I am making a difference. It is very satisfying to help so many people see Cuba. Working with Marcel and Leonardo doesn't feel like "work," but rather as a family on a mission: bringing the people of Cuba and the rest of the world closer together. I love film, music of all kinds, dancing, reading, painting, cooking, learning about other cultures, and, like every good Cuban, playing dominos.
In her own words I moved to Canada when I was fifteen years old with my mother and younger brother. After a few years of living in Edmonton, I decided to move to Vancouver. I fell in love with the beauty of the city the first time I saw it. I consider myself to be very fortunate to be here. Even though I enjoy living in Vancouver, Cuba will always be my home. I love and miss the tropical weather, the vibrant culture, and the stunning natural environment. The number one thing I missed the most about Cuba is the people in it. The vibrancy and kindness they possess are incomparable. They are the most hospitable people in the world and share everything they have even though they do not have a lot. My passion for Cuba has led me to study Hospitality Management at Vancouver Community College. I am thrilled to be a part of the tourism industry and acquire more knowledge about cultures around the world. I love that it gives me the opportunity to build new friendships. Working at Cuba Education Tours helps me help be part of the local Cuban community and stay connected to my homeland. It's an honor to assist individuals from all over the world and welcome them in the Cuban culture.
In his own words As a young child, I thoroughly enjoyed playing sports such as baseball and soccer. In Cuba it is very common to get together with all the kids from the neighborhood and play in teams. This is probably the thing I miss the most about Cuba. When I moved to Canada, I felt nostalgic because there was an enormous cultural difference. Although I am thankful to live in such a beautiful city and be surrounded by amazing individuals, I will always miss the simplicity of the Cuban living. I cannot stress enough the fact that everyone should experience the Cuban culture at least once in his/her life. It is a life changing when you see for yourself all the authenticity within the island. The way in which Cuban people welcome strangers as if they were long lost friends is unimaginable to someone who has not seen it with his/her own eyes. I really enjoy working at Cuba Education Tours. It gives me the ability to link people to my culture. Nothing could ever bring me more happiness than knowing that I took part in creating the experience of bringing Cuba, as a culture, to someone.
In her own words Since I can remember I have always been in love with travelling. I recall the day I arrived to Canada as if it was yesterday. The bittersweet taste of leaving everything I knew behind and entering a world full of hopes and dreams was something I could not quite understand at eleven years of age. If there is one thing I can say for certain, it is that I love my parents. They have done an outstanding job at keeping me grounded through life. By leaving Cuba, they promised both my brother and myself a better future while always linking us back to our homeland. We have one rule in our house: The moment you step through the door, you live Cuba. I thank them everyday for always making sure that I remember where I come from. I have travelled to several countries since I arrived to Canada. Every place I have been to certainly has its own touch of magic but to me, Cuba is the diamond of life. I can't quite figure out what it is about it that makes it so special. It could be the people within it, the warmth they provide, the humility they have or it could be the beautiful beaches, the eternal summer-time, the historic value of the cities or the way I feel when I'm there due to a combination of all these things! Currently, I am a full-time university student taking Marketing courses. I feel fulfilled because I have the perfect job! It balances my studies with my biggest passion in life: Cuba! Everyday I get to experience the thrill of helping people experience what could potentially be the most memorable experience of their lives: an in-depth educational tour of Cuba.
In his own words I moved to Canada when I was fourteen years old. When I think back to this event in my life I realize that it was a drastic culture change. I remember observing my surroundings and being confused about so many aspects of my new home. Nevertheless, I was very quick to adapt to the circumstances. I am thankful my family gave me the chance to explore my future in a new country. However, there is no place like home. Even at this point in my life, I realize that Cuba is truly an unforgettable place. One of the things that I miss the most about Cuba is the warmth within the community, the solidarity among peers and the long lasting friendships that I treasure until this day. Even with all the difficulties in the island, Cuba always seems to have a positive energetic vibe. By working at Cuba Education Tours, I have the opportunity to bring this experience to people from all over the world. This is rewarding to me because I know from a personal perspective the difference in cultures between Cuba and most other countries. It is a pleasure to assist individuals who take an interest in learning about the Cuban history and culture to go to my homeland. We'd like to hear from you If you have any questions about our tours or organization, contact us by telephone at 1-877-687-3817 toll free, or . |
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