Some Recommendations and Testimonials
|
"The University of Saskatchewan Study Trip took place May 8-22, 2005, for the third time. This was a successfull program as in other years. It was offered to the Colleges of Arts and Science as well as Agriculture. There were 13 A&Sc students and 10 Agriculture students as well as four adults, including professors Karen Tanino (the leader of the Agro group) and Tom Ward. As in previous years, academically (at least in the Arts and Science portion) and experientially students gained a great deal and they are very thankfull for the opportunity. Students had first hand the opportunity to ask any question they had and, by and large, professors were candid and honest in their answers. University of Havana students proved, once more, to be an excellent asset for the U of S students in terms of providing tips for cheap meals, places to visit, discussions, guidance to Havana city and about daily life in Cuba, students' concerns and experience in Cuba, etc. EduToursToCuba.com and Universitur (in Havana) managed to provide the best service (professors and infrastructure) they could and students were very pleased. The service at the Hotel Colina was to the satisfaction of students in spite of material limitations given Cuba's economic state. Colina's Public Relations Representative made special arrangements to serve and assist U of S students in their needs as well as personally teaching them to dance Salsa. In general this trip was as productive and positive as former courses in Havana. One of the main highlights was participating, once again, in a public demonstration of over 1.2 million Cubans in Havana." "Rider University's January 8-18, 2005 study tour to Cuba was a resounding success due to the extraordinary efforts of Arnold August and Luc Lavoie of EduToursToCuba.com. The trip exceeded our expectations in large part due to the meticulous planning and execution of the itinerary that was designed especially for our MBA and faculty participants. In addition to our informative meetings with government officials and university professors, we had ample opportunity to explore the neighborhoods and cultural highlights of Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. All of our accommodations, meals and transportation arrangements were excellent. Our Cuban guides were very knowledgeable and quite willing and able to accommodate our requests for itinerary changes. We also greatly appreciated their ability to navigate the intricacies of the Cuban health system when a member of our group was unexpectedly hospitalized. I would highly recommend EduToursToCuba.com to anyone planning a university study tour to Cuba." "We want to thank you for the perfect outcome of the Cuba trip. Our students returned extremely happy and content with their experience, completely impregnated with life-changing memories." "May 9-24, 2004 was the second time the University of Saskatchewan offered this study abroad program in Cuba. EduToursToCuba.com facilitated this program both this year and last year. "On behalf of Columbia Business School and its Chazen Institute of International Business I would like to thank you [Arnold August of EduToursToCuba] for your personal efforts and the many thoughts and planning that went into the organization of our study tour to Cuba from March 6 to 12 of this [2004] year. Organizing a program that challenges and educates students in multiple ways by offering exposures to the operations of commerce and trade of a country and to its culture is no easy task. Doing it for 62 MBA students and two faculty advisors makes it an even harder exercise of coordination and logistics. Aside from some minor mishaps during the trip that now pale in memory, every participant came away with a very positive experience. Every day I meet students from the trip who still are reflecting on the positive educational experience they had, to which you so greatly contributed. "The Cuban guides/academic leaders were excellent [for the birding trip], the transportation was safe and comfortable, the food was good and the accommodation was more than adequate.
The field excursions in Pinar del Rio were excellent! The field trips in the Zapata area were excellent. Frank [the local Cuban guided] is a very knowledgeable birder and a friendly, easy going fellow." "This trip meant more to me than I can put into words, it has changed my
life and enriched my soul". "We did have a good time [during the Havana Jazz Festival] and you [Veronique] and your organization did a fine job. Thank you. "The Queen's University DEVS 309 course in Havana this year was particularly successful thanks to the efforts of Arnold August and Luc Lavoie of EdutourstoCuba.com, both in preparation for our arrival, and during our two-week stay. Their commitment to ensuring a rich learning experience for the 35 students was essential, as always, in making this course a success. This was my second trip accompanying the Queen's students and, once again, I was impressed with the attention to detail and amazing trouble-shooting abilities of EdutourstoCuba.com. Muchissimas gracias!" "My group of students were novices not only to Cuba, but also to travel in Latin America in general. That is where the program and organization arranged by EduTourstoCuba.com succeeded beyond my expectations. The program gave the students breath and depth about Cuban culture, history, arts, music, education, health, ecology, and current developments. The trips outside Habana gave students an opportunity to observe the Cuban countryside, learn about the new trends in agriculture and environmental protection, and conditions in the countryside. On the organizational aspect, the tour was a professor's dream: our hosts were consummate professionals
in every way. From the minute they greeted us at the airport, they attended to every question that we might have and sustained the effort with good humor and cheer for the next 15 days, until they saw us off at the plane again! No question, no matter how esoteric or mundane, went without an answer. The arrangements for a last-minute baseball game, for example, were great and the players and the fans did not disappoint! "I would first of all like to say thank you for a very well organized and planned trip [for Spanish immersion] to Havana. Everything went off as planned; from the arrival at Havana airport, to my departure. The hotel Vedado itself was an excellent value and the room was clean and well maintained. The staff was courteous and most helpful. The location of the hotel was very convenient; it was just a ten-minute walk to the university, and a five-minute walk to the centre of Havana. The food at the hotel did not have a great variety to the menu, but it was good, and it was plentiful. The classes at the University were well organized, and the Professor, in my opinion, could not have been better. She was very helpful, and at no time ever put anyone in a position of embarrassment; which was a plus. I benefited greatly from the two weeks spent at the University. My Spanish has improved considerably, and I am looking forward to returning in the near future. I would certainly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning Spanish. " I just returned from a one month stay at Faro Luna where I had two weeks of group classes and one week of individual class in Spanish Immersion. The teacher, Isol, was fantastic! She was very patient with us beginners. The trips were very educational and interesting. The hotel is very clean and comfortable. Most of my fellow students were French speaking so at times I felt left out, but they did their best to include me as much as possible. For anyone interested in learning Spanish this is the place to be." "As organizer and instructor of a Philosophy and Development Studies course entitled "Development Ethics", I have taken three groups of students to the University of Havana for a two-week course. The demand for this course is high, and each year I have had more than 50 applicants. The students are clearly appreciative of the opportunity to study in Cuba and many have written letters and reports, stating that the course has been among their most memorable and significant educational experiences. I would not have been able to continue this effort if it were not for the efficient and patient work of EduToursToCuba.com. It has been crucial to the success of this course that the travel arrangements be secure, that appropriate guarantees be provided and that the prices be reasonable. I have been impressed in particular with the responses from EduToursToCuba.com to students' problems and questions. "I had a WONDERFUL time [during my Spanish immersion trip], one of the best experiences of my life. The instructors were excellent. Because of my own [teaching] background, I could be very critical of instructors, but the teachers were faultless. They were skilled and competent, knew their subject and appropriate methodologies well, and were very dedicated and devoted. They worked long hours, over and above what I expected (or what would normally be expected in Canada), and they were extraordinarily patient. They were warm, knew appropriate uses of humor to put people at their ease, but also demanded some disciplined work by the students. By the end of the three weeks, I felt confident that if I were dropped into a sea of strangers who spoke only Spanish, I could at least survive and even explain some pretty complicated thoughts. The hotel staff was excellent. With regard to regular activity, the staff in the dining room was very good, as were the folks at the reception desk. The housekeeping staff person in my area, Arilys, kept the rooms very clean and anticipated a number of day-to-day guest needs. The guys at the bar, José and Gendry, were -- like the instructors -- very patient and good humored, even when some guests (not our happy band, I'm glad to say) were less than good guests. The two Cubanacán guides on staff during various parts of my visit were helpful, knowledgeable, and anxious to oblige. Arvid César, who was the guide for the first two weeks, was particularly assiduous in overcoming problems and looking after us all when we were out and about. I should also comment on the musicians, EKWE. They were very good, and quite knowledgeable…. once my Spanish got good enough to ask a few questions about the background of the music! They were perfect for the course, because they were able to introduce and give some explanation as to the various styles of Cuban and Spanish music they played, and the salsa lessons were great fun." "Even though I was partly responsible for organizing the students while in Cuba, having EduToursToCuba.com organize the trip meant that I could still enjoy myself while in Cuba. Everything was well organized, ran smoothly, and was on time; the things that I had to do were minimal, well explzined, and easy to do". "I wanted to go on this Spanish immersion trip in Cienfuegos for a long time. I came back delighted! We received a warm welcome. The teachers and the hotel staff introduced themselves, which made us comfortable when we arrived at Faro Luna. Not to mention the teaching we received! I feel quite privileged of being part of the class taught by Mr. Ernesto Lombard Suarez. What an extraordinary teacher! He is patient, gentle, has a good way of teaching and is very cultured. During the excursions he was the guide for the students and he passed his love of Cuba on to us. I was surprised to see that I could communicate in Spanish with the teachers and the hotel staff after only a few days of teaching. And they understood me! It was an experience beyond my expectations. "I came back from Cienfuegos [Spanish Immersion trip]. I enjoyed that wonderful trip so much last year that I wanted to treat myself again this year but this time for a month. I was not disappointed. I had the feeling of coming back to see "my family" again. I also received some privileges for being a "loyal client". I met the teachers again, with a lot of emotion. Their competence, devotion, endless availability and above all their great humanity "impressed" me as much as the first time. They are always paying attention to our suggestions. Thanks to this team of teachers we (some students of our group) are thinking of coming back again next year. I was happy to see again the energy, the generosity and the performance of the musical group "EKWE" as well as the patience of Niguiar Rodriguez in our salsa classes. The cultural evening in Cienfuegos was highly appreciated. The choir was particularly warm and moving. The evening at Palmira was unforgettable. I heard about Afro-Cuban religions (Santeria) but I didn't know about its divinities "Orishas". We were at a ceremony. Last year I had a good memory of Ana (our guide). This year I saw here with great pleasure. She is always competent and generous in organizing excursions. I liked Arvid too. He has a good knowledge of the places we visit. I cannot forget the hotel staff, at the reception, the bar, the dining room, the swimming pool, the chambermaids, the security and the bus drivers always ready to help us in Spanish conversation and other stuff. VCC can be "proud" to offer such a Spanish immersion program." "I am attaching some photos and a little note about the Cuba trip from students. I do believe it was a great experience for all and thank you so much for facilitating all of this. My great appreciation to EduToursToCuba.com for this experience. "I really appreciated the experience. It was an unforgettable trip. A trip organized in this way allowed us to discover Cuba and have the feeling of actually living there." "This Spanish immersion was very instructive for me. I appreciated the way the teachers taught Spanish. It is done seriously and with pleasure. They are attentive, generous and respect our rhythm, "one step at a time". The location of the hotel is magnificent and the hotel is very nice, clean and comfortable. The whole hotel staff is nice, affable and very helpful. In addition to the pleasure of learning in these wonderful conditions we literally fall in love with this island and its inhabitants. We get to know more about its history with the excursions, the explanations of the teachers and as we advance in the program an obvious interest is growing. The group of students we formed was very pleasant and we developed friendships after this trip…" "The Jazz festival was very exciting, so good that I will be back in 2004. I came for the music and the friendly Cuban people, both were great. " The trip was fantastic. We had an absolutely wonderful time and got to see and learn so much. Cuba is an amazing place, unlike any I've seen in the world. And you guys did a great job with setting it up for us. "Everything I have seen and learned here, I will hold strongly and never forget". "I spent two extraordinary weeks in Cienfuegos! The Spanish immersion program was for me fascinating and even bewitching. We had a nice accommodation, we were very well surrounded and our teachers were devoted and likeable. Our teacher Danilo was incredibly patient with us. The hotel, the activities planned in the program, the musical evenings, the excursions in the weekend, the teachers, the staff at the hotel, the enchanting scenery, and the Cubans, everything delighted me so much that I want to feel this experience again! My initiation to the Spanish language was gently made as I was at the real beginning but I also had a lot of work to do. The courses were well structured and we often had the occasion to exchange with the hotel staff. I can tell you that I learnt a lot from these people and I come back home with an interesting knowledge. See you maybe next year with a little more Spanish. Thank you for everything!" "I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed my trip to Cuba [for Spanish immersion]. It was my second time with VCC and the wonderful Cuban teachers. I can only praise them. They are excellent with us. I want to thank Ernesto, Raquel, Isol, Emilia and Danilo. The hotel is magnificent and the staff is really warm. Arvid Cesar, the guide was really helpful. See you next year!" "Super, I have no other words, very warm, each of them had a flower to give us at the airport upon our arrival." "Thank you for introducing me to Cuba and the Havana Jazz Festival. There were eleven from Adelaide / Australia that finally made it to the Festival. All were very impressed with the Festival, the organization and the extraordinary talented musicians that performed each night." "I had a wonderful trip in Cuba. The Spanish immersion trip to Cienfuegos made me discover fully a different and very interesting culture. The welcome at the hotel was up to my expectations. It is clean, with room service, service at the bar and the dining room. All the staff was cheerful and was there to meet my needs. The program is just right. The teachers are excellent and are totally devoted. The activities and the excursions are interesting and instructive. I will come back and recommend the program. I learnt to communicate more easily in Spanish." "Thank you, so much, for your [Véronique] and Mr. August's work to make our trip [for the Havana Jazz Festival] a magnificent success. Everything was excellent: food, accommodations, available information and occasional assistance from VCC staff. I was particularly impressed that the entire group waited to find myself and my companion as we searched for our misplaced luggage in the Havana airport upon arrival. I can't think of a single thing that you and your company could have done better. Thanks again! Warm regards" "I just want to tell you that I am one of the students who came back from Cienfuegos on January 30. It was my second time and I still enjoyed the experience of combining Spanish immersion with the sun the beach and the music (of the excellent and talented group EKWE) of Cuba. It was an opportunity to meet new people, see the teachers again who are very nice, competent and available and also Ana, who gave a remarkable service." "Trip was wonderful. Jazz, itself, was good with a large number of marvellous musicians.
The hotel (Riviera) was great, the hotel staff friendly, and the chance to sit down and talk with the musicians was great. Its location is fabulous - that plus the friendly staff makes me prefer it over the plusher more expensive places that shall remain un-named.
Keep up your good work - I'll go again." "I had a wonderful trip [for Spanish immersion] and this stay was a really nice experience for me. As far as the program, the courses and the teachers are concerned, I can only praise them. My teacher, Ernesto, managed to make the class really interesting and stimulating. I was able to discover and appreciate Cuban life and culture while practicing and learning verb tenses. The three and a half hour of courses in the morning went really fast and I must admit that I realized that I was making progress. During our excursions with the group the presence of the teachers increased our learning of the Spanish language as well as our knowledge of Cuban culture and the tourist sites. "I really appreciated my Spanish immersion trip in Cuba. I stayed at the hotel Faro Luna for a month and I was pleasantly surprised of the service and the courtesy of all the hotel staff. The program including courses and excursions is in my opinion a very good combination. I want to emphasize on the very good job of all the teachers and especially Ernesto. Their good-natured character and their competence made this trip very instructive and pleasant, as far as the courses or the excursions are concerned. I really appreciated their sense of humor and their generosity. I envisage to go back next year but for a longer period, two to three months." "Thanks so much for everything regarding the
Spanish immersion trip to Havana. VCC made it incredibly easy by
booking everything together for me. The paladar that you recommended
was great, Eloise is as sweet as sugar and the food is amazing.
The classes were good, well structured and an additional way to
learn about Cuban history and culture. It is also a great way to
meet other travelers. Really, my trip was completely flawless, much
thanks to you and VCC. I met other VCC travelers and we all agreed,
often, about how great it was to work with you. There is so much
to say about Havana and so much to learn. The culture is incredibly
vibrant- music, the arts and history, and the people are extremely
strong with hearts the size of the country itself. It was an enlightening
and unforgettable experience. I will email you photos when I get
them back from development. Again, many thanks." "The course at La Universidad de la Habana was fantastic! Since we arrived a
day late, things were at first a bit awkward and not so organized upon our
arrival at the University. However, it was quickly sorted out and the class
(12 people) was good, while the Teacher was excellent. Highly recommended!
The Hotel Vedado was centrally located and a good value for the money.
Thank you for all your assistance with our trip." "My Spanish immersion course for two weeks in Havana, April 2002, was most interesting. The flight with Cubana was great and my two-week stay at Hotel Vedado was very comfortable. The Hotel is only about a 10- minute walk from the University. The Spanish course at University of Havana was well presented. Our teacher, Martha, was well qualified. It was worthwhile to meet the Cubans, they are a great people. There is a lot to see in Havana, especially in Old Havana - it is a photographer's dream come-true. I plan to return, probably to Cienfuegos, next year for another two week Spanish immersion course. I want to thank VCC, and especially Veronique for a well-prepared cultural experience." "Regresé de mi viaje el sábado pasado y todo fue muy agradable sin problema.
La Habana es una ciudad muy interesante con muchas actividades para hacer.
Los Habaneros son simpáticos y curiosos de conocer y hablar con la gente
que viene del exterior del país. Además es una buena manera de practicar el
idioma cuando hablamos con los cubanos en la calle.
La Universidad de La Habana es un lugar muy rico en arquitectura y las clases
eran de una cualidad muy alta. Aprendí mucho sobre la gramática española con mi profesora Sylvia Fernández.
El hotel Vedado es muy agradable con un servicio efectivo a los clientes. Hay muchos
nuevos paladares alrededor del barrio. Era fácil de buscar un restaurante cerca del
hotel o de tomar un Coco-Taxi para ir a La Habana vieja ( 4,00$). La piscina del hotel
esta muy pequeña y ocupada pero fui a la piscina del hotel Nacional muchas veces
para relajar y estudiar en su jardín maravilloso. Debemos tomar algo para beber. El
hotel Nacional está cerca del hotel Vedado a 5 minutos caminando.
Creo que voy a regresar en un futuro próximo. Era un viaje muy agradable para
conocer la cultura cubana, el idioma y para visitar una ciudad maravillosa. “Your staff in Canada did a wonderful job coordinating
our trip to the International Film Festival in Havana in December
2001 and shepherding us through the process. All of the papers
were in perfect order and we went right through US customs
upon our return. In fact, when I showed the US customs agent
our letter and license number giving us permission from the
US government to go to Cuba, she told me she was grateful
we had the proper papers and waived me through in less than
a minute. In addition, we enjoyed meeting all of the people
you arranged for us to meet, and had such a busy schedule
that we decided we must go back again next year to finish
the trip.” “I developed a course to be held at the University of Havana called “Development Ethics”, with support from the Development Studies program at Queen’s. Philosophy has in fact become important to Development Studies because there are questions about what “development” means. Such questions are recognized in the United Nations’ discussions about the Human Development Index. Amartya Sen, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1999, has argued for the importance of Philosophy in such debates, as have also other economists (e.g. K. Cole). Yet although Philosophy has recently begun to play and to be recognized as playing a role in Development studies and programs, there are challenges involved in orienting Philosophy students toward development issues, since these are best pursued in interdisciplinary programs. IDIS 309* was intended as a Philosophy course, to be crossed with Development Studies. The course involves challenges because of its location off-campus but also because of its interdisciplinary nature. Thus, its success can provide resources for raising and answering some of the questions involved in pursuing objectives of internationalization and inter-disciplinarity. EduToursToCuba.com did all the logistical work for us. Its president, Arnold August, has excellent contacts at the University of Havana, knows Cuba very well and is skilled at arranging fair prices for students.” “The Cuba trip was great, all three days of it. Thank
you for helping me get there. The morning I arrived, we visited
the U.N. Envoy, which was a great way to get some quick perspective.
The Cuban people I met were great. Friday afternoon, we visited
Old Havana, then went to dinner with two lawyers the group
had met with earlier. Saturday, we leased a car and drove
to Pinar del Rio and Viñales. Beautiful country, and
the cars from the 50s, trucks, bikes, horses, and walkers
on the Autopista were fascinating to see, as were the oxen
in the fields. Saturday and Sunday nights, three of us went
to a music festival in Havana, partly sponsored by Swissair,
of all things. Some big groups performed, including the Ballet
Folklórico. Sunday, we drove east, beyond Playas del
Este through the Hershey Estate, and found a small beach used
mostly by Cubans, a lovely spot, which happened to have a
little restaurant under a thatched roof in an older sugar
plantation tower, with great food. The weather was lovely,
and I found Cuba and its people to be wonderful. I hope tom
visit again soon.” "To study Spanish in Havana is something I had dreamt
of doing for many years. As a U.S. citizen the folks at VCC
made it all totally effortless. Air travel, visas, airport
pick-ups, hotel accommodations, tuition, even restaurant recommendations
( paladares): you name it, VCC took care of it. " "For two first-time travelers to Cuba, VCC's Spanish
Immersion Program at Hotel Faro Luna was a great way to go.
We had the opportunity to study Spanish with some first-rate
teachers, and in the process, develop a greater understanding
and appreciation of Cuban history, society, and culture....
We're already looking forward to our next trip to Cuba with
VCC!" "This hotel facility has a spectacular beach. Its
proximity to Cienfuegos, a charming city of much historical
interest, makes Faro Luna a good choice for those interested
in experiencing the best of both worlds...peaceful countryside
and urban night life. The teaching staff is outstanding." "My boyfriend and I recently returned from Havana
and the Cuban Jazz festival. All of our arrangements were
handled through VCC. I was a little nervous being an American
and traveling to Cuba for the first time, but everything went
smoothly. Our airline tickets and hotel and transfer vouchers
were waiting for us at the airport in Toronto. The flight
was fine and after clearing customs in Havana, a taxi was
waiting to take us to our hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Vedado
in a large room with a balcony. The Jazz festival was
wonderful! The venues varied from formal theaters, to small
clubs. Our favorite was an outdoor theater. VCC arranged for
us to have a pass which provided us with free entrance to
all of the events with exception of two small clubs. My boyfriend
and I travel often and we consider Cuba and Jazz festival
one of the most rewarding and stimulating trips we've taken.
VCC did a great job with our travel arrangements. Cuba is
a very unique and wonderful place. We plan to make a return
visit next winter." "Sometimes I would sit in class thinking about how
lucky I was to have come back with Voyage Culture Cuba
(VCC) to this beautiful island of Cuba to experience the music,
the people, the friendships with the teachers and other students,
all while having so much fun learning and speaking Spanish.
I can't wait to go back again." "Spanish language training in the Caribbean, at a
resort, by the sea. VCC knows its stuff and delivers what
it promises. We had two weeks in the sunshine of Cuba and
enjoyed all the amenities of a happy, but not-crowded, Cuban
sea side resort. But best of all, since we had come to brush
up on our Spanish, was the intimate and professional language
training school, situated within the hotel. We explored the
local cities of interest, went to the mountains and hills,
gorges and lakes, visited villages and witnessed village life,
including primary education and village medical centres at
work." "VCC has worked out an excellent formula offering
Spanish Immersion which is at one and at the same time fruitful
and pleasant, given the visits, excursions and discussions." "I would like to mention the great satisfaction which
the group of 38 people recruited by the Gerontology Academy
of the Ottawa-Hull area experienced during the Spanish Immersion
classes, thanks to the representatives of Voyage Culture Cuba and Caribe Sol.The professionalism of the team which
took care of us during our two weeks stay allowed us to obtain
the objective of this trip, even more so than we had expected!" "100% to you agency, to Havana, to the University
of Havana and to Hotel Vedado. For us to be students in Havana
- in fact in all of Cuba - is to be received as a world citizen
and not just a tourist. We are treated in a dignified way,
and not viewed in an opportunistic manner. We sense that the
hospitality is real and sincere, and that the Cuban people’s
generosity can find no match anywhere in the world. As far
as the course itself, it was made to measure for the different
levels. The city of Havana allowed us to immerse ourselves
in its rich history, its lively culture and a reality free
of American multi-nationals and big capital. VCC offers us
a visit to the real Cuba, while taking advantage of accommodations
as good as to be found in any North American city." “If I could describe my trip to Cuba in one single
word, here it is: MAGNIFICENT! However, even this would not
be complete without saying: ENRICHING, RELAXING, GRATIFYING….
It was my most marvellous trip! The first two weeks were incredible,
because we had fours hours and a half of classes in the morning
and three hours of salsa dance lessons in the afternoon. I
just loved the University. I met many people of all nationalities,
from Australians, to Germans, Lebanese and English, not to
mention Americans and Canadians. Just incredible, all these
great people together in order to learn the same language.” “I really liked my experience in Cuba and consider
that I improved my Spanish a great deal. My course lasted
one month, during which time I had no problem at all understanding
the Cubans, even though it is true I already had a good base
for learning. The courses were good and so was the University
itself. I would also like to thank Veronique of VCC, because
she was always there to answer my questions before my departure.
A big “thank you”!” “I was in Havana staying at the Hotel Vedado during the first two months of July, 2001. NUMBER ONE from the beginning right to the end. The flight with Cubana de Aviacion was on time, both its departure and return. Both airport transfers were also rapid and on time, offering a courteous service. The registration at the hotel was rapid and went as planned. Hotel Vedado is very well situated from which it is easy walking distance to the courses at the University. The Hotel is also well located for visits to Old Havana, Centre Havana, Miramar and the beaches at Playas del Este. The hotel room was cleaned every day. The breakfast is not fancy, but the products are all fresh and well-presented. The Lobby Bar is very pleasant and offers good entertainment in the evening….We even used the paladar family restaurant list which VCC provided. The prize goes to LAS PALMAS, very pleasant, the cuisine is delicious. This restaurant offered us a discount as VCC travelers. My best meals! Havana is interesting to visit, and its history sparks
curiosity. It was not my first visit to Havana, and surely
not my last. I had a great Spanish learning trip. Thanks to
VCC for its organisation and I hope to repeat my experience
with VCC once again.” "I had a wonderful time recently on my two-week Spanish
immersion course via VCC. I stayed at the Hotel St. John's.
It was a good hotel. The staff was courteous and the coffee
and breakfast were good. The University of Havana is a fantastic
place and the professors were not only highly competent, but
also extremely helpful and friendly. I plan to return at some
time in the future and stay longer." " We would like to thank all concerned for the excellent
way in which the course was organized. We were most impressed
by the teaching staff, the cultural activities and the excursions.
The experience was even beyond our expectations! Though this
was our fourth trip to Cuba, we have returned with so much
more insight than we previously had into the culture.We would
certainly recommend this program to friends, and would hope
to return ourselves some time. We felt that for a one star
hotel Faro Luna had many excellent features, such as the beautiful
location, convenience to the city, and friendly service." “I have recently participated in a Spanish immersion
course in Cienfuegos. I am now back at home in Vancouver.
I learned a lot during my stay thanks to the competence, the
quality and the dedication of the professors. I hold a great
deal of admiration for the school coordinator Ernesto Lombard
Suarez. Not only did he organize the interesting excursions
and cultural activities, but he was always on the spot to
solve any problem and answer our questions. I very much liked
my teacher Raquelita as well. Being a teacher myself, I appreciated
her teaching techniques and her special way of lending importance
to each and every member of the group. My stay at Faro Luna
will remain engraved in my memory forever.” “I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed my vacation
in Cuba. It truly was a cultural experience what with the
language training, excursions/activities (such as concerts,
botanical gardens) as well as the trip to Trinidad.” “The combination of beach holiday, study, and exposure
to Cuban culture is a winning one.” "The language trips make for an extraordinary personal
enhancement. While the trip allows us to learn the Spanish
language thanks to a team of fully devoted, involved and competent
professors, we also have the opportunity to immerse ourselves
in the Cuban culture in such a way that it is naturally linked
to our activities. The friendships that are developed amongst
the participants and with the Cubans clearly show that this
type of foreign language trips enriches us and leave us with
one notion.... and that is to return!" " I was completely satisfied with the entire experience. The teachers were excellent. They were so dedicated; they would start before nine if we wanted and carried on after twelve if we chose. There was only one other student in Beginners II. The teachers attended all the activities and were fun to be with. The excursions were well organized; they departed on time, every time. The buses were beautiful, executive type. The excursions were very interesting and varied. I would recommend VCC to anybody and have spoken positively to many people already. I would do it again next winter. And I am continuing my Spanish in Toronto. I can now speak in (broken) Spanish." " My two weeks in Cienfuegos (Faro Luna) in the context of the Spanish immersion trip were very enriching. On the one hand we have the pedagogical quality characterizing the teachers who are profoundly human, and on the other hand we experience a magnificent coordination of the courses, excursions, activities and musical shows (noteworthy is the group EKWE performing at the hotel every day not only during supper but often later on in the evening). All this had allowed me to initiate my learning of the Spanish language. I also learned a lot from the people there: culture, history, politics, music, dancing and, well, .... just the love of life. As far as I am concerned, it is a culture to learn about and I hope to return to the magnificent environment of beach, sun and the Cuban smiles. Thank you so much, and please carry on your marvellous project." " Our immersion trip was most pleasant. The teachers are friendly, efficient and very professional. The small number of people per class is most helpful in learning. The hotel staff is always ready to assist the students in Spanish language conversation. The hotel is very well situated, near the sea. The rooms are clean, large and comfortable. The cuisine is well prepared with typical Cuban meals." " I recommend anyone to take a month of Spanish immersion as I did in Cienfuegos. The competent professors surround us very well, generously providing their time in order to organize the cultural and recreational activities. The teachers' never-ending good humour and omnipresence was really something out of the ordinary. Hotel Faro Luna is a little jewel built right on the sea. The meals were well presented and very satisfactory. As a 78 year-old retired person, I experienced an exceptional month in Cuba. I felt in security and made a lot or progress in the learning of the Spanish language. I am very proud of the two diplomas that I have earned through these language trips in Cienfuegos and I am going to return in 2003." " My Spanish immersion trip was very positive. I have to admit that I found it very intensive. As far as the courses every morning during the week-days, they were excellent: good teaching method and a very competent teacher, always available to help us, providing us the stimulation not only to learn on the spot, but to continue learning after our return home. The activities and excursions are very enriching and allowed us to familiarize ourselves with Cuban culture, of which my knowledge was previously very superficial. I would really like to re-live this experience. Perhaps next year! In any case, I hope I can return. See you again." |
|About EduToursToCuba.com | Testimonials | USA Cuba Travel | Canada Cuba Travel | Customized Tours: Intro | Customized: Universities | Customized: Colleges | Customized: High Schools | Customized: Professionals | Customized: Other Adults | Customized: By Subject | Spanish Immersion | Culture, Religion | Architecture, History | Other Tours | Insurance | Registration & Payment | Receive our News Bulletin | Complimentary Trips | News Flash | About Cuba | Home page | Webmaster | Contact us|
Copyright © 2005, EduToursToCuba.com
Designed by NissR web design and site hosting