Cuba
Educational Programs
 

Cuba Educational Program Overview: 

For those who would benefit from a better knowledge about Cuba and want to mix it with simulating activities, IBF offers multidiscipline, people-to-people, educational programs, on the largest Caribbean island. Cuba is a mosaic of economic, geological, cultural and historical complexity. Program activities highlight the rich cultural heritage, profound history, political complexity, increasingly diverse economy, and the geographical and environmental diversity of the country, including several World Heritage Sites. Program participants have opportunities to: meet and hear from rural villagers, skilled craftsmen, educators and other professional, learn about the day-to-day life and the role of women, visit local markets, wander in historic sites and to enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the island. Tourists are flooding the beaches and a few select towns, but rural Cuba is a virtually undiscovered treasure for Northerners.

The primary modes of travel is bicycle and walking. The cycling varies from program to program but is generally easy to moderate. Side trips are available for those with extra energy. Accommodations are a mix private housing and small hotels. All participants receive comprehensive pre-departure materials with detailed instructions on setting up their bicycle, packing, training and other information for program preparation. This program explores real Cuba. The quality of life in Cuba are generally comfortable and improve from year to year, but participants need to be prepared to occasionally live without their normal food, hot shower, fancy bed, etc. The program is ideal for the realist who appreciates the world and the wonderful rewards gained for the modest rigors of active travel, cultural immersion and the inherent people-to-people experiences.

The group is limited to 10 people so early registration is recommended. 

Programs are open to everyone.  We do not restrict participation based on race, creed, color, nationality, national origins, religion, gender, sexual orientation.

Continue to Educational Program Details, Schedule & Fees

The three specific programs are: 

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ:

Is IBF's program legal for US citizens?

Yes, and citizens of other nations as well.

IBF's program operate under a general license in the Educational People-to-People category. To be legal, the program needs to:

  1. Be "under the auspices of an organization that is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction and sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact."

  2. The program must maintain a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities, and that will result in meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba.

  3. The predominant portion of the activities must not be with a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba.

  4. A person subject to U.S. jurisdiction who is an employee, paid consultant, agent, or other representative of the sponsoring organization must accompany each people-to-people educational group traveling to Cuba to ensure that each traveler has a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities.

IBF's program meets these requirements.

What makes IBF's program unique and superior than other programs?

We have the smallest bicycle tour groups, so there are no big buses, no big hotels and no waiting for large groups. We have what is probably the most multifaceted, people-to-people oriented program available, with countless hours of meaningful interactions with individual Cubans. And the price is right. We urge you to look at the comments from past participants.

The program cultural and educational activities are outlined in:

What about the US governments recent travel advisory?

The crux of the issue has to do with activities and incidents involving the US embassy and its personnel. None of the issues are related to the country as a whole, to our programs, or to participants on our program.

If you have more question please let us know.

Otherwise, we hope to see you soon and please feel free to share this with your friends and colleagues and let us know if you have any questions.

Program Registration

Program Introduction

Other information on Cuba:

Cuba: Travel, Policy and Resources.

Bibliography / Book List: Cuba   A reading list for Cuba with links for ordering.

Cuba History  A Brief Outline of Cuban History, with tidbits on other Caribbean Islands

Links  Access to information to help you understand and get to Cuba.
 
 

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