Cuba 2017– Information Night DCISM Travels! Cuba 2017– Information Night

Cuba has just recently opened to the United States! Why travel to Cuba? Cuba has just recently opened to the United States! There are many opportunities for service since the country is in a rebuilding phase. Cuban culture has been and still is connected with ours. Global Volunteers will provide opportunities for us to experience people-to-people interactions and form lasting memories.

What will we do in Cuba? Participate in people-to-people exchanges. Eat new foods and experience new culture. Speak Spanish (Cuban Spanish) and teach basic level English classes. Help care for community gardens. Learn about Cuban history and culture by spending two days in historic Havana, Cuba!

Who are the adult chaperones? Mrs. Torres – HS Lang Arts teacher Mrs. Koger – HS Social Studies teacher

Where are we going? Havana Sancti Spiritus Ciego de Avila

What will we be seeing? – Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba

Ciego de Avila

Ciego de Avila

Sancti Spiritus

Sancti Spiritus

What kind of service will we do? https://globalvolunteers.org/cuba/

Where will we stay? Students will be in dormitory style accommodations. In Havana, we will stay in a traditional bed and breakfast guest house with separate accommodations for males and females.

When is the trip? Preliminary Itinerary – May be subject to changes June 19th Arrival in Santa Clara, Cuba and transported to Ciego de Avila June 20 – 23rd Orientation and Volunteer Service in Ciego de Avila (similar work projects as in Sancti Spiritus) June 24 – 25th Week-end Cultural People to People Activities and travel to Sancti Spiritus June 26 – 29th Volunteer Service in Sancti Spiritus June 30 – July 2nd Travel to Havana and Cultural People to People Activities in Havana July 3rd Departure from Havana

What kind of documentation do I need? ALL students traveling to Cuba need a US passport and MAY be required to get a student educational travel Visa. More information will be provided, but you can visit the US Passport website or US Department of State website for more information.

How much will it cost? $2,795 + spending money (not included) + documentation fees (if you need a passport) This can be paid in any increments up until April 30th 2017. An initial deposit of $200 to hold your spot will be due November 18th. $500 round trip plane ticket to/from Havana + Bus ticket to Volunteer destination (price to be determined) Three meals per day, lodging, all ground transportation and excursions are included.

Important Information US cell phones DO NOT work in Cuba. Group leaders will have a local Cuban SIM card and number for emergency contact through Remind 101. It is ILLEGAL to bring any kind of Cuban currency into the US. Bring US cash to exchange for Cuban pesos. The primary goal of our trip is exchange, education, and volunteerism….not shopping.

What financial assistance is available? DCIS Foundation offers scholarships to applicants in good academic standing. Fundraising opportunities will be happening all year long. Students can raise money on their own through via babysitting, shoveling snow, selling food/snacks etc.

Questions? What questions do you have? What are next steps? Please pay your deposit for the trip to hold your spot. This is NON-refundable. Please look into Visa/Passport requirements to make sure you have the necessary documents easily accessible. We will hold a night at DCIS for gathering all documentation.