Road Scholars in Cuba: How We’re Able to Visit the Island Nation
Curious about Cuba? Interested in supporting the U.S. government’s long-standing Cuba foreign policy while you bring meaningful support and hope to the Cuban people?
Road Scholar is one of the few organizations allowed by the U.S. government to arrange educational exchange to Cuba. Tourism to Cuba is not permitted — Road Scholar’s programs in Cuba are arranged in accordance with the State Department’s “Support for the Cuban People” travel category. This means we dedicate resources, time and money to engaging with locals and supporting small businesses like casas particulares (private hotels), paladares (private restaurants), entrepreneurs with their own businesses and independent artists. We support churches and synagogues and many independent social programs.
Since 1997, Road Scholar has been creating deep, respectful personal relationships in Cuba. Our participants are greeted like old friends in every town they visit, thanks to these long-standing connections. Indeed, locals are eager to share their stories and the positive impact our programs have had on their lives.
Spending time with local artists, musicians, organic farmers and business owners creates genuine dialogue and connection. Many of our participants rave about meeting and watching performances by the dance company Malpaso. As Fernando Sáez, Malpaso’s co-founder and executive director, puts it, “Life is the art of making friends, and having followers and loyal friends like the Road Scholars is essential to our success.”
Road Scholar Partnership Manager Bry Tribuna recently returned from Cuba, and the music was one of her favorite aspects of the experience. “The country is absolutely infused with art and music,” she says. “Everywhere you walk, there will be music in the air and art on every corner. Havana is beautifully full of life and culture.”
Our programs make a real difference. The percentage of Cubans working in private enterprise has risen dramatically — from just 1% before 2010, to 35% in 2023. Since 2021, the government has allowed small businesses with up to 100 employees, and by 2023, more than 8,000 had been registered.
Wondering where your Road Scholar tuition for a Cuba program goes? As a nonprofit, Road Scholar uses a small portion to support our mission and develop more educational experiences worldwide. Much of it goes directly to individuals you meet — hotel staff, porters, waiters, musicians, museum docents, lecturers, drivers and more. It also supports community service projects you experience during our people-to-people activities.
Additionally, our participants often bring gifts to Cuba. Due to the U.S. embargo, cash alone can’t buy items like diapers, computers or toiletries. Thanks to our participants’ generosity, Cubans experience this additional benefit each time a Road Scholar program is conducted.
Ultimately, the most valuable exchange is the sharing of ideas, art, understanding, knowledge and friendships. “The Cuban people are incredibly welcoming and warm,” says Bry. “Everyone there has experienced and is experiencing hardship in their lives, but they are still so quick to smile and welcome you into their world. The connections participants make while there will change their lives for the better!”
Is Cuba on your wish list, or have you been there? Share your experience and join the conversation on Facebook. Have questions about traveling to Cuba with Road Scholar? Check out our new video, find answers or explore all our adventures to Cuba.
