HBGCE0007 - Educational Trip to Cuba
Course Description
Join Temple University Harrisburg on an exciting seven day trip to explore the education and human service system in Cuba; accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide. This is the 4th excursion to Cuba arranged by Temple University Harrisburg for professionals. The purpose of this trip will be to explore the Cuban education and human service systems. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit a variety of communities, including Havana and Santa Clara, schools and agencies, talk with human service professionals and experience Cuban culture and cuisine.
Due to its political history, Cuba’s systems of education and human services have evolved differently from the American systems. Cuba has been undergoing a transformation since the end of its isolation from the United States, a transformation that has brought both good things and challenges to the country. This opportunity will provide attendees with a unique experience to observe and learn about this fascinating culture and country. This is an incomparable trip you won’t want to miss!
Course Outline
Join us for a seven day professional development trip to Republica de Cuba:
October 14 - October 21, 2017
Proposed visits to include:
- Las Terrazas eco-social Project - education facilities
- Ministry of Education
- Instituto Superior Pedagogico Enrique Jose Varona - teacher preparation
- Literacy Museum
- Primary School in Ciudad Libertad
- Santa Clara Institute of Friendship with the People
- Committee for Defense of the Revolution
- Felix Varela Pedagogical Institute
- Secondary School in Santa Clara
- Cuban National Center for Sex Education
- Asociacion de Pedagogos de Cuba
Notes
Trip Costs:
$3019 - based on double occupancy
$3630- based on single occupancy
These prices are estimates based on the final number of participants. A minimum of 10 participants is required to host the trip. The $500 deposit will be applied to the overall trip cost. Please CLICK HERE to complete the Trip Application and the Travel Affidavit and return both forms with your $500 deposit payable to Common Ground Education and & Travel to the address below:
16504 Bridge End Road ? Miami Lakes, FL 33014
Payment Due Dates:
$500 deposit along with application, travel affidavits & flight reservation forms by July 31, 2017
Final payment will be due 30 days prior to date of departure, or by September 14, 2017.
Travel packets will be issued when payment is complete and all paperwork and passport information has been received. Final program is frequently available from the tour operator only 10 days prior to date of departure once all program activities have been approved and secured.
Fees Included:
- Round trip airfare between Philadelphia and Havana including exit tax in both cities
- 5 Nights Hotel Plaza/Inglaterra in Havana with breakfast
- 2 nights Hotel Los Caneyes in Villa Clara with breakfast and Dinner;
- 2 additional dinners
- Welcome and farewell dinners;
- 3 additional lunches
- Program of visits, meetings and excursions as outlined in the program;
- Transportation by air conditioned bus for transfers in/out, for all excursions and scheduled activities, and between cities and provinces;
- English speaking guide to accompany group throughout;
- Medical insurance included with flight ticket;
- Service and mailing fees
Does Not Include:
- Additional Individual excursions or activities
- Meals "on your own", and snacks/drinks between meals
- Personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
Prerequisites
- Online registration completed for each person traveling
- Deposit Fee
- Full first, (middle) and last name - as printed on passport
- Birthdate
- Passport Number
- Full payment for trip completed no later than September 14, 2017
Policies & Procedures for Group Trips to Cuba
Terms: Participant applications, travel affidavits and flight reservation forms must be submitted along with $500 per person deposit 90 days prior to date of departure, or by July 31, 2017. Additional participants may be added on a space-available basis up to 60 days prior to travel. Applications after that will be considered based on availability of hotel accommodations and flight space with a $75 late fee. All deposits are non-refundable though participants may be substituted. Final invoices will be issued once all hotels in Cuba are confirmed with every effort to insure that these are issued no later than 60-45 days prior to date of departure. Final payment will be due 30 days prior to date of departure, or by September 14, 2017. Travel packets will be issued when payment is complete and all paperwork and passport information has been received. Final program is frequently available from the tour operator only 10 days prior to date of departure once all program activities have been approved and secured.
U.S. Legal authority: All participants must provide completed and signed application, travel affidavit and flight reservation form. Institutions and organizations must also provide formal letter authorizing members of the group to travel for the purposes specific to the OFAC general or specific license pertaining to their group and for the specific dates of travel.
Passport: Clients must fill in the passport information on the application form and send a clearly readable copy of the passport. All passports must be valid 6 months beyond the end date of the program in Cuba or client should indicate that a new passport is being obtained. Non-U.S. passport holders must provide evidence of residency or multiple entry visa. Cuban born participants who arrived in the United States after January 1, 1971 require a valid Cuban passport for travel and a residency card or U.S. passport for travel to Cuba.
Visas: Common Ground can provide tourist visas for all those qualifying under Cuban regulations for such visas. Any other visas must be obtained directly through a sponsoring Cuban institution and/or the Cuban Consulate in Washington. Cuban born participants in the U.S. prior to 1971 should contact us for visa assistance.
Cancellation:
If notice is received by Common Ground before departure by
at least 45 days: Cost of deposit and visa
at least 44-22 days: Refund of 90% cost of trip less deposit, visa, service fee, program fee if applicable,
at least 21-15 days: Refund 85% cost of trip less deposit, visa, service fee, program fee if applicable
at least 14 days: Refund of 70% cost of trip less deposit, visa, service fee, program fee if applicable,
at least 9 days: Refund of 50% cost of trip less deposit, visa, service fee, program fee if applicable
Therein or no show: Full forfeiture of funds paid
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance strongly advised. Write for brochure and more information
Connecting flights and overnight: If traveling directly from the United States, Common Ground recommends traveling to point of departure for Cuba the night prior to the date of travel. Common Ground will be happy to book the connecting flights for participants as well as an overnight in Miami. We can make group or individual bookings. Four hours is required for arrival prior to departure flight for Cuba. We recommend for all charter flights planning departure home for 4 hours following scheduled arrival back in the United States.
Trip cancellation/interruption/baggage insurance: Common Ground works with Travel Guard Insurance and will provide information and application materials on request. Cancellation insurance is strongly advised.
Guarantee of services: Tour operator in Cuba reserves the right to change accommodations and schedule as local conditions prescribe. We ask you to remain flexible as your hosts in Cuba do their best to ensure your comfort and that the goals of your visit are realized. Please keep in mind that you are traveling to an embargoed country that shares its scarce resources with its citizens as well as with its visitors.