MUSIC, SPANISH AND DANCE INTERNSHIPS
Live the culture — through music, dance, and language.
Disclaimer: This trip is fully compliant with U.S. travel regulations under the Support for the Cuban People category. Cubanisms works only with privately owned Cuban businesses and independent professionals — never with government-run entities.
Welcome to a unique and immersive internship program in the heart of Havana, Cuba! Our internships offer students an unparalleled opportunity to live, learn, and explore like a local while diving deep into the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant country.
OUR INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
Location: Heart of Havana Our programs are based in apartments on Galiano Street, Centro Habana’s main street, placing you within walking distance of all major tourist attractions. You’ll be just two blocks from the scenic seawall and a few blocks away from the historic charm of Old Havana. This prime location allows you to experience authentic Cuban life while being close to everything the city has to offer.
Accommodations: Live Like a Local Students will stay in comfortable apartments within the same building, providing a communal and immersive living experience. We also collaborate with neighboring apartment owners to ensure ample accommodation for all participants. These living arrangements are designed to immerse you in local life, offering a unique perspective on Cuban culture.
Program Structure: Tailored Learning Experience Our internship programs are customized to meet your educational and personal interests in music, dance, and Spanish language. Professional Cuban musicians, dancers, and Spanish teachers will conduct classes both in the apartments and at their own homes or teaching spaces, with some lessons taking place outdoors for a more immersive experience.
• Music Internship: Learn from seasoned musicians and engage with various Cuban musical styles.
• Dance Internship: Train with professional dancers and experience the vibrant dance culture of Cuba.
• Spanish Language Internship: Enhance your Spanish skills through interactive lessons and cultural exchanges.

DAILY LIFE: INTEGRATED CULTURAL IMMERSION
• Meals: Enjoy breakfast and lunch at your lodging or at nearby authentic local cafés and restaurants.
• Afternoons: Free to explore the city, visit museums, dance venues, concert halls, and other cultural hotspots. We provide recommendations to ensure you make the most of your time in Havana.
• Evenings and Social Integration: Connect with Cubans by attending family and friend gatherings, dining with local families, and engaging in cultural activities. These experiences will deepen your understanding of Cuban traditions and help you build lasting relationships.

PROGRAM BENEFITS
• Comprehensive support including airport pickup and drop-off.
• Lodging in centrally located apartments.
• Daily breakfast and lunch.
• Customized learning experiences with professional instructors.
• Opportunities to visit Varadero, Viñales and Trinidad.
• Cultural immersion activities and local integration.
Are you a student or a university looking to offer this program to your students?
CONTACT US for more information. After your initial email, we can arrange a Google or Zoom meeting to discuss all the details and answer any questions you might have.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Our program offers more than just skill enhancement in music, dance, or Spanish; it provides an authentic Cuban experience that goes beyond typical tourism. We create a supportive and immersive environment to ensure your time in Cuba is both educational and unforgettable. Moreover, for Americans, this program is a legal way to visit Cuba, complying with U.S. regulations under the "Support for the Cuban people" category.
Since 2016, we have been organizing enriching trips to Cuba, hosting over 20 groups and providing them with unforgettable cultural experiences. Our founders, Dalida and Michael, bring a unique blend of local and international expertise. Dalida, a Cuban native, has extensive experience in the Cuban cultural scene. Michael, a musician from the USA, has performed in Havana and is a yearly invitee to cultural events in Cuba. Together, with other friends, they own the apartments where students will stay, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment. Our program is backed by a vast community of friends and professionals in the cultural sector who are passionate about sharing Cuban culture with young generations. Through this trip, you will be fully supporting Cubans and their private businesses.
LEGAL TRAVEL FROM THE U.S.
It's important to note that traveling to Cuba from the USA is legal under the "Support for the Cuban People" category. Our program fully complies with this provision by providing meaningful interactions with Cuban individuals, supporting local families, and promoting cultural exchange. We will provide an itinerary with daily activities that include engaging directly with Cuban musicians, dancers, teachers, and local families, ensuring a rich and authentic cultural experience while adhering to U.S. travel regulations. For more information visit our section "GUIDE FOR AMERICANS VISITING CUBA"
REVIEWS
EXCELLENT Based on 27 reviews Posted on Lisa HallierTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dalida provided a truly unique and unforgettable Cuba experience through her company, Cubanisms. Every detail of our trip was thoughtfully tailored to exactly what we were hoping for—and then some. From the moment we arrived, Dalida made us feel completely comfortable and cared for, welcoming us not just as travelers, but as guests. Thanks to her expertise and connections, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in Cuba’s vibrant art scene, incredible music, and rich culture. Each experience felt authentic, meaningful, and personal. Dalida’s warmth, knowledge, and gracious hosting turned our trip into something far beyond a typical tour. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience all that Cuba has to offer.Posted on Phil SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a fantastic time we had in January 2026 at the Havana Jazz Fest in Cuba. Yes, the country is open. Yes, the people are dancing. The secret is travel with Cubanisms under the direction of Dalida Pupo Barrios. My wife went in 2025, had such a good time I went in 2026. Viva Cuba!Posted on Kurt Van KeppelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A visit to Cuba with Cubanisms is like visiting your best friends. Dálida and Michael share the history, attractions and culture with equal enthusiasm for Cuba and for your enjoyment of it. Our group of seasoned travelers all agree : best trip ever. KVKPosted on Flavia CostaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Traveling solo for work can be tough, but I was able to extend my trip to France with a couple of extra days in Paris, and Dalida made the experience absolutely perfect! I reached out to her, and she immediately secured me a spot in a charming, comfortable boutique hotel right in the city center. It was a wonderful, seamless booking process. She wasn't just organized—she was my fantastic guide! Dalida put together an incredible two-day itinerary tailored for my short window, and she personally joined me to see the sights. Her dedication and enthusiasm made the tour feel so special; it was a lovely mix of expert-level planning and genuine warmth. If you want a trip handled with both professionalism and heart, book with Dalida!Posted on Madelaine CruzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Si quieres guardar en tu memoria como un tesoro, un viaje a París, que siempre se sueña y en algún momento la vida te regala el privilegio de hacerlo. No dudes ni por un instante hacer la planificación con "Cubanisms". Cada mínimo detalle está perfectamente planeado. Vas a disfrutar a plenitud y puedo asegurar que en una semana te puedes llevar prácticamente las mejores experiencias de ese maravilloso sitio. Créeme luego vas a decir: allí estuve yo y te vendrán a la mente momentos de felicidad.Posted on Mónica ChanfrauTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nuestro viaje a París fue maravilloso🤩 Nuestra anfitriona Dálida nos preparó un itinerario personalizado de acuerdo a nuestros intereses para los dos días de nuestra estancia en París, muy organizado y completo. Pudimos aprovechar al máximo el tiempo y visitar lugares imperdibles. Nos asistió con la compra de tickets para las principales atracciones y nos dio excelentes recomendaciones sobre transporte y comida local. Todo estuvo perfectamente coordinado y adaptado a las necesidades de nuestra familia, lo que hizo que nuestra experiencia fuera fluída, auténtica e inolvidable. ¡Gracias, Dálida, por hacer de nuestro viaje a París algo realmente especial! 🌟 Recomiendo 100% esta agencia y la compañía espectacular de Dálida. Regresaremos en otra ocasión para disfrutar de otros atractivos junto a ustedes!!! Muchas gracias por su acogida y compañía. Saludos y éxitos🤗Posted on Jarold Yujannes Iglesias ManresaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing Experience!!! Dalida y Michael hacen que París te arrope con esa calidez y gentileza únicos!!! Explorando sitios icónicos y otros que te hacen ver la ciudad luz en una perspectiva 360 de placer, descubrimiento, glamour, cercanía... De su mano la ciudad se muestra con todos sus matices y cautiva, tanto por el encanto natural parisino cómo por su inmejorable compañía. Que suerte tenerlos chivos!!! Ou revoir!!!!Posted on Patricia ErnstTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband surprised me with a trip to Paris for our 25th wedding anniversary. He contacted Dalida Pupo Barrios and asked her to put together a two week itinerary with 10 nights in Paris and four nights in Reims (the Champagne area). Dalida furnished him with a wonderful and very detailed ten page typed itinerary outlining hotels, arranged transportation, lunch and dinner recommendations, as well as tickets for our tours of the sights. She personally contacted the three different hotels and relayed our needs in French as we do not speak the language. Our highlight at the end of our trip was a late lunch at Jules Verne on the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Her attention to detail was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend her services to anyone wishing a fabulous trip to France.Posted on matthew mayesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently returned from a week in Paris, and I was able to fully enjoy this vast and complex city thanks to Dalida and Cubanisms, her travel cultural project. I was able to relax and make the most of my short visit to the world's most cosmopolitan city. Navigating into the city from the airport can be daunting, and without the driver she arranged, I would have wasted time and energy trying to figure out transportation into Paris. Most importantly, Dalida had selected a boutique hotel (built in 1638) for my stay, which was charming. The staff was wonderful and the location allowed me to walk everywhere. The art galleries, cafes and scenic overlooks along the Seine provided perfect opportunities for people watching, one of my favorite past times. I comfortably walked to the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame cathedral and the ticket Dalida arranged for me to tour the Louvre was greatly appreciated. In the evenings, I enjoyed fabulous French cuisine in intimate restaurants, all of which were pre-selected from Dalida's curated list. Using the Metro allowed me to get around like a true Parisian, and I received clear instructions on navigating the underground rail system without missed stops of getting confused. My visit was a wonderful whirlwind of French culture, all thanks to Dalida and Cubanisms. Matt Mayes in FloridaPosted on Sandra TurnerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cubanisms is truly a cultural project and worth hiring if you are interested in visiting and exploring all that the country has to offer--- The island's natural beauty (not yet spoiled by over development), it's famed music, salsa, organic meals at private/family owned restaurants, and most of all the warm-hearted and welcoming people. Dalida, who is a native of Cuban now living in Paris with her jazz musician husband, is a consummate travel professional and will take care of your every need. Through her many years of experience, she has developed connections to private professional drivers, private restaurant owners and a host of other professionals. She will organize everything from accommodations, tours, VIP entry to jazz events, meals at the best restaurants, etc. Moreover, through a personalized approach (eg, dinners and dance parties hosted by her close friends) she provides something entirely unique to the experience, which you won't find with other tour operators. Further, if you are discouraged from a Cuba trip because of the bad press about resources, that is understandable-- I almost didn't go because of the barrage a negative news. Keep in mind, there are two sides to these reports. Yes, Cuba is resource deprived, wi-fi is intermittent, and there aren't chain retail stores on every corner to satisfy your every need and desire. (Think of buying coconut water to drink from the shell at a local stand, instead of bottled water! Yum!!) Too, there is indeed much need for repair of infrastructure outside of Old Havana (Note: Old Havana has been impeccably restored, btw!). However, this, in a way, is the beauty of the Cuba's inner soul. People have struggled and have over time learned to make do with much less. Food isn't wasted. There are no traffic jams (few people own cars). You don't see kids and adults walking around with EarPods and eyeballs glued to a screen. There is no violent crime, nor rampant homelessness. There is no upper-middle class or ultra rich tech- or finance-elite living luxuriously well, while the 95% of the population struggles. So, yes, relative to a rich nation, they are all very, very much struggling economically. But they are *all* doing so together, and doing so while not having lost their collective souls to overconsumption and a barrage of media addictions. Truly, it was a refreshing trip to the past, back to a simpler time. As you consider this trip also keep in mind that tourism is an important source of income for the country. It goes a long way to supporting Cuban families. (Dalida also accepts donations for school children.) I'm glad I went and you will be too! Just be sure to pack a different set of expectations, lots of patience and an open heart to accept the outpouring of kindness and love from those you meet.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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