Maybe in some country in South or Central America, where everyone always seems so cheerful and happy. Maybe in Cuba, for example.
But what's the job situation like in Cuba, for example? Are there offers that match your needs? Can a job seeker find suitable ads remotely? Or, what should they do to find more opportunities?
Read on to get all the information you need to start working in Cuba, the land of samba, mojitos, and energy.
Cuba is undoubtedly a destination that attracts the attention of thousands of people looking to change their lives. It seems like such a colorful, vibrant country, so full of life and joy, that one might think life there is not only simpler, but also more enjoyable. But is that really the case?
When considering changing your life and moving to such a distant country, it's important to consider every aspect, not just the positive ones. Therefore, first ask yourself whether living and working in Cuba is feasible , as easy as it seems, or whether it actually has some pitfalls.
Of course, every place in the world has its pros and cons: Cuba is no exception. First of all, it has a state-run economic system with a limited private sector , which makes it more difficult for foreigners to find opportunities in areas such as trade and services.
Services like internet access can be limited and expensive, more so than in other places. Internet access is available mainly in public areas and some hotels, but it can still be slower and more unstable than what we're used to.
The country's infrastructure is often obsolete, compromising the quality of services provided, including healthcare .
As for the cost of living, it's generally on the lower side , but it depends greatly on the type of goods: while a meal for two at a restaurant can cost as little as $20-25, a liter of milk can cost almost $3. Local products are generally particularly affordable, while imported products-including appliances and clothing-are more expensive. Renting a home can vary significantly depending on the area: an apartment in the city center ranges from $500 to $1,000 a month depending on its size, but this almost halves if you travel to the local villages.
Be careful, though, because while the cost of living is lower than Western standards, so are average salaries.
A positive aspect to consider is cultural adaptation . Cubans are known for their hospitality, so you'll undoubtedly feel at home from the very first moment. The language barrier might be a problem at first, but Spanish is one of the easiest languages for any European to learn. Perhaps take an online Spanish course with Sprachcaffe before leaving to broaden your options, and you'll see that it won't take you long to integrate in Cuba.
Overall, we can say that working in Cuba is a truly feasible experience, but it's not without its challenges. Like any major change, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
If this is what you'd like to do, remember that finding work in Cuba requires other considerations, such as restrictions for foreign citizens. Cuba has rather strict regulations for foreigners wishing to work in the country, who must apply for and obtain specific work permits, which isn't always easy.
Often, this requires a local sponsor or employer to act as guarantor, while it's easier for those working for international companies or NGOs with direct agreements with the Cuban government. The process can be lengthy, and its success depends largely on the type of work you intend to do.
Some foreigners obtain temporary visas for study, cultural collaboration, or extended visits, but this does not allow them to work freely or, in any case, perform any type of job.
Furthermore, foreign investment and certain professions are strictly regulated by the state. Many public sector positions are reserved for Cuban citizens, while employment opportunities in the private sector are limited. In short, living and working in Cuba can be a challenge in many practical and bureaucratic respects, but it also offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a fascinating culture and experience a lifestyle unlike any other in the West.
Given the restrictions on foreigners and the fact that many public sector positions are not really accessible, job opportunities in Cuba are somewhat limited, but they do exist.
They focus mainly on specific sectors, mostly related to tourism, international cooperation, foreign language teaching, and trade.
Among the most requested tasks, we find those of:
Working in Cuba can be stimulating for those willing to invest in the long term and adapt to the local context.
Job offers exist in these sectors, and although bureaucracy and permits are an aspect to consider, Italians with specialized skills can find interesting opportunities.
| Duration of stay: | 20 weeks | 24 weeks | 28 weeks | 32 weeks | 36 weeks | 40 weeks | 44 weeks | 48 weeks | 52 weeks | 56 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard course prices: | 2.870 € | 3.350 € | 3.990 € | 4.470 € | 4.950 € | 5.590 € | 6.070 € | 6.550 € | 7.190 € | 7.670 € |
| Intensive course prices: | 4.230 € | 4.950 € | 5.910 € | 6.630 € | 7.350 € | 7.830 € | 8.310 € | 9.030 € | 9.750 € | 10.710 € |
In general, salaries in Cuba tend to be significantly lower than Western standards .
In the public sector, where most of the Cuban population works, average salaries are usually around $20-40 a month, although the government provides some subsidized goods and services, such as healthcare and food, to compensate for the low wages.
Some professions, such as doctors, engineers, and teachers, receive slightly higher salaries, but still very low by international standards.
In the tourism sector, such as in restaurants and hotels, workers can earn more thanks to tips in foreign currency (such as dollars and euros), which increase their real income. This leads many Cubans to prefer tourism-related jobs , where they can earn more than in the public sector. Consider that one euro is equivalent to approximately 25.49 Cuban pesos (CUC), which can buy a whole lot of things: for example, a full meal can cost between 8 and 13 CUC, while a taxi ride in Havana is about 6.5 CUC.
Foreigners working in Cuba, typically in foreign companies or NGOs, earn much higher salaries, usually in line with their home country's standards. However, employment opportunities for foreigners are limited, often requiring special permits or temporary contracts with international companies. While foreigners face much more difficulty finding work in the country due to restrictions, they can expect to earn significantly more than the local population, who barely earn $150 a year.
In short: the opportunities are there, and the conditions are there too. Sure, it's not the walk in the park you might have imagined, but then again, what change doesn't bring with it some difficulties and obstacles to overcome? That's also the beauty of turning your life upside down: giving it your all to succeed.
And an important step-a fundamental one, actually-is learning the language. It's true that Italian and Spanish speakers understand each other somewhat, but if you want to live and truly integrate into a place, you can't just make yourself understood. That's why we offer two excellent options. The first is to take our online Spanish course from home: you can do it before you leave, practice your conversation skills, and be ready when the time comes to leave for your trip.
The second is an even more comprehensive experience: a language study holiday in Cuba with Sprachcaffe, which will allow you not only to study the language on-site but also to fully immerse yourself in the country's culture, putting what you've learned into practice and starting to get a feel for what it's really like to live there. A taste of what awaits you!
