People to People Ambassador Programs will begin offering adult travel programs to Cuba beginning in July 2013. In response to high demand from the organization's alumni of career professionals, People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs (Ambassadors Group, Inc.) acquired a travel operator "people-to-people" license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which allows U.S. citizens to legally visit Cuba.
The Citizen Ambassador Program offers career opportunities for professionals who want to explore Havana's infrastructure on a public works program or visiting a polyclinic on a medically focused program. Program delegates will have a chance to meet and collaborate with locals.
Dr. Karen Jacobs, former president of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and clinical professor at Boston University, will guide a "Mission in Understanding" delegation in August 2013.
"My program will provide delegates an opportunity to learn about Cuba as a country and to further the People to People mission of peace and global awareness. Participants will gain insight into the social, education, health and youth development of today's Cuba," said Jacobs.
Highlights of the program include an explanation of the projects carried out for the rehabilitation of Old Havana,taking part in a walking tour of the village, attending a neighborhood street party where participants will interact with locals, and exchanges at local community projects.
"The adult travel programs really give professionals a hands-on immersion in the Cuban culture and direct interaction with locals in their same profession," said Nicola Balmain, vice president of Travel Services for People to People Ambassador Programs. "That peer to peer exchange, accompanied with our best in class guides and local experts, add up to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Cuba."
Trips are seven nights in country with regularly schedule departures from Miami in July 2013 through December 2013.
Visit www.peopletopeople.com/cuba.