Vermont Caribbean Institute
The Vermont Caribbean Institute (VCI) establishes US-Caribbean partnerships through sustainable project development and people-to-people exchanges. Through projects in community revitalization, public health, education, sports programming, and the arts, VCI works with local communities to create collaborative responses to local challenges and opportunities that improve the quality of life for current and future generations.
Cuban Student Artist
Traditional Dominican dresses
Havana Arts Biennial art piece
NEWS/EVENTS
Travel with VCI !
Vermont Caribbean Institute (VCI) has been licensed by the US government to travel to Cuba in support of its mission and commitment to promoting exchange between the people of the United States and Cuba. VCI is organizing the following travel opportunity in April that may be of interest to you.
Cuba: Exploring Sustainability and the Environment
April 23-30, 2012
Join VCI for a personalized study tour focused on issues of sustainability and the environment in Cuba today.
Trip highlights include:
- Guided tour of UNESCO site in old Havana and specific preservation projects of the office of the City Historian
- Meetings with Head of ICOMOS Cuba and the Director of the Restoration Plan for the City of Havana
- Visit to Havana's only national park/green zone, along the Alemendras River, with project director
- Meeting with program directors at the Antonio Nunez Jimenez Center for Man and Nature, the leading institute developing sustainable initiatives in Cuba
- Meeting with Director Helmo Hernandez and staff of Ludwig Foundation of Cuba to discuss Cuban attitudes towards the environment
- Meetings with University of Havana professors involved in environmental education and research
- Two days in Pinar del Rio region of western Cuba with guided visits to environmental community Las Terraces, biosphere park and other natural areas
- Day-long travel to conservation lands in the Zapata peninsula, on Cuba's southern coast, the location of Cuba's "Everglades"
- Visit to organic gardening center outside Havana and other agricultural areas as possible
- Visit to Havana's botanical gardens, museums and other sites of interest as time allows
Throughout the week we will be accompanied by experts in the area of environmental issues and sustainability in Cuba today.
Included in program cost:
- Flight from Montreal to Havana and return.
- Travel visas for entrance into Cuba.
- Accommodation in one of Havana's many restored hotels.
- Transportation by bus for all excursions.
- Experienced professional guides and translators throughout the week.
- Compensation to all presenters and hosts.
- Entrance fees to most museums and parks.
- Travelers will pay for all meals and other personal/individual expenses while in Cuba.
- Travel to and parking costs at Montreal's Trudeau airport will be shared by the group.
Please contact us for more information and reservations
If you or your group would like to participate in VCI programming, as part of your personal or family vacation in the Caribbean, or would like to participate in one of our unique exchanges, please contact us. We have developed meaningful, life-changing experiences for many travelers who want to learn about and contribute to the well-being of Caribbean communities—and, in the process, learn so much about themselves.
VCI also provides a trusted vehicle for socially-responsible business groups to access an international arena and extend their mission and goals into a diverse cultural environment through collaborative projects that meet specific needs. Contact VCI for more information on how your business or organization can become involved with our work.