Staff

Founders

Barbara L. Guidera

Co-foundeR

Facts

I’m married with six children and ten grandchildren. I first came to Spain in 1961. I presented at the All-Iberia Conference of American Clubs and Associations in March 1998: “American women living in a new culture in Spain or Portugal.” In March 2002, I organized a symposium for European Alumnae of Mount Holyoke College titled “Language and Communication in the Third Millennium.”

Interests & Hobbies

Traveling, gardening, sports, reading, movies, opera, theater and classical music.

Birthplace

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Education

B.A. Mount Holyoke College (1957) various courses in Spanish culture and literature.

Gerald G. Guidera

Co-foundeR

Facts

I was raised in Westbury, Long Island, N.Y., but moved to Spain with my family in 1961. I taught at the University of Minnesota from 1959 to 1961 and the University of Maryland (overseas extension) in Seville, from 1963 to 1968.

Interests & Hobbies

Theater (author and producer); narrative poetry (reader and author); sports (long distance runner); and horses (rider and breeder)

Birthplace

Mineola, N.Y.

Education

B.A. Hofstra College (1957) in British and American Literature; M.A. University of Connecticut (1958) in British and American Literature; Doctoral Studies at University of Minnesota (1959-61) in British and American Literature.

USA

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David Anderson

Business Development Director

Facts

Most recently, David was a freelance consultant for Northeastern University and has 20 years of experience with ELS Educational Services (Berlitz) primarily with international student recruitment. With Spanish Studies Abroad, David oversees the recruitment and marketing efforts of all our programs and works closely with the Amherst and Seville teams.

Interests & Hobbies

Birthplace

Education

Studies from Vanderbilt University and studied abroad as an undergraduate in Valencia, Spain. He graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Spanish and International Studies

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Danielle Vient

Custom Programs assistant

Facts

I started traveling when I was young, which developed into a lifelong passion. I studied abroad in Alicante, Spain, and taught English in Prague, Czech Republic. I love immersing myself in different cultures.

Interests & Hobbies

I love to explore and try new things. Besides traveling, though, I enjoy dance, yoga, reading, and cooking.

Birthplace

Springfield, MA

Education

B.A in International Studies from Western New England University

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Rodrigo Castillo

Institutional Relations & Student Services Director

Facts

I have 14 years of experience facilitating educational exchange, and managing all aspects of student services and advising, programming and administration, and academic oversight and evaluation. I was an international student in the US, studied abroad in Italy and Japan, and I have worked for study abroad providers, universities, and the private sector in the US, Spain, and Colombia. 

Interests & Hobbies

Working out, travel, history, languages, dance, reading. 

Birthplace

Bogotá, Colombia

Education

B.A. in History from the University of Massachusetts
M.A. in International Education from the George Washington University
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Adriana Pajares

Student Services Advisor

Facts

My passion for traveling and other cultures, and also languages has made me love helping young university students in the experience that, without a doubt, will change their lives forever. Studying in another country and embracing other foods, languages and people turns you into a more open-minded person with a readiness for almost anything! After being the Resident Director in Barcelona for almost a decade, now I’m on the other side helping students before they arrive at their destinations, but this time from my hometown, Pamplona, in the North of Spain.

Interests & Hobbies

I love dancing, mainly Latin music. Traveling for sure has always been in my life and I continue to travel, now with my little son, to transmit this adventurous spirit to him. One day without a piece of chocolate is not a good day. Learning is always one of my interests, especially topics related to psychology and education.

Birthplace

Barcelona, Spain

Education

Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Navarre. Master’s degree in Coaching in Education. Master’s degree in University Expertise in the Development of Talent and Giftedness. And many other courses… Studying opens your mind!

Alexandra Cintrón Jiménez

Student Services Advisor

Facts

Alexandra completed internships at Walt Disney World (Disney College Program) and at the Library of Congress. As an undergraduate she completed an exchange program in Canada and volunteer teaching in Costa Rica. Ms. Cintrón also served as an AmeriCorps Fellow
supporting after-school programming in Boston, MA. Before joining SSA, she completed a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Poland. She has more than 3 years of experience working from K-16 as a teacher, tutor, summer camp counselor, advisor and success coach.

Interests & Hobbies

Traveling, movies, reading, board games, photography, and spending time with family and
friends

Birthplace

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Education

B.A. in Teaching English to Spanish Speakers from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras

M.A. in International Education from the George Washington University

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Beth Savage

Business Manager

Facts

 I have 17 years of experience with SSA since 2001, formerly in Student Services and primarily in the capacity of Business Manager.  I returned to SSA after 5 years in administrative management roles at an immigration law firm. I love learning languages, and in addition to many years of Spanish, I have also studied German and Italian, and more recently started learning Haitian Creole.

Interests & Hobbies

Long-distance running, writing poems, singing, reading, and spending time in a state of wonderful chaos with my family.

Birthplace

Melrose, Massachusetts

Education

B.A. in Spanish from University of Massachusetts, Amherst

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Jack Kelly

Chief Information Officer

Facts

Englishman Jack has traveled the world from living in Paris to being a ski instructor at Mont Tremblant, Quebec or an English tutor in Seville,  Spain.

His piano career was cut short when he lost a finger, so he decided to help students to travel the world instead.

Interests & Hobbies

Music, books, long walks, climbing and bouldering. He loves to cook food, take his dog and child to play at the park, or go for a drink with friends.

Birthplace

Whiston, Liverpool – United Kingdom

Education

A degree in French from Aston University

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Beth Tyler

Institutional Relations Coordinator

Facts

When I first graduated high school, I had no interest in learning Spanish or traveling. It was a service learning trip to Guatemala with the community college I attended, where my passion really began! Later down the road as I continued my education as an adult, I studied abroad through Spanish Studies Abroad in Barcelona!

Interests & Hobbies

Of course, traveling! I feel very fortunate to have been able to travel to as many countries as I have. When I’m not traveling, I enjoy being outside on my patio, birdwatching, hiking the canyons of western Nebraska, and fishing. 

Birthplace

Omaha, Nebraska

Education

Associates of Arts; Iowa Central Community College

Bachelors of Arts in Spanish; Doane University

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Amanda Gorzney

Institutional Relations Coordinator

Facts

I’ve traveled more in Europe than I have in the United States!

I spent a sumer in the US Virgin Island where I completed a Service Learning internship and studied abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece for a semester. After graduating with my Bachelor of Science degree, I lived in Algeciras, Spain for 9 months, where I worked as an English Language and Cultural Assitant through NALCAP. 

Interests & Hobbies

I love to spend time outdoors and enjoying hiking or going to the beach when I can! I also love to sew and have been making my own clothes since I was 13-years old. Finally, I’m a huge bookworm and also really enjoying cooking and trying out new recipes

Birthplace

Grand Mound, Iowa

Education

Iowa State University, Dual Bachelor of Science Degree: Global Resource Systems and Agricultural Education: Communications Options

Seville, Spain

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Michelle Durán Ruiz

Chief Executive officer & ACADEMIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

Bio

A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Durán is Academic Affairs Director of The Center for Cross-Cultural Study. She is responsible for course development, assessment and overall academic quality of Spanish Studies programs in Spain, Argentina, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Prior to assuming her duties as Academic Affairs Director, Dr. Durán served as both faculty member and Resident Director of the Spanish Studies Seville Program. In that capacity she has been responsible for the introduction and implementation of new methods of assessment on-site in Seville.

Education

She completed her undergraduate work at Amherst College, and received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University.

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Marta Borrero

RESIDENT DIRECTOR-SEVILLE CENTER

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Me encanta viajar y aprender más sobre culturas nuevas. También me gusta la literatura, el cine y la cocina

Birthplace

Sevilla, España

Education

Licenciada en Filología Inglesa de la Universidad de Sevilla

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Soraya Pérez

Student Services

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Viajar. Me apasiona conocer culturas diferentes a la mía y todo lo que ello conlleva. La experiencia completa de cambiar de ciudad, país o incluso continente. Me gusta poder vivir la vida de los sitios a lo que voy: la gastronomía, el arte, la música… Los idiomas, son parte importantísima de ese proceso. Me fascina poder comunicarme con personas que viven a kilómetros de mí, o si no es posible, aprender sus dialectos o lenguas. La música también, es algo imprescindible en mi día a día.

Birthplace

Sevilla, España

Education

Actualmente estoy terminando mi carrera en Grado de Estudios Árabes e Islámicos por la Universidad de Sevilla. Tengo dos títulos de árabe por el Institut Bourguiba des Langues Vivantes de Túnez.

 
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Laura Juliá

STUDENT SERVICES

Facts

I love to travel and get to know other cultures

Interests & Hobbies

I enjoy listening to music, meet with my friends and family and anything outdoors

Birthplace

Sevilla, España

Education

 Degree in Tourism from the University of Tourism and Finances in Seville

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María de las Aguas Vazquez

Housing

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Soy sevillana y soy una apasionada de las gastronomías del mundo, me encanta cocinar y descubrir través de la comida diferentes culturas

Birthplace

Seville, Spain

Education

Diplomada en turismo/tourism

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Marina de Peralta

Custom Program Manager

Facts

I was born and raised in Seville. I have lived for short periods in other places, but there is nothing like being in your city. I studied Tourism and spent several years working in hotels, but the international education sector seems more interesting to me. I’ve been working for SSA since 2018.

Interests & Hobbies

Traveling, drawing and painting, reading bookswatching classic, horror and science fiction cinema, living adventures and the animals.

Birthplace

Seville, Spain

Education

Associate Degree in Tourism and M.A. in Business Management from the University of Seville and Certificate of Studies in Human Resources from IMF Business School.

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Francisco Cuenca

IT Director

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Conocer y explorar nuevas ciudades del mundo. Todo lo relacionado con la tecnología.

Birthplace

Sant Joan Despí, Barcelona

Education

Ingeniería informática especialidad en software, Universidad de Córdoba

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Ramon Gallego

Chief FINANCial & Operations Officer

Facts

Soy una persona muy constante, trabajadora, y organizada.

Interests & Hobbies

Me encanta el deporte: practicarlo y verlo. Juego a tenis y pádel. Disfruto leyendo novelas históricas, viajando con la familia y saliendo con los amigos.

Birthplace

Sevilla, España

Education

Estudios de Empresariales en al Universidad de Sevilla, Máster en Gestión de Empresas Educativas, y varios cursos intensivos de Dirección de Empresas.

 
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Elisa Ramos

Accounting

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Cine, viajar y jardinería

Birthplace

Sevilla, España

Education

3er. Curso Ciencias Empresariales

 
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Amy Niego

CNA Director

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Viajar, comer (me encanta descubrir sitios nuevos de tapas en Sevilla), remar en el río, ir en bici por Sevilla, tocar la flauta, estudiar lingüística y SLA, explorar Andalucía (especialmente sus playas), estar con mis niños y con mi familia.

Birthplace

New Britain, Connecticut

Education

Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics from UMass Boston, Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Boston College

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Juan Diego

Sales & Customer Service

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Estar con mi familia y todos los deportes en general — sobre todo el fútbol.

Birthplace

Sevilla, España

Education

Técnico especialista en hostelería y turismo.

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Eugenia López

Travel & Logistics Manager

Facts

I was born in  Seville. My passion for travel led me to study abroad to learn English. I have worked since 2009 in the travel industry as a travel agent.

Interests & Hobbies

I love to travel, watch Nextflix and spend time with friends.

Birthplace

Seville

Education

I am a certified Travel Agent, with a B.A. in Travel Management. 
 
 
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Luis Delgado

SSA FACULTY

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Leer, cine, pasear

Birthplace

Sevilla, España

Education

Licenciado en geografía e historia

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Conso García

SSA FACULTY

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Leer, viajar, música clásica (especialmente la ópera)

Birthplace

Segovia, España

Education

Licenciada en geografía e historia, especialidad historia del arte

 
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Sara Rumbao

SSA FACULTY

Facts

Viví en Estado Unidos durante cuatro años, 1 año en Massachusetts trabajando de profesora de español, en Deerfield Academy y tres años en Connecticut en el colegio “The Taft School”.

My fascination with the Spanish language started from an early age. I grew up watching Dora the Explorer and loved my Josefina American Girl doll. I studied Spanish all throughout high school and fell in love with the beauty of the language, its cultures and its people. In college I majored in Spanish and even studied abroad with Spanish Studies Abroad during my senior year in Seville. Studying abroad changed my life and I am so glad I get to be a part of the amazing company that made it all possible for me!

Interests & Hobbies

Birthplace

Sevilla, España

Education

Licenciada en Filología Inglesa, 1996 Diplomada en TEAT (Técnico en empresas y actividades turísticas)1990

 
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Carmen Dorado

SSA FACULTY

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Intereses culturales en general, leer, pasear, charlar con amigos, cocinar, hacer gimnsasia.

Birthplace

El Sucejo, Sevilla, España

Education

Licenciada en filología hispánica

 
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Ana Salas

SSA Faculty

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Viajar, leer, internet, cine, escuchar música, practicar deportes, natación, ciclismo, gimnasia, charlar con amigos y cocinar.

Birthplace

Madrid, España

Education

Licenciada en Filología (Universidad de Sevilla); Cursos de Doctorado (Univ. de Sevilla); Cursos complementarios de doctorado en UNC-Chapel Hill: USA

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Milagros Molina

SSA Faculty

Facts

Interests & Hobbies

Leer, ir al teatro y pasear

Birthplace

Jaén, España

Education

Licenciada en Filología Hispánica (Universidad de Sevilla); cursos de doctorado relacionados con la gramática histórica del español; tesina bajo el título “Estudio fonético-fonológico” del manuscrito El Culto Sevillano de J. De Robles.

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Lola Rodríguez

SSA Faculty

Facts

Soy una mujer felizmente casada, madre de dos hijos de 14 y 18 años de edad. Mis deseos de ser profesora se han visto satisfechos al impartir clases de baile en este centro desde hace años. Por lo que me siento una persona realizada y feliz.

Interests & Hobbies

Me interesa muchísimo mi familia y mi trabajo. Creo también en la amistad. Mis hobbies son : La lectura, la música, el baile, el diseño y la decoración, la restauración, el teatro y el cine.

Birthplace

Genera, Sevilla, España

Education

Graduado escolar, estudios de secretariado y estudios de baile

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Diego Reina

Maintenance

Facts

El primer año que trabajé fue en carpintería. Después estuve siete años de auxiliar administrativo en una empresa constructora. Después trabajé en albañilería durante trece años haciendo viviendas y gasolineras.

Interests & Hobbies

Me gustan todos los deportes — en especial el fútbol y el motociclismo. No puedo practicar por falta de tiempo.

Birthplace

Sevilla, España

Education

Graduado escolar

Alicante, Spain

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Pepa Vives

Resident Director, Alicante

Bio

Without a doubt, the Alicante program site is unique, not only because of its location on the shores of the Mediterranean, but also because of its tranquility and rhythm of day-to-day life. The city of Alicante allows students to immerse themselves into the culture, unnoticed. My role is to provide you with the resources so that you may maximize your experience in Alicante. You may choose activities according to your interests and academic needs, allowing you to live the culture. These activities include dance, theater, sports, cooking, volunteering, tutoring in English, etc. The key is to find a good combination of study and leisure so that you may achieve your individual objectives and benefit each day from this unique experience.

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Marisa Pérez Escribano

Assistant Resident Director

Facts

Nací en Quintanar del Rey (Cuenca), aunque cursé mis estudios universitarios en Alicante. Realicé parte de mi licenciatura en Filología en la Universidad de Sussex (Reino Unido) como estudiante del programa Erasmus-Sócrates. Asimismo, hice prácticas docentes como profesora de español en la Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas de Salzburgo (Austria) y he trabajado en este campo en varios colegios de Salamanca y Alicante, así como en un programa de estudiantes estadounidenses en el Centro Superior de Idiomas de la Universidad de Alicante. He sido también coordinadora de un centro de español y profesora en el Departamento de Lenguas y Culturas de la Universidad Estatal Técnica del Sur (Rostov del Don, Rusia) y examinadora de los exámenes DELE en el Centro Superior de Idiomas de la Universidad de Alicante.

Interests & Hobbies

Me encanta descubrir nuevos lugares y gentes de los que siempre se puede aprender. También me gusta ir al cine, leer y tocar la guitarra. Disfruto mucho de pequeñas cosas como un paseo por la playa o contemplar un atardecer.

Birthplace

Quintanar del Rey (Cuenca), España

Barcelona, Spain

mariadelavina

María de la Viña

Resident Director, Barcelona

Facts

Sevillian of origin. Always betting on the benefits of cultural exchange abroad. I have been part of a host family since I was 2 years old, since then I have been surrounded by students, living experiences, coordinating activities, traveling and guiding students. I have also lived 5 years abroad, I have been participating in many programs and it is my passion.

Interests & Hobbies

I love traveling, getting to know different cultures, exchanging knowledge, being passionate about gastronomy, and spending moments with family and friends. One of my hobbies is singing and playing music.

Birthplace

Seville, Spain

Education

TICS lover, Community manager professional, electronic commerce web development. She also had Body Language and Strategic Communications training at Psychology University (Seville) and Awareness to Sexual Diversity Course, currently, Academic Coordinator, now expanding her studies in education (Pedagogy)..

Córdoba, Argentina

patricia-maqueda

Patricia Maqueda

Resident Director, Argentina

Bio

Universidad Nacional de Córdoba is the university of “La Reforma Universitaria de 1918” (The University Reform of 1918). Our students were the principal actors of the ideals that changed the university system of all Latin America. Join us as we commemorate one hundred years of that student movement, and be a part of the celebration! This is a great moment to live an experience that you will keep in your heart, throughout your personal and academic life. I expect that students will open their minds and hearts to other forms of knowledge. While excellent academics is the main reason to study at Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, the richest aspect of your experience will be getting to know another culture – with which I’m sure you will fall in love!

San Juan, Puerto Rico

alexandra vega

Alexandra Vega

Resident Director Puerto Rico

Bio

¡Bienvenidos y bienvenidas a Puerto Rico y a la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón! 

I look forward to meeting you and help you make the most of your stay in our Island. 

Puerto Rico is truly special.  Our culture is the result of the encounter of Indigenous, African, Spanish and American influences, and I am sure you will be able to make new and interesting discoveries every day. 

The University of Sacred Heart, where I have worked for over a decade, offers a warmth community on a beautiful campus.   

I invite you to think of the goals that you would like to accomplish during your trip. My goal, as Resident Director, will be to help you reach those objectives. 

I am delighted you chose Puerto Rico for your adventure. Once again…Welcome!

Interests and Hobbies

I love animals, walking in nature and doing yoga. I also like swimming, biking and hiking. I am perpetually trying to learn how to cook. (Recently I´ve been exploring Chilean cuisine, to honor my Chilean family). I enjoy cooking competition shows, especially the ones about baking. I like spending time with family and friends and personal growth is important to me. 

Birthplace

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Education

B.A. University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus

M.A. and Ph.D. Harvard University

Post doctoral studies at New York University, Maine Media Workshops and the  Escuela Superior de Cine y Audiovisuales  in Barcelona.

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Annette Jiménez Collet

Puerto Rico Coordinator

Bio

Annette is a passionate Boricua with great interest of showing everyone the
greatness and achievements of their people. After a successful 19-year career in
the pharmaceutical industry in various highly complex technical roles, in 2010
she founded VidaSalud Inc., to fulfill her passion of promoting physical activity.
Annette is also a collaborator in various professional organizations, in Puerto
Rican Paralympics and Special Olympics Puerto Rico. In 2020, she ventured into
Puerto Rican politics, being a candidate for an elective position in an emerging
movement that seeks to tackle corruption, promote social inclusion, and defend
human rights.

Interests and Hobbies

Physical Activity promotion and research, Human Rights Advocacy and
Community work, Travelling, Reading, and Scrabble Word Game enthusiast

Birthplace

Born in Vega Baja -the town of “Melao Melao”- in the north central shore of

Puerto Rico, a caribbean archipielago which is a territory of USA.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences from University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
Campus. Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (“ACSM”) and
licensed by the Department of Recreation and Sports of PR, she is also an
Exercise Physiologist, holding a master’s degree from her alma mater.

Havana, Cuba

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Rocío Haro

Resident Director, Cuba

Bio

The best way to know a culture is to live it in first person. When you come to Cuba you will not only have a unique experience, you will have known one of the most extraordinary places in the world. It is a kind of sensory journey, a journey in time through which you will understand the idiosyncrasy and the great creativity of the Cubans. You will be filled with the music and the joy of the streets of Havana; the reddish lands of the tobacco plantations of Pinar del Río; the colonial architecture of Trinidad; the white and crystalline beaches of Varadero; all mixed with African rhythms and a Spanish spark… it is the nuances you will find in dance, language, religion, architecture and above all, in its people. The idea of ​​learning while traveling, fascinates me, that’s why I enjoy my work so much. I was born in Seville (Spain) and have had the opportunity to know many places in the world, but without a doubt, I will keep the magic of Cuba. A place where you can expect the unexpected.

Dalila

Dalila Jimenez

Accounting Assistant, Cuba

Giselle

Giselle Ortiz

Assistant Resident Director, Cuba

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