FAQ

Since 1999, World Trade & Exchanges, Inc. (WTE, Inc.) has been connecting people in commerce, education, government and the arts around the globe, with focus on China, Eastern Europe, and now Cuba. Profit through our unique sphere of influence with personal introductions, cultural insights and individualized guidance. We tailor our services to ensure your success via introductions to specific worlds of business culture, and the requisite high-level meetings, specialized seminars, cultural exposure, and exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities. This is the WTE, Inc. Vital Access!

WTE, Inc. is a “Registered Seller of Travel” in the State of Washington. Our Cuba programs are carefully researched and organized by WTE, Inc. as a People-to-People Educational Exchange compliant with OFAC General License for travel to Cuba, 31 CFR § 515.565(b). Travel to Cuba legally!

Yes! WTE, Inc. is a “Registered Seller of Travel” in the State of Washington. Our Cuba programs are carefully researched and organized by WTE, Inc. as a People-to-People Educational Exchange compliant with OFAC General License for travel to Cuba, 31 CFR § 515.565(b). Travel to Cuba legally!

A round-trip ticket on a regularly scheduled airline from FL to Havana is already included in the cost of the program (JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, etc.) The direct flight from FL to Havana takes approximately 60 minutes. However, if you want to depart from another city within the US or abroad and meet us in Havana, you are welcome to do so. We would simply deduct the cost of the already included FL flight from your final invoice.

Once you register for any of our programs, you will receive an extensive support from WTE, among others a detailed 20+ page booklet with information about the country you’ll be visiting. There you will find everything you need to know, including information about travel visas, hotels, flights, insurance, meals, customs, culture, electronics, money, safety issues, health, internet access, making phone calls, weather, packing list, and much more, as they pertain to the program you selected. From the time you register until your departure, WTE will be delighted to answer any of your questions. Additionally, WTE will arrange a pre-departure orientation session for your group, where you can meet your fellow travelers, and get all your questions answered. (This session might be held on-line.)

We want to make sure that you get the best experience possible, and believe that this can not be achieved with a large-size group. Depending on the program, our group size will be between 10-16 people of like interests (plus staff and guides.)

We need your commitment by the deposit deadline listed in the brochure for your selected program. Please register early as space is limited.

Yes! Please communicate your special needs to us (dietary requirements, restrictions, accommodations, etc.). We will discuss with you your unique situation and make arrangements for you whenever at all possible.

• The below might not apply to all programs, but in general:

• You will be able to present your organization, your business or your work to an audience anxious to know about you and collaborate with you.
• Our programs have resulted in long lasting professional and personal relationships.
• Special invitation provides introduction to your foreign counterparts.
• Unique opportunity to create long lasting partnerships within a global community, for both professional and personal interests.
• Experience foreign cultures from an intimate perspective rather than as a tourist.
• Explore opportunities in teaching, residencies, and exhibitions.
• Meet high level officials.
• Meet artists and other professionals in their studios and work environments.
• Get behind the scenes, look into businesses, theaters, galleries, museums, and schools.
• Hands-on experiences in foreign cultures through face-to-face interaction, food, and visits to historical sites.
• Translators are provided to meet your needs.
• Cost includes everything, except your international airfare (unless otherwise stated). You can conceivably get on the plane with and come back without spending another dollar.
• Choices within your itinerary.
• Choices in food (special diets also provided upon request.)
• A once-in-a-lifetime experience not available to the general public.
• Your trip may be tax deductible if taken for professional reason (check with you tax advisor).

WTE programs are not created for the general tourist. Participation is by invitation only, with a customized professional and cultural program established by WTE and the exchange team leaders, with input from the exchange team members. In most cases, general tourists would not gain the same level of access to places and people as participants in WTE programs do.

The program provides a balance of professional and cultural activities. Official team members may make presentations and/or engage in conversations with Chinese colleagues about all aspects of their professional field.

The goal of this program is the sharing of expertise and ideas between Chinese and American professionals in the program’s designated field. You may be invited as an official team member or as a guest.