Building Community and Exploring the Wonders of the Caribbean
15 Day Cultural Exchange & Service Program
Session 1 : June 25th - July 9th (15 days) Session 2 : July 2nd - July 16th (15 days) Average size of group : 20 - 22 students Grades for session 1 : 9 - 12 Grades for session 2 : 9 - 12 Tuition for 15 day program : $3695 (plus RT airfare to San Juan)
Discover the hidden pleasures of Puerto Rico – remote tropical beaches, pristine rainforests, and “locals only” waterfalls. Away from the tourist traps and development of the cities, you will experience an island known for its food, music, salsa dancing, and language — an irresistible Latino culture infused with a laidback island lifestyle. Puerto Rico is the home of Global Works’ first community service trip in 1990, when we helped rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Hugo. Many years later, we continue these meaningful and valuable projects, working with families to build homes and assisting in much-needed rainforest protection and conservation. Our group also explores the island’s hidden tropical treasures while experiencing the unique Puerto Rican way of life.
Service Projects*
Earn 30-40 community service hours
Complete home construction projects with families in need
Organize community events and games with locals
Construct a research facility and elevated walkway in the rainforest
Construct camping shelters on the beach with the Sierra Club
Adventure and Cultural Activities*
Learn to surf in tropical blue waters
Sea kayak at night in the world-famous bioluminescent bay
Explore historic Old San Juan
Sunset sailing excursion on a chartered Catamaran
Enjoy a local barbecue and salsa dancing in Guavate village
*Please note that some of the projects and activities will change from year to year. A final itinerary will be printed prior to each trip.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Vega Baja (6 days) – For the first week of our adventure we will be living at Hacienda don Noel and working in the community of Villa del Rio. The hacienda is a homey ‘camp-like’ lodge in the hills just miles from the coast and beautiful Playa Mar Chiquita. After a day of orientation, we’ll be ready to dig into our work at the nearby community of ‘Villa.’ This close-knit village is comprised of relocated families that are building their homes and they are thrilled to have students come join them in work and play. Most mornings and afternoons we’ll spend fixing up homes, working on education projects with local kids, and sharing home cooked meals and laughs with community members. In the late afternoon and evenings we’ll enjoy group activities such as relaxing at local beaches, enjoying a Puerto Rican beach barbeque, hosting a pool party with local families, and participating in various cross-cultural activities.
Tropic Ventures Rainforest Preserve (5 days) – The next segment of our adventure will be spent at “Las Casas de la Selva” jungle lodge located in the Tropic Ventures Rainforest Preserve. This amazing private research and educational facility is located among 1000 acres of rainforest high in the mountains overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Our group will build research facilities and work on environmental service projects that benefit Puerto Rican scientists and local school groups. We’ll take afternoon work breaks to visit a nearby beautiful waterfall and visit the charming village of Guavate. Evening activities include salsa dance lessons with live musicians and a jewelry making workshop led by local artisans.
Luquillo Beach and Old San Juan (4 days) – Next we will travel to the northeast corner of the island and find out why this is the Caribbean’s hotspot for beautiful beaches and a laid back vibe. As a reward for all our hard work, we’ll spend the last few days at a lovely guesthouse right near the beach. We’ll have the opportunity to spend a couple mornings boogie-boarding or challenging ourselves with surf lessons taught by professional surf instructors. The wave conditions in Luquillo provide the perfect opportunity for all levels to hang ten! On one evening the group will head out in kayaks to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico’s world famous bioluminescent bay. On another afternoon we’ll enjoy a guided Catamaran excursion to the beautiful and desolate Icacos Islands. On the penultimate day of our trip we’ll head into Old San Juan where we’ll visit the historic fortresses and artisan markets. In the evening we’ll share a farewell dinner with final reflections which will bring our action packed journey to a close.
 "Click to enlarge Puerto Rico map.")