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(For High School Students)
Build Community on the Enchanted Island
2-Week Cultural Exchange & Service Program
Cultural Exchange & Service Program
Session One: July 1st thru July 15th (15 days)
Session Two: July 19th thru August 2nd (15 days)
Session Three: August 6th thru August 20th (15 days)
Size of group: 16-18 students
Ages: 14 to 17
Tuition: $3,495 (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 irresistable 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*
- 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
- Work with a local school on construction and painting projects
Adventure and Cultural Activities
- SCUBA dive in tropical blue waters off Desecheo Island
- Sea kayak and snorkel in Las Cabezas Nature Preserve
- Explore historic Old San Juan
- Hike in the Caribbean National Rainforest
- 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 (7 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. We will also take a day excursion during this part of the trip to go sea kayaking at Las Cezas Preserve or caving at the nearby Camuy Caves.
Tropic Ventures Rainforest Preserve (4 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 natural swimming hole. Evening activities include salsa and reggaeton dance lessons with live musicians and a jewelry making workshop led by local artisans.
Old San Juan, SCUBA, and a Catamaran Cruise (4 days) – As a reward for all our hard work, we’ll end the trip with three days of ocean adventure and city explorations! While staying at an eco-resort perched on a hill-side tropical paradise, we’ll enjoy a day of SCUBA diving and/or snorkeling around the reefs of Fajardo and a catamaran cruise in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. The last day will be spent exploring the markets and fortresses of historic Old San Juan and a farewell dinner with final reflections will bring our action packed journey to a close.
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 "Click to enlarge Puerto Rico map.")