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(For High School Students)
Construyendo Comunidad en Paraiso
Language Immersion, Cultural Exchange &
Service Program
Session One: June 27th thru July 23rd (27 days)
Size of group: 16-18 students
Ages: 15 to 17
Tuition: $4,695 (plus RT airfare to San Juan)
ESCAPE THE TOURIST TRAPS AND BIG CITIES BY EXPERIENCING THE REAL PUERTO RICO — friendly communities, remote tropical beaches, and the laidback island lifestyle! The home of our first community service trip in 1990, Global Works has maintained close ties with the people of Puerto Rico. With its unique blend of Spanish, Caribbean, and American influences, you’ll be immersed in Puerto Rican culture and the island’s famous salsa music and Creole food. Improve your Spanish with friendly community members at service projects and with your host family on the rural island of Vieques. Throughout the trip, we’ll be working with families to build homes and assisting with much needed rainforest protection and conservation. We’ll also explore the island’s hidden tropical adventures while experiencing the unique Puerto Rican way of life.
Service Projects*
- Assist home construction with families in need
- Organize community events and games with locals
- Construct a research facility and elevated walkway in the rainforest
- Design and complete erosion control projects
Language Immersion*
- Experience a family homestay on the island of Vieques
- Engage in leader guided homestay language lessons
- Practice your Spanish with Puerto Rican students
Adventure and Cultural Activities*
- SCUBA dive in tropical blue waters off Rincon
- Swim in the famous bioluminescent waters at night in Vieques
- 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 (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. We will also take a day excursion during this part of the trip to go sea kayaking at Las Cabezas Preserve or caving at the nearby Camuy Caves.
Vieques Island and Homestays (12 days) – Next we’ll take a ferryboat to the small, mountainous island of Vieques, famous for its spectacular beaches, laid back atmosphere, and strong community groups. We will be immersed in this unique island culture by living with homestay families and working with local organizations. Over the next two weeks we’ll volunteer at retirement homes, the humane society, local schools, and build homes for needy families. We’ll also work alongside youth groups and environmental organizations on beach cleanups in the expansive Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Evenings include quality time practicing Spanish with homestay families and a group excursion to swim in the glowing waters of one of the best bioluminescent bays in the world! Enjoy weekend picnics and ocean activities with your homestay family and fellow participants on the picture perfect desolate beaches of Vieques. You’ll leave the homestay with improved language skills, a strong understanding of the history and social issues of the community, and wonderful memories of this special island.
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 natural swimming hole. Evening activities include salsa and reggae ton dance lessons with local 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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