|
Overview: Sessions One and Two - Language Exposure
 Puerto Rico – Although officially part of the United States, this
island paradise, set between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands, is distinctly Caribbean. Away from the tourist traps and development of the cities, you will experience an island known for its
food, music, salsa dancing, and language – a charming Latino culture infused with a laidback island lifestyle. Puerto Rico is the home of Global Works' first community service trip in 1990, when
Global Works 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 adventures while experiencing the unique Puerto Rican way of life.
Vega Baja (10 days) –
For the first week and a half of our adventure we will be living at Hacienda don Noel and working in the community of Villa del Rio. The hacienda is a wonderful lodge in the
hills just miles from the coast and beautiful Playa Nuevo. After a few days of orientation and a group-kayaking excursion to Las Cabezas Nature Preserve, we'll be ready to dig into our work at
the nearby community of Villa del Rio. 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. After fixing up homes, playing with local kids, and eating home-cooked meals with community members, afternoons are spent relaxing at Playa Nuevo beach or going for a hike in
Toro Negro. Most evenings we have a Puerto Rican dinner followed by group entertainment and activities. We end this part of the trip with a full day barbecue and celebration with our new friends
at a beautiful picnic area, complete with a great swimming hole!
 Carite Rainforest (8 days) – The next segment of our adventure will be spent in the jungle lodge at 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 assist in the construction of research facilities for Puerto Rican scientists and school groups,
while also reaching out to local communities through workshops and projects developed by Global Works students. We'll take breaks from our work with hikes to
nearby beautiful waterfalls and a trip to Guavate, a small mountain town famous for barbecued food and live salsa music.
 Vieques Island (3 days) - Vieques is an island jewel located just
a short ferry ride off the east coast. As a reward for all the hard work during the previous weeks, our group will play and relax on spectacular beaches and sleep at an exotic villa overlooking the
blue ocean. We will explore the island's history, like the struggle over the US Naval Base, and we will swim in the incredible glowing waters of the protected bioluminescent bay beneath the nighttime
stars--all in all, a truly unforgettable three nights in paradise!
 SCUBA and Old San Juan (3 days) - The end of our trip will include one full day of SCUBA diving on world-famous reefs and a day of
visiting the markets and fortresses of historic Old San Juan. Reflection, journals, and a farewell dinner in Old San Juan will bring the end to sight. It is always hard to say good-bye to the warm,
friendly people of Puerto Rico and our newfound friends!
Overview: Puerto Rco Language Immersion Program
Puerto Rico combines the familiarity of a U.S. Commonwealth with the foods, music, language
and styles that are undeniably Latino. In the rural countryside and on the island of Vieques, the people extend traditional Latin warmth and friendliness to our group.
Carite Rainforest (7 days) – The first week of our adventure will be
spent in the jungle lodge at 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. After a few days of orientation and a group sea kayaking excursion to Las Cabezas Nature Preserve, we'll be ready to dig into our work. Our group will assist in the construction of
research facilities for Puerto Rican scientists and school groups, while also reaching out to local communities through workshops and projects developed by Global Works students. We'll take
breaks from our work with hikes to nearby beautiful waterfalls and a visit to Guavate, a small mountain town famous for barbecued food and live salsa music.
 Vega Baja (7 days) – For the next week of our adventure we will be
living at Hacienda don Noel and working in the community of Villa del Rio. The hacienda, a wonderful lodge in the hills just miles from the coast, is
ideal for accessing meaningful service work in Villa del Rio. This close-knit community is comprised of relocated families that are building their
homes by themselves; they are thrilled to have students come join them in work and play. After fixing up homes, playing with kids, and eating home-cooked meals with community members, we relax at the beach or
go for a hike; most nights we have a Puerto Rican dinner followed by evening entertainment and group activities. We end this part of the trip with a full day barbecue and celebration with our new friends at a
beautiful picnic area, complete with a great swimming hole!
 Vieques Island and Homestays (11 days) - Vieques is an island where little English is spoken; it's a place where families still maintain
strong Spanish cultural traditions. We'll take the ferryboat east to this small, mountainous island with spectacular beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. During our homestay, we will rebuild homes for families
in need, and practice our Spanish with homestay families. We will explore the island's history, like the struggle over the US Naval Base, and we'll take a night excursion to swim in the glowing waters of one
of the best-protected and renowned bioluminescent bays in the world!
SCUBA and Old San Juan (3 days) - The end of our trip will include one full day of SCUBA diving on world-famous reefs and a day of visiting the markets and fortresses of historic Old San
Juan. Reflection, journals, and a farewell dinner in Old San Juan will bring the end to sight. It is always hard to say good-bye to the warm, friendly people of Puerto Rico and our newfound friends!
|
