Puerto Rico

Program Details

DATES

I. June 8-June 14, 2025

7DAYS

SERVICE HOURS

40

TUITION

$3099*

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY

I. Available

On this program, you will learn about environmental leadership, food sovereignty, conservation, and regenerative farming practices while visiting and working on various farms.

Note: This program has two sessions to choose from. The only difference is the dates.

Program Overview

On this program, you will learn about environmental leadership, food sovereignty, conservation, and regenerative farming practices while visiting and working on various farms. This program will take you to Patillas, a coastal town in southeastern Puerto Rico where the mountains meet the coast.

While in Patiallas, you will learn from various local leaders about how they are trying to turn Puerto Rico into a thriving agricultural hub using sustainable farming traditions. For most of your time, you will be based at Finca Corsica, a private farm and agricultural project on the coast. From your base, you will have the opportunity to visit and work on various farms in the area to learn about the food sovereignty movement in Puerto Rico from various perspectives.

During your time, you will visit Finca Caribe, Yabucoa, which is a small-scale farm run by a local family. You will also have the chance to visit other farms while learning about the food sovereignty movement in Puerto Rico. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit a local school and work in their community garden while learning about how local students are getting involved in the agricultural movement happening in Puerto Rico.

When not engaged in project work, you will participate in various workshops (processing cacao, using medicinal plants for healing, and creating environmental art) and also visit local sites to learn more about this unique part of Puerto Rico.

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Program Highlights

Support a working organic farm through projects like seed germination, composting, and tree planting

Learn about sustainability, food sovereignty, and conservation

Explore the mountains and coasts of Puerto Rico while learning about the unique history and ecology of the area.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5

LEARNING SERVICE

You will support various farm projects, help in organic food production, and participate in the daily life of an educational farm.

5

CURRICULUM

Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.

2

TREKKING

You will be based in Patillas and have the opportunity to explore various sites (Old San Juan, El Yunque) at the beginning and end of the program.

4

LIVING CONDITIONS

While at the project site, you will stay in cabins with 2-4 people per room.

3

ON THE MOVE

After arriving in San Juan, you will take a 1.5-hour van ride to Patillas where you will be based for the duration of the program. You will take daily trips (15-40 minutes driving) to visit local farms and schools.

3

REMOTENESS

You will spend the majority of your time in Patillas, a coastal town in southeastern Puerto Rico.

Itinerary

1

Arrive to San Juan Puerto Rico. Evening in San Juan.

2

Go food shopping at various markets in San Juan to explore food prices. Bus ride to Finca Corsica. Cacao Workshop. Evening at Finca Corsica.

3

Day visiting a local organic farm. This day will include farm work and an art workshop. Evening at Finca Corsica.

4

Workshop on the importance of food sovereignty in Puerto Rico. Afternoon working the garden alongside community members at a local Montessori school. Evening at Finca Corsica.

5

Morning working on a small scale organic farm and learning about the Farm to Table movement in Puerto Rico. Afternoon art workshop and community project at Tropi Shack. Evening at Finca Corsica.

6

Depart for San Juan. Lunch at Salut Healthy Kitchen to learn about the farm to table movement in Puerto Rico. Visit Old San Juan. Evening in San Juan.

7

Depart for home.

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Puerto Rico : In Three Phases

1

PRE-COURSE CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. We do not have any travel posts for this program. Please check back soon.

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition (students from partner schools): $2999
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $3099

*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE

Students are responsible for booking their own flights to meet the group in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once enrolled, our admissions team will assist you in choosing the correct arrival and departure times.

FINANCIAL AID

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students from all backgrounds. We will do all that we can financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application. Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full description of our Terms and Conditions please CLICK HERE.