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Puerto Rico

Sustainable Farming & Conservation
see info below

Course Details

DATES
June 15-June 22, 2024

8DAYS

Arrival City
San Juan, Puerto Rico
TUITION
$3199*

*SEE DETAILS

 

AVAILABILITY
Available

Alongside our partner, Carite 3.0, you will learn about environmental leadership, food sovereignty, conservation, and regenerative farming practices while living and working on an educational farm.

Program Overview

Alongside our partner, Carite 3.0, you will learn about environmental leadership, food sovereignty, conservation, and regenerative farming practices while living and working on an educational farm. This program will take you to the rural town of Carite, set deep in the mountains of Guayama, in front of Lake Carite in the southeast of Puerto Rico.

While in Carite, you will learn about how sustainable farming techniques are being used to promote food security and resistance to catastrophic events while at the same time conserving the local environment and mitigating climate change. You will be inspired by the work of Fernando and his wife, Arielle, who are leaders in the food sovereignty movement in Puerto Rico. During your time, you will support the work of the organic farm through various projects, including seed germination, composting, and tree planting. You will also participate in daily life on the farm, from preparing meals to participating in group reflections and helping with farm chores.

When not engaged in project work, you will have the chance to participate in various workshops, such as processing cacao and using medicinal plants for healing. Finally, you will have the opportunity to explore Puerto Rico on various excursions, including a visit to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service, and a visit to Old San Juan to learn about the rich history 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

Live in tents and participate in the daily life of an educational farm

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 Carite 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 live in tents under roofed pavilions. The camping area has bathrooms with running water and hot water showers.
2
ON THE MOVE
After arriving in San Juan, you will take a 1-hour van ride to Carite where you will be based for the duration of the program. The program will close with a trip to El Yunque National Park.
3
REMOTENESS
You will spend the majority of your time in Carite, a small rural town located within the beautiful mountains of Guayama, 1 hour from San Juan.

Itinerary

1

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

2

Explore the rich history of Old San Juan. Evening in San Juan.

3

Drive to Carite 3.0 farm in Guayama from San Juan. Welcome orientation. Farm tour.

4

Community chores. Art workshop with renowned Puerto Rican artist. Farm work (composting).

5

Community chores. Cacao workshop (From tree to chocolate). Farm work (tree planting).

6

Community chores. Medicinal plant workshop. Farm work (germinating seeds).

7

Early departure for El Yunque National Park. Evening in San Juan.

8

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. As this is our first year running the program we do not have any travel posts. Please check back soon.

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition (students from partner schools): $3099
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $3199

*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.

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