Puerto Rico
Exploring the Sustainable Development Goals
During this March break trip, students will build a robust understanding of the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in Puerto Rico. Students will have the opportunity to see how the SDG’s are realized in action through meeting with various stakeholders such as non-profits, governmental organizations, and engaging with community activists and leaders. They will come to understand a variety of conflicting perspectives on the topic of sustainable development and the future of Puerto Rico, while also exploring and immersing themselves in the beauty and biodiversity of this island. While not a pre-requisite of the trip, Spanish language learners will have the opportunity to practice their language skills throughout the program. Students will leave the trip with a deeper understanding of the complexities and tensions of sustainability and development, while considering the roles of tourism, government, civic engagement and culture.
Program Notes
- Families are responsible for transportation from the San Juan airport to the student’s destination for the remainder of March break.
- During this trip, students will stay in hotels, hostels, bed & breakfasts, and/or inns. Meals will be shared at restaurants, markets, in lodging locations, and on-the-go.
- This trip conflicts with the March 12 SAT test date.
- Students participating in winter post-season tournaments are still eligible to apply for this program.
Program dates
March 5-13, 2022
Program Eligibility
This program is open to all students with a preference towards those with a demonstrated interest in sustainable development and/or those interested in Spanish language and culture. All interested students are encouraged to apply by December 6. Financial Aid is available to all qualifying students.
Faculty Trip Leaders
- Sheryl Koyama; Callie Gray
Approx. Trip Cost: $3,600 plus $300 estimated airfare from DA to San Juan, P.R. (final costs will be dependent on trip enrollment)
Deerfield Academy’s Center for Service and Global Citizenship is committed to running all of our travel programs at cost with overhead expenses subsidized by the Academy.
helpful links & Notes
- CDC guidance on travel to Puerto Rico.
2022 Preliminary Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change.
March 5–6
- Students will stay at a local hotel and will spend time on campus to prepare for their trip.
March 7
- Departure from Deerfield, MA,
- Flight to San Juan
- Program Briefing & scavenger hunt to familiarize students with the area
March 8
- Walking tour of Old San Juan with local historian
- Visit Castillo de San Felipe del Morro
- SDG’s workshop
March 9
- United Nations Visit and Discussions
- Organizational Visits: Understanding the advancement of the SDG’s
March 10
- Organizational Visits: Understanding the advancement of the SDG’s
- Museo de las Americas
- Conquest and Colonization Exhibit
March 11
- Round Table Conversations
- Meet with local anthropology/ ethnomusicologist doctoral students
- Understanding Bomba in San Juan: Meet with local Bomba artists
- Free exploration in small groups
March 12
- Transport to El Yunque National Forest
- Hiking in El Yunque National Forest
March 13
- Flight Home