San Juan, Puerto Rico
Location | San Juan, PR
Service Opportunities | Working environmental issues, especially related to mangrove restoration and cross-cultural understanding.
Cultural and Recreational Highlights | Visit to El Yunque Rainforest, local beaches, Old San Juan, local estates, museums, speakers, and dancing.
Program Overview
Programs in Puerto Rico are focused on the environment and urban development. Volunteers spend most of their time in beautiful areas of San Juan, where they work on understanding the islands complex crossroads between development and environmental health. Participants learn about environmental hazards effecting Puerto Rico’s beaches and mangroves, and serve in the re-foresting and beautification of these incredible spaces. Participants also meet with and advocate next to local workers and activists for environmental improvements. In addition to service, volunteers connect with local community members, visit schools, and learn about Puerto Rico’s rich culture and history. Highlights include visits to El Yunque Rainforest, local beaches, Old San Juan, and local estates.
Lodging | Hostels and hotels Food | Rice, beans, Fresh fruit, and local dishes such as Mofongo
Flights | Easily connected to the US Mainland Visa | No visa or passport required for American citizens
Communication | Excellent cell service Closest Airport | San Juan (SJU)
Our Community Partners
CARAS con Causa | CARAS is an innovative organization nonprofit organization that coordinates educational projects to promote environmental development in partnership with communities in Puerto Rico. Their current work focuses on two main projects: (1) working on developing different mechanisms to introduce seed germination of red, white, black, and button mangroves and mangrove restoration and (2) after school programs teaching young children about the interdependence of ecosystems and general tutoring in the communities of Vietnam, Puente Blanco, and Juana Matos.
Programs
Plan a Program
Photos
Resources
The Basics
Revisit the Amizade Puerto Rico Site Handbook.
Watch
Vietnam, Puerto Rico Trailer (English Subtitles) from Gabriel Miranda on Vimeo.
Read
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Puerto Rico
- The Origins of the Puerto Rico Debt Crisis
- Puerto Rico – History and Heritage
- The Lost History of Puerto Rico’s Independence Movement
- El Nuevo Dia
- Welcome to Puerto Rico
Stay Engaged!
There was more mud today!
Amizade volunteer Chelsea Watts is in Puerto Rico learning about the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Maria and helping to restore the mangrove wetlands.
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Healthy and Safety
As you or your loved one prepares to serve with Amizade in Puerto Rico, you can rest comfortably with the knowledge that Amizade has an exceptionally strong safety record and ability to respond to any emerging challenges. For the most up-to-date health, safety, and security briefings, please review the following:
