Programs in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a stunning Caribbean jewel of white sand beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, rain forests, waterfalls, and rivers. Beneath its natural beauty, this island reveals layer upon layer of history: a native Taíno culture, four centuries of Spanish colonialism, and now 105 years and counting as a territory of the United States. Hurricane Maria destroyed much of the island in 2017 and sparked the largest government bankruptcy in US history. Now, this island nation of 3.3 million (and shrinking) continues in crisis and its future is a question mark. In this program, we partner with nonprofits, schools, and local leaders working to rebuild Puerto Rico in the coastal town of Salinas.
We begin with a 2-day orientation in San Juan, where we explore the history, art, and culture of this 500-year-old colonial city. We visit the Catedral de San Juan, walk the streets of Old San Juan, and enjoy the beach. On day three, we transfer to Salinas where we stay at the Albergue Olímpico, a state-of-the-art sports, and educational facility. In Salinas, we have the opportunity to learn from nonprofit leaders in agriculture, education, and health care. During the evening, the group reconvenes for evening reflections around global issues, leadership, and local culture. At the end of the program, students will return to San Juan before catching our return flight to the United States.
Many historians consider Puerto Rico to be the “world’s oldest colony.” After four centuries as a Spanish colony, the USA took over the island after the 1898 Spanish American War. As a Territory of the United States since 1917, Puerto Ricans can be drafted for the US military but are not able to fully control their own economy, vote in a presidential election, or have a voting representative in the US Congress.
Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria has been slowed by restrictions placed on emergency aid, which were only released in 2021. Florida and Texas, which also suffered disasters in 2017, received unrestricted funding and therefore recovered faster. These disparities have many Puerto Ricans asking: should we become the 51st state of the USA or our own independent nation?
Puerto Rico is a rich blend of European, African, and North American influences that emerge in the island’s food, dance, and music. Salinas offers a unique perspective into Puerto Rican culture and the region’s indigenous Taíno roots. Rebuilding in Salinas has been an uphill battle but there are bright spots. Tourism has resumed, outside investors are returning, and new nonprofit organizations have emerged. In the wake of the destruction, ordinary people have stepped forward as dynamic community leaders, who we have a chance to meet.
The safety of our programs rests on the experience and skills of our Staff, Country Coordinators and Instructors, who convene at our annual training in Colorado’s Arkansas Valley.
- The Staff of World Leadership School have decades of experience working in different educational environments. Their focus is logistics, risk management, program design, professional development, and consulting.
- Our Country Coordinators live and work year round in our overseas countries. They screen our homestay families, evaluate our transport and other service providers, and provide ground support for our groups.
- Our Instructors are veteran educators with extensive international experience. They have wilderness first responder training and often have past affiliations with Peace Corps, Outward Bound, NOLS, and/or independent schools.
We strive to responsibly manage risks. Our itineraries minimize highway travel and maximize immersion in rural communities that we know well. We update our risk management protocols, integrate feedback into program design, and invest in safety and communication equipment.
Despite these efforts, World Leadership School cannot guarantee safety nor can it eliminate the inherent and other risks of international student travel. For information regarding program activities and associated risks, risk management, and student and parent responsibilities, please contact our office.
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