Puerto Rico—Unbound Histories, Livable Futures
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Excursions & Activities
- Get to Know Your Destination
- Study Abroad Advisory of Student Risk
- Student Experience
Accommodations
UC Davis may have to change the accommodation location and type. Should this be necessary, we will arrange alternative lodging. Please note that elevators, air conditioners, WiFi and other conveniences may not be available in all locations.
Accommodations for your program may include same-gender or mixed-gender housing and rooms may be shared with one or more students. You may request a roommate, and we will do our best to consider mutual requests when making housing assignments and/or sharing them with our program partners. However, please note that roommate requests cannot be guaranteed, as housing arrangements depend on availability and local accommodations.
Meals
TBD
Excursions & Activities
This program offers an exciting blend of classroom discussion, field-based learning, community engagement, and cultural activities. Based in San Juan, students will meet with environmental activists, agroecology experts, artists, and community organizers from across Puerto Rico. Through the study of Puerto Rico's past, present, and future, students will explore the innovative community-led initiatives addressing global climate change, economic and environmental challenges, and gender-based violence and discrimination while working to build more just and livable futures.
Examples of field visits and community engaged activities may include:
- Walking tour of Old San Juan, the colonial city, where faculty will offer lectures on Puerto Rican urban history and development.
- Salsa dancing or Bomba workshop.
- The Corredor Afro in Loíza, an initiative to promote the art and history of a historically Black region of Puerto Rico.
- The Yunque rainforest, the one tropical rainforest under the US Parks jurisdiction, which houses a program to protect the Puerto Rican parrot, an endangered species, and once served for experiments on radioactive cycling conducted by US scientists.
- Ponce, once the wealthy core of a slaveholding economy in the south of the main island and Puerto Rico’s second largest city.
- Hearing from Leaders in Proyecto Enlace/Caño, a project devoted to environmental and ecological restoration of the main estuary of San Juan Bay and the low-income and now self-organizing community that surrounds it.
- Visit with archivists and conservators in San Juan at the General Archive of Puerto Rico, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, and the Centro de Estudios de Puerto Rico y el Caribe.
- Field visit to Josco Bravo ecological farm, with tour and talk by an agroecology expert.
- Field visit to community organization Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas and its Forest School.
- Walking tour of the university town Río Piedras and visit to the University of Puerto Rico’s Centro de Investigaciónes Historicas at Río Piedras, Colección Puertorriqueña, and Museo de Historia, Antropología y Arte.cal Park Carnuntum. Roman ruins.
Get to Know Your Destination
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a historic coastal city known for its colorful architecture, rich cultural heritage, and Caribbean setting. Students can explore the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, visit centuries-old forts, experience Puerto Rican art, music, and cuisine, and enjoy nearby beaches and waterfront parks. As the island's capital and largest city, San Juan offers a unique blend of history, urban life, and natural beauty. Learn more at Lonely Planet.
Study Abroad Advisory of Student Risk
Participation in this UC Davis Study Abroad program requires travel to and extended living in a foreign location(s) abroad. UC Davis Study Abroad endeavors to reduce and mitigate risk wherever possible. However, the environments and risks associated with living in these locations are substantially different than those found during a regular course of study at UC Davis. All participants must download and review the following information prior to departure. Any questions should be directed to the Program Coordinator.
- Study Abroad General Risk Advisory
- Program Specific Risk Advisory (TBD)
Student Experiences
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