For students currently in grades 9–12
Pre-College
Barcelona
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France
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Baja & the Gulf of California
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Canadian Arctic
Chile
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Namibia
You may also like
Columbia Climate School Collaboration
Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit
Australia & Fiji
Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji
Croatia & Slovenia
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Italy & Greece
Japan
Kilimanjaro
Norway
Patagonia: Skiing
Switzerland, France, & Holland
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2-weeks & under

Campus-Based

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Eligible for rising 9th graders

Intensives & Workshops

New for 2025!

North America Based

Putney Classics

Science & Nature

Patagonia: Skiing
Switzerland, France, & Holland
Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland
For students currently in grades 6–8
Eligible for 8th grade*
Columbia Climate School Collaboration
Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Grades 7&8
France & Holland
Iceland
Ireland
Italy & Greece
Grades 7&8
France
Spain
Grades 6–8
Costa Rica
Grades 7&8
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Special programs & collaborations
Custom Programs

Looking to create a custom program or collaboration?

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Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12

Challenge yourself academically at the world's most prestigious universities

Non-profit organization offering student travel scholarships

High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity

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Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12

Puerto Rico

Service & Environmental Sustainability

July 10 — July 24
$6,390 + airfare

Puerto Rico

Service & Environmental Sustainability

July 10 — July 24
$6,390 + airfare

This summer, work alongside residents, conservationists, and young Puerto Ricans who are aiming to restore and protect the island’s ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to coral reefs. Meet with leaders and volunteer with changemakers who are spearheading community-scale initiatives and sustainable farming practices. Participate in the farm-to-table process and learn how it is applied in different areas on the island, and get inspired by working hands-on in coral reef conservation initiatives.

• Meet with young artists and leaders in the port city of San Juan
• Help clear trails in the only tropical rainforest in the U.S.
• Volunteer with organizations to develop local food production
• Snorkel in the Caribbean and learn about threats to coral ecosystems
“I gained a lot of inspiration from this trip. A lot of the people we worked with opened my eyes to the environmental work that needs to be done and how important it is.”
—Frances O., The Urban School of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to San Juan, Puerto Rico. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

San Juan — 3 days

Begin in the centuries-old port city of San Juan, a mosaic of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influences. Get to know your group through an in-depth orientation, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Walk the streets of Old San Juan with a guide, taking in the art and learning about its relationship with Puerto Rico’s history and politics. Help with the neighborhood’s local garden and agricultural initiatives. Spend your afternoon taking a salsa or bomba class, or paddleboarding at a nearby lagoon.

Luquillo — 3 days

Take a trip to El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the United States—and hike to a pristine waterfall while learning about the importance of the rainforest. Travel to the coast and learn about conservation efforts in the incredibly biodiverse Northeast Ecological Corridor, home to tropical forest, mangroves, wetlands, sandy beaches, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. This protected area is one of the few places in the Caribbean where endangered leatherback sea turtles come on land to nest. Kayak through the mangrove canal and witness how these ecosystems are cared for by the local communities.

Adjuntas — 3 days

Venture to Adjuntas, a community in Puerto Rico’s rural interior. Learn about grassroots initiatives launched by young Puerto Ricans to expand agriculture and lend a hand on a local farm. Discuss the farm’s mission of using an agricultural school to provide employment opportunities for the youth of Puerto Rico. Spend your afternoons hiking in the surrounding mountains or taking dips in hidden swimming holes, and then enjoy camping under the stars.

Manatí — 2 days

Head to the coastal town of Manatí and meet with representatives from the World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, who traveled to Puerto Rico immediately after Hurricane Maria. Andrés rallied local chefs and set up a sophisticated network of emergency kitchens and supply chains, serving more than three million meals in the months following the storm. Learn how the group has since shifted its mission, empowering residents to develop their own agricultural capabilities and become more sustainable. Volunteer at a local farm and help plant native trees to restore the island’s ecosystem.

Culebra — 3 days

Take the ferry from the mainland to explore one of the 143 islands that form the archipelago. Swim and snorkel in the clear waters, getting an up-close look at marine life and coral reefs. Learn about the conservation efforts in the island to protect its coral reefs and restore these important marine life habitats. Enjoy the final days of your program in beautiful beaches and blue waters.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New York City with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to San Juan, Puerto Rico. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

San Juan — 3 days

Begin in the centuries-old port city of San Juan, a mosaic of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influences. Get to know your group through an in-depth orientation, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Walk the streets of Old San Juan with a guide, taking in the art and learning about its relationship with Puerto Rico’s history and politics. Help with the neighborhood’s local garden and agricultural initiatives. Spend your afternoon taking a salsa or bomba class, or paddleboarding at a nearby lagoon.

Luquillo — 3 days

Take a trip to El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the United States—and hike to a pristine waterfall while learning about the importance of the rainforest. Travel to the coast and learn about conservation efforts in the incredibly biodiverse Northeast Ecological Corridor, home to tropical forest, mangroves, wetlands, sandy beaches, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. This protected area is one of the few places in the Caribbean where endangered leatherback sea turtles come on land to nest. Kayak through the mangrove canal and witness how these ecosystems are cared for by the local communities.

Adjuntas — 3 days

Venture to Adjuntas, a community in Puerto Rico’s rural interior. Learn about grassroots initiatives launched by young Puerto Ricans to expand agriculture and lend a hand on a local farm. Discuss the farm’s mission of using an agricultural school to provide employment opportunities for the youth of Puerto Rico. Spend your afternoons hiking in the surrounding mountains or taking dips in hidden swimming holes, and then enjoy camping under the stars.

Manatí — 2 days

Head to the coastal town of Manatí and meet with representatives from the World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, who traveled to Puerto Rico immediately after Hurricane Maria. Andrés rallied local chefs and set up a sophisticated network of emergency kitchens and supply chains, serving more than three million meals in the months following the storm. Learn how the group has since shifted its mission, empowering residents to develop their own agricultural capabilities and become more sustainable. Volunteer at a local farm and help plant native trees to restore the island’s ecosystem.

Culebra — 3 days

Take the ferry from the mainland to explore one of the 143 islands that form the archipelago. Swim and snorkel in the clear waters, getting an up-close look at marine life and coral reefs. Learn about the conservation efforts in the island to protect its coral reefs and restore these important marine life habitats. Enjoy the final days of your program in beautiful beaches and blue waters.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New York City with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropCBAR Holden Axtell_1
Holden Axtell
View Bio
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Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropCBAR Holden Axtell_1
Holden Axtell
View Bio
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About the Destination

Puerto Rico’s rich history involves the blending of Taíno, African, and Spanish cultures. The island’s first inhabitants were the indigenous Taínos. Under Spanish rule, following the arrival of Columbus in 1493, agriculture became an important part of the island’s economy, and Spaniards brought African slaves to work in the sugar cane, coffee, and tobacco fields. Puerto Rico won independence from Spain, but the Spanish-American War of 1898 ended with the Treaty of Paris, which ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States. The island is known for its vibrant salsa and bomba musical rhythms, its flavorful Afro-Caribbean cuisine, colorful street murals, and contemporary art museums. Travelers enjoy exploring everything from 500-year-old buildings in Old San Juan to El Yunque National Forest, the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

Language

As an unincorporated territory of the United States, the official languages are both Spanish and English.

Climate

Puerto Rico is a tropical island. The temperature ranges between 70–90°F (21–32°C) during the summer, with afternoon showers.

Cuisine

Puerto Rican cuisine has been influenced by its rich history. Puerto Rico’s national dish is arroz con gandules y lechón, or rice, pigeon peas, and slow-roasted pork. At each meal, enjoy a delicious array of tropical fruits, fried plantains, fish or chicken, rice and beans, and desserts such as coconut pudding or guava pastries.

About the Destination

Puerto Rico’s rich history involves the blending of Taíno, African, and Spanish cultures. The island’s first inhabitants were the indigenous Taínos. Under Spanish rule, following the arrival of Columbus in 1493, agriculture became an important part of the island’s economy, and Spaniards brought African slaves to work in the sugar cane, coffee, and tobacco fields. Puerto Rico won independence from Spain, but the Spanish-American War of 1898 ended with the Treaty of Paris, which ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States. The island is known for its vibrant salsa and bomba musical rhythms, its flavorful Afro-Caribbean cuisine, colorful street murals, and contemporary art museums. Travelers enjoy exploring everything from 500-year-old buildings in Old San Juan to El Yunque National Forest, the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

Language

As an unincorporated territory of the United States, the official languages are both Spanish and English.

Climate

Puerto Rico is a tropical island. The temperature ranges between 70–90°F (21–32°C) during the summer, with afternoon showers.

Cuisine

Puerto Rican cuisine has been influenced by its rich history. Puerto Rico’s national dish is arroz con gandules y lechón, or rice, pigeon peas, and slow-roasted pork. At each meal, enjoy a delicious array of tropical fruits, fried plantains, fish or chicken, rice and beans, and desserts such as coconut pudding or guava pastries.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Service

During your time in Puerto Rico, you can expect to work on several different volunteer projects—agricultural projects such as planting seedlings or shadowing local farmers, trail clearing infrastructure projects, and environmental projects like coral reef resto­ration. The focus of this program is learning about another culture by forming meaningful relationships with local people and undertaking a shared service experience together. You should come to the summer with an open mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. Everyone participates in all of the group’s projects and lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. This program provides hands-on, immersive experiences that encourage thoughtful engagement with issues related to conservation, agriculture, climate change, and sustainability. During your time in Puerto Rico, you can expect to meet with and learn from several different organizations, local conservationists, and young leaders who are working toward greater sustainability on the islands. To learn more about our Service programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—interview a park ranger at El Yunque National Forest to learn about conservation efforts on the island, create a dictionary of Puerto Rican expressions, study the island’s indigenous and colonial history, or give a presentation about Puerto Rico’s dependence on imports and the rise of local food markets.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. The service work, as well as activities and excursions, may be moderately strenuous, and you can expect to spend most of each day outside swimming, working on projects, and hiking. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

We stay in small, family-run hotels and hostels for most of the program. We will also have the option of camping on the farm in Adjuntas. Leaders reside together with the students throughout the program.

Meals

In San Juan, we eat meals at local restaurants. In smaller towns, we enjoy picnics, home-cooked meals prepared by local cooks, and meals at restaurants.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Service

During your time in Puerto Rico, you can expect to work on several different volunteer projects—agricultural projects such as planting seedlings or shadowing local farmers, trail clearing infrastructure projects, and environmental projects like coral reef resto­ration. The focus of this program is learning about another culture by forming meaningful relationships with local people and undertaking a shared service experience together. You should come to the summer with an open mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. Everyone participates in all of the group’s projects and lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. This program provides hands-on, immersive experiences that encourage thoughtful engagement with issues related to conservation, agriculture, climate change, and sustainability. During your time in Puerto Rico, you can expect to meet with and learn from several different organizations, local conservationists, and young leaders who are working toward greater sustainability on the islands. To learn more about our Service programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—interview a park ranger at El Yunque National Forest to learn about conservation efforts on the island, create a dictionary of Puerto Rican expressions, study the island’s indigenous and colonial history, or give a presentation about Puerto Rico’s dependence on imports and the rise of local food markets.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. The service work, as well as activities and excursions, may be moderately strenuous, and you can expect to spend most of each day outside swimming, working on projects, and hiking. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

We stay in small, family-run hotels and hostels for most of the program. We will also have the option of camping on the farm in Adjuntas. Leaders reside together with the students throughout the program.

Meals

In San Juan, we eat meals at local restaurants. In smaller towns, we enjoy picnics, home-cooked meals prepared by local cooks, and meals at restaurants.

A Day in the Life: Adjuntas​

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Adjuntas.
8:00am
Enjoy pan de mallorca and café con leche for breakfast with your group
9:00am
Work in small groups on the farm and help to construct a greenhouse
12:00pm
Eat a picnic lunch overlooking the Cordillera Central mountain range
1:00pm
Relax or join in a game of pick-up basketball or ultimate frisbee
2:00pm
Plant coffee trees and learn about the cultivation process
5:00pm
Cool off with friends in a freshwater swimming hole
7:00pm
Share a dinner of mofongo with friends of the school
8:00pm
Reflect on the day around a bonfire under the stars

A Day in the Life:
Adjuntas​

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Adjuntas.
8:00am
Enjoy pan de mallorca and café con leche for breakfast with your group
9:00am
Work in small groups on the farm and help to construct a greenhouse
12:00pm
Eat a picnic lunch overlooking the Cordillera Central mountain range
1:00pm
Relax or join in a game of pick-up basketball or ultimate frisbee
2:00pm
Plant coffee trees and learn about the cultivation process
5:00pm
Cool off with friends in a freshwater swimming hole
7:00pm
Share a dinner of mofongo with friends of the school
8:00pm
Reflect on the day around a bonfire under the stars
“Camping and helping at the farm made me feel closer to earth.”
—Sophia T., Tamalpais High School, Sausalito, CA
smorb_leader-group_juliana_gutierrez_gregorio_rojas-scaled-e1668706440727

This Program is Directed by

Juliana Gutierrez & Gregorio Rojas

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

smorb_leader-group_juliana_gutierrez_gregorio_rojas-scaled-e1668706440727

This Program is Directed by

Juliana Gutierrez & Gregorio Rojas

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

$800 tuition discount + no application fee

Pre-College
Barcelona
Tokyo
Tuscany
Intensives
Oxford Academia
You may also like
Climate & Conservation
Baja & the Gulf of California
Belize
Canadian Arctic
Chile
Iceland
Namibia
Culture & Art
Science & Business
Exploration
Australia & Fiji
Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji
Croatia & Slovenia
Iceland
Italy & Greece
Japan
Kilimanjaro
Norway
Patagonia: Skiing
Switzerland, France, & Holland
Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland
French
France
Mandarin
China
Spanish
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Spain
You may also like
Service
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Hawai'i
Morocco
Nepal
Peru
Puerto Rico
Tanzania
Thailand
Vietnam
Eligible for 8th grade*​
Columbia Climate School Collaboration
Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Grades 7&8​
Ireland
Iceland
France & Holland
Italy & Greece
Grades 7&8​
France
Spain
Grades 6–8
Costa Rica
Grades 7&8​
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Puerto Rico
Service & Environmental Sustainability

2024 Dates
July 10 — July 24

Duration
15 days

Tuition
$6,390 + airfare

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
16–18 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from New York

Service Hours
30–35 

Additional Info

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

 

2024 Dates
July 10 — July 24

Duration
15 days

Tuition
$6,390 + airfare

Service Hours
30–35 

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
16–18 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from New York

 

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

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Putney has been the leader in student travel and educational summers for more than 70 years. As a family-run organization, our decades of experience, our dedication to quality programs, and the personal service you receive are unmatched.

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