W23 Puerto Rico – Helping Hands

Status

Closed

Trip Destination

Puerto Rico

Approximate Price

$2050 (BWR grant applied)

Trip Date

02/26/2023

TO

03/05/2023

Application Deadline

10/25/2022

Cost Information

Cost for Domestic Students: $500-$1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for International Students: $1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for Students Not Willing to Take the BWR Course: ~$5000 (Full amount of IFS)

Above costs are for International Field Studies, for other programs please see the approximate cost listed above.

Program Information

This opportunity is available to all Niagara College students. Please note that part-time students are not eligible for the Be World Ready Grant.

Physical Intensity

Accommodations

Meals

Steps to Apply

W23 Puerto Rico – Helping Hands

Discover Puerto Rico – the heart and soul of the Caribbean. An island that is rich with history and culture, exceptional food, pristine beaches, and diverse terrain, all in one place just waiting to be discovered by the curious minds of Niagara College students. This island was devastated Hurricane Maria, one of the most destructive hurricanes to sweep through the Caribbean and it has sure left lasting effects on the island itself, but the passion of its people is unwavering. It is this passion, dedication and community spirit that will leave you with life-long memories while contributing to those who need it most.

Board your flight from Toronto to San Juan to begin a week that will be full of heart, helping hands, and leave you feeling humbled. We begin our week strolling the cobblestone streets with a local eco-tourism company in the colonial heart of one of the oldest European cities of the Americas, San Juan!  After a fun filled day of familiarizing ourselves with beautiful San Juan, we get our helping hands ready to head into the tropical hills above Cerro Gordo to begin our community rebuilding efforts with individual families whose homes were severely damaged by the high winds and flooding attributable to Hurricane Maria. During this week, we will also take time to explore a sustainable forestry project located at an ecological research center in the southern rain forest as well as participate in scenic excursions into the Caribbean Basin’s finest example of a tropical rainforest and wilderness area, El Yunque. With your camera in hand, ascend into the clouds and hike along the El Angelito Trail under the jungle canopy!

Join Be World Ready for an incredible week, packed to the brim with education, fun, laughter, and most importantly heart. Spend your break week helping to uplift the lives of others, create life-long memories and friendships, while expanding your global mindset. Will you be among the helping hands to discover the heart and soul of the Caribbean this winter?

 

Travel Visa + Immigration Documentation:

Students are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) or ETIAS on their own; Be World Ready is not able to apply for any travel visa(s) or ETIAS on your behalf. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation 11 weeks before departure to apply for a Visa as long as you have confirmed your appointment date at [email protected]. All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges upon reentry to Canada. Travel restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada may change at any time. All travellers are responsible for remaining up to date with any restrictions and requirements for travel and re-entry to Canada leading up to and throughout their International Field Study. Niagara College Canada will assume no responsibility for any changes to governing body travel restrictions, required documentation for travel or any refused entry as a result of change. Travellers are encouraged to review the Government of Canada Website for the latest restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada, as well as to check entry requirements to their destination country as a Canadian citizen. If an ETIAS is not acquired, a visa appointment is not secured, or if a visa application is rejected, Niagara College and Be World Ready are unable to refund any payments made. All payments made towards the International Field Study are final.

All international or domestic students, in full-time or part-time* status, and in good academic standing at Niagara College, are eligible for a Be World Ready grant to help offset the cost of their international experience. You must be actively enrolled in studies during the term of travel to participate. International Field Studies participation is permitted only for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS since beginning their studies at Niagara College. Students will not directly receive grant money as the full value of the grant has already been applied to the final payment to offset the total cost of the learning experience abroad. For students who do not complete all grant requirements by established deadlines (including the time of submission), the full grant amount may be charged directly to their student account. Details on grant requirements will be shared with you as part of the mandatory Be World Ready (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103) course, which all students participating in a Be World Ready International Field Study must enroll in and successfully complete. Eligibility requirements can vary from term-to-term, and from one opportunity to the next. Please complete the eligibility quiz linked on the specific opportunity page to determine if you meet eligibility requirements.

*Part-time students, are defined by Be World Ready as those actively enrolled in a Niagara College program, taking a minimum of 2 classes during the term of travel that contribute to their program progression and credential completion. Students taking a class that does not contribute to a program would not qualify to participate in a Be World Ready International Field Study.

Day 1: February 26, 2023

IT’S HAPPENING! The day has finally arrived! Make your way to Toronto Pearson International Airport to meet up with the group to depart to San Juan, Puerto Rico for what will certainly be an eye opening, life changing week ahead. Upon arrival, we will be met by our trip leaders with Global Works and transferred to our accommodations to get settled in. Welcome to the beautiful Puerto Rico!

(D)

Day 2: February 27, 2023

This morning we wake up feeling refreshed and ready to seize the day. After breakfast, we depart the Big Yellow House and head for Viejo San Juan – the colonial heart of one of the oldest European cities of the Americas! We take to the cobblestone streets in the historic district with Alvin Robles, owner of a local eco-tourism company, as he guides us on an interactive tour while educating us of Puerto Rico’s vibrant past.

We are truly in for a treat today as we enjoy a traditional Boriqua lunch at one of Old San Juan’s oldest eateries, El Jibarito! After our bellies are full of delicious local foods, we head to the water to cool off in the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea.

This evening, we head back to our accommodations to prepare for the week ahead. We will take in a documentary film that chronicles the tremendous impact that Hurricane Maria had on the island and feel the importance of the week ahead.

  • Guided tour of San Juan

(B, L, D)

Day 3: February 28, 2023

After breakfast, we load into our vans and drive into the tropical hills above Cerro Gordo and enter the community of Villa del Rio to begin our reconstruction projects. The projects will focus on rebuilding efforts with individual families whose homes were severely damaged by the high winds and flooding attributable to Hurricane Maria. The day will be spent, focusing on the rebuilding efforts with a break in between to enjoy a hard earned, traditional Puerto Rican lunch prepared by local community members.

Upon our return to Cerro Gordo, feel free to play some volleyball, basketball, or some downtime before this evening’s group activities where we take time to reflect on the day’s service work and our role as outsiders in the multifaceted dynamics of community development.

  • Community rebuilding efforts

(B, L, D)

Day 4: March 1, 2023

Our focus shifts today as we drive to an ecological research center in the southern rainforest for a sustainable forestry project! On arrival, we will be introduced to the partners and the environmental service projects that they are working on and the importance and impact they have. Let’s get involved!

As we enjoy a homemade lunch, we have time to discuss the ongoing reforestation and recovery initiatives and how critical they are.

After today’s projects wrap up, grab your waterproof case for your phone because we are going to take a short walk for a refreshing dip into a natural freshwater swimming hole in the jungle! The fun doesn’t stop here, after we head back to our home-base we take in some salsa dance lessons with a professional Latin dance teacher. Tonight’s dinner is a pizza party or an in-house Iron Chef competition!

  • Sustainable forestry projects
  • Freshwater swimming hole
  • Salsa lessons

(B, L, D)

Day 5: March 2, 2023

Today, we wake up focused and dedicated to the community as our efforts are directed towards Villa del Rio again this morning. As we drive back into the hills, our excitement builds to contribute to the projects and needs that have been identified by the community.

After the day’s efforts conclude, we head back to our headquarters to enjoy a beach cook-out and prepare for tomorrow’s departure to the eastern side of this incredibly enchanting island.

(B, L, D)

Day 6: March 3, 2023

Wake, enjoy a delicious breakfast and pack your bag for the day as we head over to the Northeast Ecological Corridor Protected Refuge. Here, we meet with ecological tourism experts and engage in some hands-on service projects that focus on the preservation of the natural, native environment.

The projects we will roll up our sleeves and jump in on may include trail maintenance or small construction work to help create a safe zone for local wildlife, including wild iguana and nesting sea turtles.

We will enjoy a tropical lunch made by our Global Works leaders and after our projects conclude in the late afternoon, we will return to Cerro Gordo for group activities and reflection.

  • Visit Northeast Ecological Corridor Protected Refuge
  • Group activities

(B, L, D)

Day 7: March 4, 2023

Today we travel to El Yunque – the Carribean Basin’s finest example of tropical rainforest and wilderness area. We will ascend into the clouds and hike along El Angelito Trail, grab a beachside lunch at Los Kioskos de Luquillo before settling in at our lodging in the coastal community of Luquillo. Dip our paddles into the spectacular bioluminescent bay on a sunset kayaking excursion and have our final group dinner in Fajardo.

  • Visit El Yunque

(B, L, D)

Day 8: March 5, 2023

Today we say our farewells to the heart of the Caribbean and the beautiful people that call it home as we depart San Juan International Airport for Toronto. It has been an eye opening, inspiring and uplifting week. Together, we can make a difference and improve the lives of those around us through the strength of community. Adios San Juan!

Would you like to know more? You can read through the below trip blogs written by Global Works trip leaders from 2 previous Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief sessions in 2022.

Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief, Session 3 ~ 2022

Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief, Session 4 ~ 2022

 

Disclaimers: Be World Ready does their best to execute the itinerary as outlined above, however all elements are subject to change based on availability or requirement to adapt due to circumstances outside of our control. Cost of the overall experience may fluctuate up to a maximum of $200.00 +/- CAD due to volume of participants and local exchange rate. Students will be informed in writing as early as possible if it is foreseen that the cost will increase. Students are also reminded that it is their responsibility to research the entry requirements to the destination countries visited per their nationality and vaccination status.

* Price per student is in Canadian Dollars and reflects the Be World Ready (BWR) grant which has been applied to the total trip cost to heavily subsidize the rate per person for our Winter 2023 International Field Studies (IFS). Our future IFS BWR grants will not remain this high. To qualify for the full value of the BWR grant applied to this IFS, mandatory training and tasks are required to be completed, training and task expectations will be clearly communicated by BWR staff upon registration. Failure to complete the requirements as outlined by BWR staff will result in the value of the grant being billed back to the applicable student account, up to a maximum of $2500. Securing your seat on this trip will occur on a first come, first serve basis based on registration date, and meeting payment timelines.

  • Included
    • Round-trip airfare, including 1 checked bag (maximum weight is 23kg/50lb and maximum size is 158cm/62 linear inches)
    • Accommodations
    • Travel Insurance
    • 3 meals daily in destination!
    • Guided tour of San Juan
    • Visit El Yunque Rainforst
    • Explore sustainable forestry project
    • Community rebuilding efforts
    • Rate per student is inclusive of taxes and fees

     

  • Not Included
    • Visa Fees (if necessary)
    • Passport (or any associated costs)
    • Transportation to/from Toronto
    • Meals not outlined in the daily itinerary
    • Items of a personal nature
    • Souvenirs
    • Departure taxes (otherwise known as an Exit Tax) or additional fees for items not noted as included, if applicable. Example of additional fees could be overweight baggage.
The Be World Ready program at Niagara College prepares you for global success through education, exchange, and international experience. This program offers you the opportunity to experience culturally diverse learning environments, understand different perspectives and connect practical skills with a global mindset to help you launch your career.
An international field study is a 7 – 10 day experience that incorporates both vocational and cultural elements, while visiting some of the world’s most famous sights! Many of our international field studies are customized for specific Schools and programs at Niagara College, allowing students to apply the skills learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. All international field studies depart during the Niagara College break weeks to ensure that students do not miss any classes.
All international field studies will include roundtrip airfare (where applicable), accommodations, travel insurance, entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary, and some meals as outlined in the itinerary. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be viewable on the posted webpage for any international field study on our website. Participants can expect to purchase some meals on their own and will need to bring spending money for any souvenirs, extra excursions, incidentals or items of a personal nature.

No. All aspects noted as included in the overall cost of the selected international field study are mandatory with no exceptions made. Our international field studies are built using group pricing and it is important that we do not deviate from the inclusions as it could negatively impact our ability to offer fair pricing to all participants.

In addition to affecting group pricing, these are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

No. Students are not able to book their own flight in any way or alter the flights confirmed by Be World Ready. The round-trip flights as confirmed by Be World Ready are part of the package pricing, and the group is to travel to and from the destination country together.

These are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

Each international field study destination has different accommodation providers or themes. Accommodation types that are used may include a combination of dorm-style rooms, homestays, tourist class hotels, or occasionally hostels. We strive to ensure we use centrally located accommodation when in city centres, allowing our participants to explore their surroundings more easily. Private accommodation is not guaranteed.

Rooms will vary in style on each trip; however, they are commonly twin share (2 people to a room with separate beds where possible). Single rooms may be available for an additional room fee provided adequate notice is given to Be World Ready staff. We strive to ensure you have comfortable, affordable accommodations anywhere you travel.

Students will be given the opportunity to meet their fellow travellers before the deadline to submit their roommate requests. Be World Ready does their best to accommodate rooming requests, but please note that final rooming arrangements are subject to room occupancy requirements and availability. A rooming list will be created by Be World Ready staff and shared with our accommodation providers before your departure. All participants will be emailed and will have the opportunity to identify their preferred roommate(s). While we will make every effort to ensure all preferences are met, we cannot guarantee it.

As long as they are current full-time Niagara College students and meet the program eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any persons to participate in any of our international field studies that are not current full-time students at Niagara College.

In addition to regular communications shared with participants leading up to the departure of their international field study of choice, Be World Ready requires students to attend the Be World Ready course, which includes but is not limited to, online trainings and pre-departure training sessions. During the pre-departure training sessions, students will be presented with the overall expectations of the trip as well as in-depth details concerning their itinerary.

During their time abroad, students will be able to communicate with their trip leads directly, 24/7, with any questions or concerns.

All participants are required to hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return to participate in any opportunity involving outbound travel.

You are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on your own. Be World Ready is unable to tell you what visa you require and how to apply. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa. While Be World Ready is not able to advise or guide you in a heightened level of detail through any particular visa process, you may consider hiring a travel visa service to assist you with the visa application process, such as CIBT visas. Please note that Be World Ready and Niagara College do not endorse any third-party vendors, nor have any influence or control over any outcomes or services rendered. We cannot apply for a visa on behalf of any participant.

All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges with reentry to Canada.

Yes, while it is great to have a Nexus card, all participants must hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return in order to participate in any opportunity outside of Canada.
Depending on your destination country, we encourage you to book an appointment with a travel health professional regarding any additional vaccinations and medications you may need. It is strongly encouraged that you book an appointment with the Campus Nurse to go over this information. To do so, please visit the medical office to book an appointment at your respective campus.
Be World Ready takes the safety of our staff and students very seriously and has a rigorous risk management assessment when creating all opportunities. Be World Ready staff monitor destination country risk levels as communicated by the Government of Canada. Your safety is the most important aspect of this trip. Be World Ready and Niagara College take all possible precautions to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable experience while travelling abroad.
Students who sign up during the active promotional period for the international field study will be presented with a payment schedule to follow. At time of registration, students will be only required to pay the full non-refundable deposit that is disclosed at time of registration. Students who are permitted to sign up late will be expected to catch up on any payments missed according to the payment schedule advertised. In some instances, there may only be one payment due date.
Complete the eligibility quiz linked on the webpage of the International Field Study you’re interested in to find out if you meet eligibility requirements.
No. Students will not directly receive grant money as the full value of the grant has already been applied to the final payment to offset the total cost of the learning experience abroad. For students who do not complete all grant requirements by established deadlines (including the time of submission), the full grant amount may be charged directly to their student account. Details on grant requirements will be shared with you as part of the mandatory Be World Ready (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103) course, which all students participating in a Be World Ready International Field Study must enroll in and successfully complete to receive funding.
Students are only permitted to travel on an IFS to their home country if the IFS is program specific. IFS’ that are open to students from all programs do not permit students to travel if the destination is their home country. The purpose of the grant funding is to help students gain global competencies that they would not otherwise be exposed to, and as such, travelling to destinations they’ve previously lived in does not support this goal.
Students have the potential to travel and receive funding through Be World Ready up to 2 times; students can travel once on either an International Field Study, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange, and they can potentially travel again for a Work Abroad opportunity (if eligibility requirements are met – please note that if more applications are received than work abroad grants available, priority will be given to those who have never travelled on any type of Be World Ready experience before). So, if you’re wanting to travel on an International Field Study, note that participation on an IFS is permitted only for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange since beginning their studies at Niagara College.

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