Puerto Rico: May-June 2019

This program is designed to introduce students to the island of Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States located in the Caribbean Sea. Along with beautiful beaches and a subtropical rainforest, Puerto Rico offers a unique opportunity to explore vibrant cultures that are both “domestic” and "international,” without the need for a passport.
In this three-week cross-cultural program, we consider the ways that contemporary issues and experiences are shaped by political, economic, historical, and geographic forces. We will focus specifically on factors shaping identities, social movements and migration patterns.
Through lectures, conversation, and observation our travel will include dynamic learning experiences:

• We will build relationships with host families and hear a variety of perspectives from people who call Puerto Rico their home.

• Visit El Yunque rainforest, the only subtropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service, and enjoy time at the beach and a bioluminescent bay.

• Spend time exploring the large city of San Juan, with a history dating back to the sixteenth century.

• Become immersed in the mountains of the Aibonito area, where Mennonites first arrived in the 1940s.

• Be introduced to the Spanish of Puerto Rico as we reflect on the benefits and challenges of cross-cultural engagement.

• Attend worship services and participate in a service project as we think about the effects of service to community.

Information

Seminar Leaders Jenni Holsinger and Adam Yoder

Approximate Dates May 21 – June 12, 2019

Estimated Cost $3,500

Course
CCSSC 201 Cross-Cultural Social Science 3 SH

Immunizations

The following immunizations are required for travel to Puerto Rico based on the EMU cross-cultural travel locations.

• Routine – MMR, DPT series with last booster within 10 years, IPV or OPV, and Hep B
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid – oral or injectable at least 3 weeks before travel

• Zika virus is a risk in Puerto Rico.

Pregnant women should not travel to Puerto Rico because Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps. Before travel, those planning pregnancy should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider.
All travelers should follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during and after their trip. Travelers should also use condoms during and after their trip to prevent sexual transmission of Zika. This will protect against getting Zika while traveling and stop its spread to others back home.

Immunizations and prescriptions may be obtained at EMU Health Services by appointment.
Immunizations may also be obtained from your local health department or primary care provider.