Student Travel Makes a Positive Social Impact!
April 6, 2017SYTA recently conducted a study on the benefits of student travel. They gathered data from teachers all across the U.S. To learn about their findings, click the button below for the full article.
Read Full ArticleThe Happiest Man In The World Lives In Puerto Rico
February 15, 2017The blog for the Marriott Hotel chain recently spotlighted one of their employees as the happiest man in the world and he happens to live and work in Puerto Rico! Felix Perez works as a door man at the La Concha Renaissance Hotel. He exemplifies what amazing customer service should be. He is so well known for the service he provides their customers that people stop by the hotel just to meet them, even if they aren’t staying in the hotel! Next time you are visiting Puerto Rico, stop by and meet the happiest man in the world.
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San Sebastián Festival
January 18, 2017The San Sebastián Festival might be one of the most celebrated and crowded festivals on the entire island. It takes place all over the old city (not just at Calle San Sebastián) on the second or third week of January every year. Approximately 500,000 people are present in this cultural event. It lasts four days from Thursday to Sunday.
One of the richest aspects of the San Sebastián Festival is its unique collection of authentic Puerto Rican art sold by artists. People from all over the island flock to the city to find great bargains on authentic handmade arts and crafts. In addition to the cultural and artistic aspect of the festival, there are numerous family events, great food, and live shows in the evening.
ArtCenter in Cuba
January 3, 2017ArtCenter traveled to Cuba in Early October. Here is a bit of what they did there:
Fresh Eyes Cuba is a 14 week transdisciplinary studio course organized around a 10-day immersive trip to Havana, Cuba in early October. Faculty and students lived in Havana and collaborated with the Instituto de Diseño (ISDi), Cuba’s design school. Under the guidance of ArtCenter faculty, communication and industrial design students from ArtCenter and ISDi engaged in an experiential workshop, building interactive pop-up installations that attracted 200 people. This final exhibition at ArtCenter will feature installations that are a reflection of and reaction to the students’ individual and collective experiences in Cuba’s ecosystem of innovation and creativity at this historic moment in time.
Vámonos Tours Offers Language Immersion in the Caribbean
November 30, 2016Article on Vámonos Tours Excerpt Published in Courier Magazine; November 2016 Edition page 42
Vámonos Tours engages students with programs that combine cultural exchange, service projects and active adventure. On a zipline and nature excursion in Puerto Rico, students hike with local organic farmers and spelunk through hidden caves.
“We make an effort to add Puerto Rican flavor, history and nature to our zipline experience,” says Pardo. “[Students] learn before flying through the forest on four to five ziplines.” Other itineraries have included meeting local fisherman.
Cuba: Travel tips and reviews
June 8, 2016Cuba: Travel tips and reviews
This is a more detailed review of my trip than my Huffington Post essay of observations and reflections.
Getting in/Visas.
From what I have read, there will be many flights a week from the U.S. in just a few months. In addition, there may additional opening of travel restrictions. Americans are only allowed to travel under certain categories. For those without business, cultural exchanges, research, or family, typically we travel under “People to People” or “Support for the Cuban People.” Until recently, these were official tours and quite expensive as you had to go with a licensed company. As of two months ago, Americans can now conduct their own tours.
I flew through Mexico City, where we attended a wedding. I was stressed about getting my visa but it was super-easy. I went to the AeroMexico counter after security in the gate area and was able to purchase it there. They did not ask for my itinerary (I had read online was that you are supposed to have one with you which I did), and I paid a fee in Pesos (I think it was $40 or so per person). Immigration in Cuba was simple and straightforward.
PuertoRico’s Fiscal Challenges and Conducting Meetings and Conventions On The Island Fiscal Situation Statement
October 27, 2015As the Puerto Rico Government, the Obama Administration, the US Congress, and Bondholders work together to address Puerto Rico’s Economic and Fiscal Situation to put into place important measures providing the Island with a way to restructure its debt and revive its economy, the tourism business sector, specifically the groups and conventions segment is strong and secure.
Airports, hotels, taxis, communication services and other elements of Puerto Rico’s tourism infrastructure are not affected by the government’s financial status. The United States government continues to support Puerto Rico in many areas including health care, subsidized housing and policing, plus Puerto Rico’s banks are backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
A Passion for Puerto Rico
April 2, 2015Excpert Published in Courier Magazine; April 2015 Edition page 40
Compiled By: Pat Henderson
During his career as a middle school and high school language teacher, Jorge Pardo organized immersion tours to Puerto Rico. As he was taking his students on these educational trips, his passion for the northeastern Caribbean island grew and led to him opening Vámonos Tours in 2002.
Morrill Spanish Club Tours Puerto Rico
July 2, 2014Excerpt As published in the Nebraska Star-Herald Newpaper; July 2, 2014
By: Sara Beyer
Six members of the Morrill High School Spanish Club and their sponsor have returned from a whirlwind fiveday, four-night tour of Puerto Rico.
Traveling were recent graduates Megan Fish, Amanda Kaufman, Ana Rodriguez, and Athena Tarin; up-coming senior Traci Sinner; up-coming junior Erika Derr; and their sponsor Sara Beyer.
Medford High School students, faculty take in sights in Puerto Rico
May 7, 2013Excerpt from Article on WickedLocal.com published May 7, 2013
By Alyssa Valentyn
Puerto Rico literally means “rich port,” for all its wealth and beauty. For the 44 Medford High School students and faculty who traveled to the island this past February vacation, it was more than just beautiful: it was rich in memories we’ll never forget.
We arrived in Condado, Puerto Rico, at 2:30 in the morning. The groggy group of students from when we boarded the plane in Boston suddenly became excited with the sight of palm trees and the feel of the night’s warm air; after all, in Boston, it had seemed like a record-breaking cold day.