Traveling To Puerto Rico: How To Help As A Visitor

Puerto Rico is a vibrant island with a rich history and culture, offering exceptional food and drinks, pristine beaches, and majestic mountains. Travellers can enjoy the classic Caribbean charm, including swaying palms, colourful colonial architecture, and ever-present rum drinks. Beyond the beaches, Puerto Rico has a lot to offer, from its vibrant cities to its lush, breezy mountains and tropical rainforests.

Volunteer opportunities in Puerto Rico include environmental conservation and community development initiatives. Travellers can also teach conversational English to children, work on hurricane relief efforts, or participate in beach clean-up projects.

Support hurricane relief efforts

Puerto Rico has been hit by several natural disasters in recent years, including hurricanes Irma and Maria, which caused widespread devastation and kick-started a homegrown recovery and rejuvenation effort.

If you're travelling to Puerto Rico and want to help with hurricane relief efforts, there are several organisations that run volunteer programmes on the island. Here are some options to consider:

• International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers trusted and affordable volunteer programmes in Puerto Rico.
• Developing Solidarity works with community-based organisations and addresses issues such as youth development and human services.
• Community Collaborations International (CCI) runs projects in Puerto Rico that focus on environmental and human service issues.
• 1Planet is an organisation that places volunteers in community projects, including environmental conservation initiatives in Rincon, Puerto Rico.
• Global Works is another organisation mentioned by a reviewer, whose daughter participated in the Hurricane Relief program in Puerto Rico and had an impactful and rewarding experience.

These organisations provide opportunities for hands-on service and community development work, such as building homes and maintaining community gardens. By participating in these programmes, travellers can directly support hurricane relief and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.

Teach conversational English to children

Teaching conversational English to children in Puerto Rico can be a rewarding experience, and here are some tips to help you get started:

Requirements and Qualifications

Before embarking on your teaching journey in Puerto Rico, it is important to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements and qualifications. To teach English as a foreign language in Puerto Rico, you may need to obtain a teaching license and meet certain academic credits. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of institution you wish to teach at, such as private schools, full-time or part-time language schools, state schools, or community centers. Additionally, having a Bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification can enhance your qualifications and increase your chances of finding a teaching position.

Visa and Legal Requirements

As Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, US citizens do not need a passport to enter. However, for non-US citizens, the passport and visa requirements for entering Puerto Rico are similar to those for entering the US. Ensure you research the specific visa requirements for your country of origin. Additionally, all visitors to Puerto Rico should ensure their routine vaccines are up to date, including COVID-19 vaccines, and consider any recommended additional vaccines and medications.

Finding Teaching Opportunities

To find teaching opportunities in Puerto Rico, you can explore various avenues. You can start by searching for job openings at local schools, language institutes, or community centers. Networking and reaching out to local educators or institutions can also be beneficial. Additionally, you may consider contacting organizations or programs that facilitate volunteer teaching opportunities in Puerto Rico, such as Global Volunteers, which offers programs to support Puerto Rican children in developing their English skills.

Cultural Considerations

When teaching in Puerto Rico, it is important to be mindful of the local culture and customs. Puerto Rico has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a Spanish colony and its proximity to Latin America. Respecting and embracing the local culture can enhance your teaching experience and create a more meaningful connection with your students. Additionally, be mindful of conservative dress codes in certain areas, especially in more formal settings like malls or religious sites.

Teaching Strategies

To effectively teach conversational English to children in Puerto Rico, consider the following strategies:

• Immersion and Practice: Emphasize spoken English in your lessons to promote conversational fluency. Puerto Rican students often understand grammar and reading but lack fluency due to a lack of daily conversational practice.
• Interactive Activities: Engage your students with interactive and fun activities that encourage them to speak English. This can include games, role-playing, and group discussions.
• Cultural Exchange: Incorporate cultural aspects into your lessons. Share your own customs and traditions while also learning about Puerto Rican culture. This approach can make learning more interesting and meaningful for your students.
• Adapt to Individual Needs: Recognize that each student has unique learning needs and abilities. Be patient and provide individualized support to help them improve their English conversation skills.

By following these guidelines and adapting to the local context, you can effectively teach conversational English to children in Puerto Rico and make a positive impact on their language skills and future opportunities.

Support environmental conservation

Puerto Rico is known for its breathtaking oceanfront vistas, lush mountains, tropical rainforests, and pumping nightlife. The island is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including birds, manatees, and dolphins. However, the vibrant island is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, which has put its fishing and tourism industries—the lifelines of the population—at risk.

• Choose sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations: Opt for accommodations that are certified green and eco-friendly. Examples include the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, solar-powered lofts like Hix Island House, and eco-friendly Bed and Breakfasts like Casa Sol.
• Support local community initiatives and small businesses: Look for locally-led initiatives that highlight Puerto Rico's beauty while ensuring the conservation and good use of natural resources. For example, exploration tours like the Camuy River Cave Park, Guánica's Dry Forest, and El Yunque offer a sense of the Island's diverse landscape while supporting local communities.
• Participate in low-impact activities: Instead of high-impact activities that may damage the environment, opt for low-impact activities such as kayaking in a bioluminescent bay or ziplining through a forest. These activities allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of Puerto Rico while minimizing your ecological footprint.
• Practice sustainable tourism: Respect the environment and the local culture by making conscious choices. This includes managing your resources wisely, choosing ecological adventures, and supporting local small businesses. This helps protect Puerto Rico's natural beauty and cultural integrity.
• Volunteer for environmental sustainability projects: Organizations like International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offer environmental sustainability volunteer programs where travelers can assist with the recovery and protection of Puerto Rico's natural environment. These programs provide an opportunity to gain conservation experience, learn about the challenges of climate change, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the island.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn about the environmental challenges faced by Puerto Rico, such as the impacts of hurricanes and climate change. Share this knowledge with others and participate in educational workshops on topics like recycling, coastline conservation, and climate change.
• Support local agriculture: Puerto Rico's agro-diversity offers a unique opportunity to experience and support local agriculture. Participate in agrotourism by visiting local farms, learning about the culture and traditions of the land, and supporting sustainable farming practices.
• Conserve water and energy: Water and energy conservation are crucial for environmental sustainability. Practice water conservation by using water efficiently and being mindful of your usage. Similarly, conserve energy by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and consider using renewable energy sources whenever possible.

Support community development

Supporting community development in Puerto Rico as a traveller is a fantastic way to positively impact the local communities and learn about the Puerto Rican culture. Here are some ways you can support community development:

International Volunteer HQ's Community Development Project

This program is based in and around San Juan, the coastal capital of Puerto Rico. Volunteers will work at a grass-roots level to support local communities and address their specific needs and priorities. Duties are varied and may include administration support, fundraising, clothing donation collection, and working in local neighbourhood organisations, community centres, parks, urban gardens, shelters, and schools. The program starts every Monday, and you can choose to volunteer for 1 to 12 weeks. The accommodation is dormitory-style in one of two public hostels in San Juan, and the program fee starts at $625 for one week.

World Central Kitchen Food Producer Network

World Central Kitchen, a passion project by Chef José Andrés, focuses on strengthening Puerto Rico's food security. As a volunteer, you can lend a hand at the WCK's farmer's market in San Juan or help out at Rancho Orgánico Feliz, a small farm in the northwestern town of San Sebastián. At Rancho Orgánico Feliz, you can assist the owner, Sebastián, in planting fruit trees or constructing pens for his farm animals.

Para La Naturaleza

Para La Naturaleza is Puerto Rico's largest land conservancy organisation. You can sign up to volunteer with them and help protect endangered sea turtles at Hacienda La Esperanza in Manatí. There are also other one-day volunteering activities, such as planting trees across the island and helping with cacao harvesting at Hacienda Buena Vista in Ponce.

International Beach Clean-Up Day

Scuba Dog Society, a local NGO, organises beach clean-ups throughout the year, with their largest event being the International Coastal Cleanup Day in mid-September. As one of Puerto Rico's greatest treasures is its beaches, you can show your appreciation by volunteering at one of these clean-ups.

One Human Family Coalition Nurse Volunteer Program

If you're a nurse or studying to become one, consider spending a week as a volunteer in Quebradillas with the One Human Family Coalition. They organise one-week immersions for nurse groups, where you'll deliver homecare to local patients and educate schoolchildren on health-related topics. The organisation will take care of transportation and accommodation.

Support local businesses

Supporting local businesses is a great way to help Puerto Rico as a traveller. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Understand the local businesses' challenges: Puerto Rico has faced several natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes, which have impacted local businesses. Recognise the challenges they face and the importance of your support.
• Visit local shops and restaurants: Instead of dining at well-known franchises, opt for local restaurants and cafes. Explore the unique offerings of Puerto Rico's local businesses, such as the gastronomy, cosmetic industry, and retail sectors.
• Purchase local products: When shopping, prioritise purchasing handcrafted souvenirs, locally made items, and products from small businesses. This directly supports the local economy and entrepreneurs.
• Stay at local accommodations: Choose to stay at local bed-and-breakfasts or boutique accommodations instead of large hotel chains. This provides direct financial support to local businesses and allows you to experience the authentic hospitality of Puerto Rico.
• Explore beyond the tourist areas: While San Juan and the beaches are popular tourist destinations, consider venturing beyond these areas. By exploring other regions, you can discover and support local businesses outside the metropolitan areas.
• Connect with local entrepreneurs: Engage with local business owners and learn about their stories. Understanding their challenges and aspirations can provide insight into how you can best support them.
• Spread the word: During and after your trip, share your positive experiences with others. Recommend the local businesses you enjoyed to your friends, family, and online communities. This helps to create a network of support and encourage others to visit and support these businesses as well.

Frequently asked questions