Volunteer Programs in Puerto Rico

Away from the tourist traps and development of the cities, you experience an island known for its food, music, salsa dancing, language, and an irresistible Latino culture infused with a laid-back island lifestyle on this teen service program. Puerto Rico is the home of Global Works' first community service trip in 1989 when we helped rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Hugo. In 2017, Hurricane Maria hit and Global Works participants got to work and have been doing hands-on home construction projects. Puerto Rico continues to have some of our most meaningful and fun service projects! Program Options: Puerto Rico: Hurricane Relief - 8-day high school travel program with hands on community service Get ready to practice your Spanish by working alongside locals in reconstruction efforts! Along with meaningful and sustainable service work, you have the opportunity to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico.

Discover Puerto Rico's essence—explore Old San Juan, hike in a rainforest, ride the longest zipline, practice sustainable farming, and witness bioluminescence in Bio Bay. Puerto Rico Paradise (14-18 years old): The program combines outdoor adventures with cultural exploration. Wander through the historic streets of Old San Juan, getting a peek into the time of the Spanish Empire. Immerse yourself in the lush canopy of El Yunque, the only tropical forest in the US National Forest System, hiking and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Experience the thrill of the longest zipline in the Americas. Engage in hands-on sustainable farming and practice your Spanish on cobblestone streets. Witness the glowing bioluminescent plankton during a kayak adventure in the world-famous Bio Bay. This journey offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Puerto Rico.

Embark on an unforgettable six-week adventure that delves into the Caribbean's vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. This program is designed for young travelers (17-22) seeking a unique blend of cultural immersion, community engagement, and thrilling outdoor experiences. Uncover Santo Domingo's rich past, connect with local communities by contributing to rebuilding communities impacted by natural disasters, and immerse yourself in Dominican culture by experiencing the warmth and hospitality of local families through homestays. Hike through lush trails, encounter diverse flora and fauna, and witness the breathtaking waterfalls cascading through the El Yunque Rainforest. Beyond sightseeing and exploration, this program offers the opportunity to develop valuable life skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. Immerse yourself in local customs and traditions to gain a deeper cultural understanding. Step outside your comfort zone to experience personal growth and develop a sense of independence. Plus, build lifelong friendships with like-minded people from around the world.

Our teams in Puerto Rico will be helping repair and reconstruct homes affected by hurricanes near the district of Maunabo, which has a population of about 15,000 people. Maunabo is surrounded by beautiful beaches with blue and green water on one side and high mountains on the other, keeping it secluded from the rest of the island. Our volunteers will stay near the beach at the Hotel Parador Maunacaribe and work in a rural community on its outskirts called Calzada, which has 184 families, plus another 96 families in the surrounding area. We aim to invest in the long-term health of the community by making repairs to existing homes, ensuring they last longer and provide greater security for families in Calzada. Feel free to connect with us for more information!

Sign up for our volunteer vacations in Puerto Rico. It is so close and the need is so great! Join us on our first program in a United States territory in a time of great need. As the world knows, this beautiful archipelago among the Greater Antilles was struck hard by Category 5 hurricane Maria in 2017, the worst natural disaster in its recorded history. Puerto Rico needs you. In your free time, experience the natural beauty that has inspired people to vacation here through the ages: colonial architecture; beautiful beaches; tropical climate (annual average of 80 degrees); and warm, friendly people. The placement is in Yauco, about 80 miles from San Juan. Currently, there is no issue with access to gas and roads necessary to carry out our work. In this area, about 1300 houses need their roof fully or partially repaired. No special skills or languages are necessary though we recommend that volunteers are capable of working in a tropical climate. How many roofs are completed per project week depends on how many volunteers are registered, how fast they work, any weather conditions that arise, and any changes in the availability of materials.