Puerto Rico Program

Summer 2011

Check back for other upcoming GET programs in  South Africa (2012) and Taiwan (2010).

Graced with an array of breathtaking landscapes, Puerto Rico offers a tremendous amount of beauty and biodiversity. From 200 foot cliffs banking the ocean to an extensive freshwater aquifer that sculpts a massive cave system in the Karst Region to rain clouds slowly misting the dense tropical forests, this island offers a magnificent habitats for various endangered species all enclosed in 311 miles of land coverage, about the size of Delaware. The adventure never ceases to end. Explore diverse cultures and customs, unique geological features, and specific habitats for endangered species. GET is offering a unique opportunity to K-12 formal educators to explore Puerto Rico for two weeks in 2011.

Participants in the 2011 GET Exchange in Puerto Rico will experience some of Puerto Rico's diverse ecosystems firsthand with fellow teachers from Puerto Rico and the mainland USA. Share teaching techniques, stories, and passion for education with others. Experience the similarities that seem to be inherent the education field throughout the world and identify differences that will allow you to examine the world through a different lens. This program has been designed to foster friendship between educators from different cultures, promote personal and professional growth, and provide an enriching and FUN environmental education program! 

Requirements:

To participate in the GET Program you must be an educator. This year we are opening it up to non-formal educators in addition to K-12 formal educators and administrators. The online course is a pre-requisite for the travel portion. All online courses are delivered in English. The travel course is also delivered in English, but GET makes an attempt to have as much of the program activities translated into the native language as possible. The native language in Puerto Rico is Spanish.

GET’s Puerto Rico Program includes three components:

Part One: An online course is required prior to departing for Puerto Rico. This course includes an introduction to island ecology and Puerto Rican culture, and is intended to prepare educators prior to traveling. 

Part Two: Explore Puerto Rico with educators from mainland US and Puerto Rico.

Part Three: Workshop with educators from Puerto Rico.

2008 Program Details:

Online Course Dates: TBA

Online Course Instructor: TBA

Travel Course Dates: Tentatively June 17 - July 1, 2011

Travel Course Instructor: TBA

Graduate Credits: 3 Credits (1 from pre-travel online course, 2 while in Puerto Rico).

Program Benefits: 3 graduate credits, food, lodging, entrance fees, and transportation.

Program Costs: Valued at $3,500, but offered to teachers for $1,995. Airfare to Puerto Rico is not included.

Application: 10 educators from the mainland USA and 10 educators from Puerto Rico will be selected for participation.