Service-Learning | Cultural Immersion | Lifelong Impact
March 7–14, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable eight-day Alternative Break experience in Puerto Rico, where service meets learning in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the world.
Destination
- El Yunque National Forest
- Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
- Local Puerto Rican Communities
What You’ll Do
- Participate in conservation projects in protected natural areas
- Support disaster relief and resiliency efforts in local communities
- Volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club
- Help with homework
- Assist with recreational activities
- Support youth in practicing English
- Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture and engage with local citizens
Why Join?
- Deepen your understanding of critical social and environmental issues
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills
- Make a positive impact while exploring a new culture
- Prepare for a lifetime of social action and civic engagement
This is more than a trip, it’s a transformative journey.
Program Requirements
The success of the Alternative Spring Break program relies on the responsible, committed, and enthusiastic participation of every team member.
Each participant plays a vital role in creating a meaningful, respectful, and impactful service-learning experience for the communities we serve and for one another.
Students will be responsible for the following:
- Attend group meetings before/after the spring break excursion
- Spring semester: mandatory weekly meetings. Day/Time TBA
- Participate in group fundraising efforts, community service, and social events.
- Contribute to and participate in the final presentation held on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Program Costs
$1,184—CCI program fee includes:
- Seven nights at the Volunteer House in El Yunque, Puerto Rico
- In-country transportation
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Conservation project at Cabezas de San Juan
- Environmental restoration project
- Boys and Girls Club activities: homework, recreational activities, and practice speaking English
- Disaster relief and resiliency project in the local community
- Explore El Escambrón Beach Coral Reef and learn about challenges to Puerto Rico's coral reefs.
$200—Additional Activities
- Group meal at Luquillo Food Kiosks: ~$70 per person
- Las Pailas Water Slides: ~$20 per person
- Island Kayaking Adventure (bioluminescence lagoon): ~$110 per person
$750—Airfare
Departing airport TBD to San Juan Munoz Marin International (SJU) Airport
$275—Bus Transportation to and from the airport
Penn State Altoona to and from TBD designated airport
~$2,409—Tentative Total Program Costs
The possibility of Student Initiated Fee (SIF) and an Academic Affairs Travel Award of $200 funding may be available to help reduce the student’s out-of-pocket costs to participate.
Note: All costs are subject to change based on current market rates and the number of participants at the time of travel.
Other Expenses
- $0–75—Southwest Baggage
- $0—First two checked bags are free (weight and size limits)
- $75—Oversized bag (more than 50 lbs. or larger than 62 inches)
- $30–35.50*—Real ID
- $160—Passport
- $200—Personal expenses
- Immunizations (costs vary depending on insurance coverage)
Academic Requirements
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Registered for spring 2026
Application Process
- Apply online by October 31, 2025. A limited number of participants will be accepted.
- Judicial and academic records reviewed.
- Personal Interview with Alternative Spring Break faculty and staff leaders
Deadlines
- October 31, 2025
- November 15, 2025:
- Signed waivers
- Copy of Real ID and/or Passport
- December 31, 2025
- Obtain required COVID vaccinations
- Other recommended immunizations
- February 3, 2026
- Emergency Preparedness Workshop (mandatory)
Program Advisers
Victoria Hesser, Co-Program Leader
Since 2010, Victoria has served as a dedicated program adviser and logistics facilitator for Penn State’s Alternative Spring Break program, ensuring all activities align with university protocols.
Her leadership has helped shape transformative experiences for students, allowing them to spend their spring breaks meaningfully in communities vastly different from their own. Past destinations have included Jinotega, Nicaragua; Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic; and Luquillo, Puerto Rico—each providing immersive service- learning opportunities that foster cultural understanding, civic engagement, and personal growth.
Dorothee Hendoux-Goodman, Co-Program Leader
Dorothee joined the Alternative Spring Break program in spring 2024, bringing her passion for student engagement and global learning to the team.
She serves as the Faculty and Program Assistant for a wide range of academic areas, including English, the Honors Program, Human Development and Family Studies, Information Sciences and Technology, Mathematics, Multidisciplinary Studies, Visual Art Studies, and World Languages.
