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  1. Home
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  3. Study Away
  4. Upcoming Programs
Photos of Puerto Rico

Alternative Spring Break: Community Collaborations International (CCI) Puerto Rico Project

March 4–11, 2023

Program Description

An eight-day excursion that allows students to experience service-learning by visiting the El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico. Students will participate in conservation projects at Cabezas de San Juan and a disaster relief and resiliency project in the local community. In addition, participants will work with the Boys and Girls Club helping with homework, assisting with recreational activities, and helping youth practice speaking English. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the region's culture and interact with Puerto Rican citizens.

Program Requirements

The success of the Alternative Spring Break program depends on the responsible and enthusiastic participation of all team members.

Students will be responsible for the following:

  • Attend group meetings before/after the spring break trip.
    • Fall semester: one or two meetings
    • Spring semester: mandatory weekly meetings (Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. in the Learning Resources Center, 125C Eiche Library)
  • Participate in group fundraising efforts, community service, and social events.
  • Contribute to and participate in the final presentation held in April.

Program Costs

$985 CCI program fee includes the following:

  • 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, practice speaking English
  • Disaster relief and resiliency project in the local community
  • Catamaran trip to the Coral reef for snorkeling and exploration

$616.60 Airfare

  • Departing airport Baltimore Washington (BWI) to San Juan Munoz Marin International (SJU) Airport

$267 Bus Transportation

  • Penn State Altoona to and from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)

$1868.60 Tentative Total Program Costs
Subject to change based on current market rates and the number of participants at the time of travel.

Other Expenses

  • $30–35.50*: Real ID
    • Learn about the PA Real ID
    • *PA Real ID fees
  • $165: Passport. Apply online.
  • $150: Personal expenses
  • Immunizations (costs vary)

Academic Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Registered for spring 2023

Application Process

  1. Apply online by November 28, 2022. A limited number of participants will be accepted.
  2. Judicial and academic records reviewed.
  3. Personal Interview with ASB faculty and staff leaders

Deadlines

  • November 14 (week of)
    • One-on-one interviews
  • November 28
    • Online registration
    • Signed waivers
    • Copy of Real ID or Passport
  • January 9
    • Bursar account charged
  • January 31
    • Emergency Preparedness Workshop (mandatory)
  • February 1
    • Obtain required COVID and other recommended immunizations

Program Advisers

  • Michael Baronner, Penn State Altoona’s landscape team leader. Michael’s agricultural expertise is essential in the development of sustainable orchard and crop fields.
  • Victoria Hesser, Program Assistant. Victoria has acted as a program adviser and facilitator of logistics following University protocol for the program since 2010.
Michael Baronner

Michael S. Baronner

Group Leader, Landscape A, Facilities and Operations
[email protected]
814-949-5077
Facilities and Operations Building
Photo Not Available

Victoria J. Hesser

Program Assistant, Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center, Academic Internships, Study Away, Center for Community-Based Studies
[email protected]
814-949-5212
Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center, 125D

Study Away

  • Upcoming Programs
    • Alternative Spring Break: Community Collaborations International (CCI) Puerto Rico Project
    • Environment and Culture in Costa Rica
    • London Calling: Ordering the World
  • Past Programs
    • Agriculture in Guanajuato, Mexico
    • Bolivia Spring Break Trip
    • Environment and Culture: Costa Rica
    • Hope Partners Costa Rica
    • Intercultural Studies in Ecuador
    • Ireland: Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship
    • Maymester in Mexico
    • Motorheads: Engineering Program in Southern Germany
    • Paris and The Châteaux
    • Penn State Altoona Nursing Program in Cuba
    • Vienna and FH St. Poelten
    • Women's Soccer in Costa Rica
  • Study Away Grants and Scholarships

Study Away

Beth Seymour
Study Away Coordinator
125E Eiche Library
814-949-5335
[email protected]

Victoria Hesser
Program Assistant
125D Eiche Library
814-949-5212
[email protected]

Study Away Grants and Scholarships
Find Out More
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • College Leadership
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
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    • Hall of Fame
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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