Niner United Spring Break Puerto Rico exposes students to complex social and cultural issues through immersion, experiential learning, direct service, worship, and reflection activities. This trip will expose students to issues such as homelessness, poverty, childhood illiteracy, healthcare, environmental impact, and much more.
Are you ready for a unique, hands-on opportunity to make a difference in the lives? Are you willing to meet and plan ahead of time to make a greater impact? Are you able to suck-it-up and ask for fundraising help? Are you willing to get outside of your comfort zone and take some risks? If you can engage in these tasks, then you may be fit for Niner United's Spring Break Puerto Rico.
True Actual Cost
$900 per student. But you probably will not have to pay more than $200 (see box below).
Deposit
$50 or $100 is due in order to cover the airline deposit (you decide how much you can put down).
Refunds
The deposits and trip costs are non-refundable. However, your required trip insurance will protect you for certain allowable cancellations such as family emergencies, sickness and the like. Also, the airline will allow you to transfer your trip reservation to another student before January.
Included
Accommodations, meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 7 (meals at airports are not covered), ground transportation, airport transfers, travel insurance, airfare, and excursion costs.
Not Included
Items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), optional activities, snorkeling gear for excursions, etc.
Throughout the world, including in the USA, societies deal with issues of poverty and disadvantages. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico is no exception. In fact, Puerto Rico has the lowest GDP within the USA. Many of these underserved are children and teens who have no job or a low-paying unskilled job. Often they turn to crime or prostitution to survive, have more children, and the dead-end cycle continues.
Here UNC Charlotte students will work in clinics, shelters, and crisis centers that help triage immediate needs and work with other leaders who focus on long-term solutions. Our vision is a transformed world where we learn from those we serve, and those we serve become committed to serving others
Physical
The activities on this trip consist of inner city mission, hiking and lengthy days of mission work.
UNC Charlotte
Participants must be currently enrolled UNC Charlotte students. Three faculty and/or staff members will serve as trip advisors, but the trip itself is only open to students.
Lodging
We will be staying in San Juan. Our lodging will have hot water, bathrooms, and beds for everyone. You will need to bring a sleeping bag or sheets for a twin size bed.
Flight
Flying to Puerto Rico from Charlotte is rather costly. We will most likely depart from Raleigh and have an extended lay- over in Miami to reduce the ticket price. Should we do this, we will cover the cost to get to and from Raleigh from Charlotte. Alternatively, if you are from the RDU area we can arrange to meet you at the RDU airport. We’ll prepare you for the layover should we take this option.
Passport
Because Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the USA, travel to and from Puerto Rico does not necessitate a passport. You will simply need a driver’s license or other valid form of photo ID.
The itinerary is subject to change
Saturday March 2
Depart Charlotte 5am
Arrive San Juan 5pm
Sunday March 3
Soup Kitchen
Worship
Orientation
Monday March 4
Inner City Work in San Juan
Tuesday March 5
Inner City Work in San Juan
Evening: Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
Wednesday March 6
Excursion: Isla Caja de Muerto Nature Reserve
or Vieques Island
Thursday March 7
Inner City Work in San Juan
Friday March 8
Visit: Cueva Ventana
Wrap Up - Pack Up
Saturday March 9
Arrive back in Charlotte after 9pm
A Note About the Cost
Students, use the PayPal link below to add to your Puerto Rico account. Friends and supporters, we are now accepting donations toward this mission trip. Donations in any amount are welcomed and appreciated.
