Student Culture Trip to Puerto Rico 2025
Grade 6 and 7 Students Spend Six Days Experiencing and Connecting with Puerto Rican History and Culture

Travel Experiences at ISI 

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet and help create a better and more peaceful world. ISI offers students multiple opportunities to expand their learning and cultural understanding with a variety of trips throughout their time at the school.

Students have opportunities to immerse themselves in different cultures, allowing them to broaden their perspectives and foster empathy and understanding toward people from diverse backgrounds. These trips encourage independence and self-reliance as students navigate unfamiliar environments while reinforcing classroom learning and allowing students to explore their passions. Moreover, ISI trips often involve meaningful community service or volunteer work, instilling a sense of social responsibility and global citizenship.

The 2025 Trip

This spring, Grade 6 and 7 students traveled to Puerto Rico for a vibrant blend of historical exploration, natural discovery, cultural immersion, and service learning. From the historic streets of San Juan to the lush rainforest of El Yunque, students experienced the island’s rich diversity and unique blend of U.S. and Caribbean influences.

Historic Learning

Throughout the trip, students explored San Juan’s historic district, experiencing firsthand the influence of Spanish colonialism and the island’s complex cultural heritage. Visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites and centuries-old architecture brought history lessons to life and deepened their appreciation for global history.

Some of the historic sites students visited include:

• El Castillo San Cristobal
• El Castillo del Morro
• Catedral de San Juan
• Museo de Casa Blanca
• La Fortaleza
• San Juan Museum
• El Capitolio

Cultural Experiences

Students also participated in a variety of immersive cultural activities that allowed them to engage with the local community and lifestyle. From relaxing on the beaches of Luquillo to exploring a bustling farmers’ market, they gained insight into daily life in Puerto Rico. Optional activities such as ziplining through the canopy and snorkeling in the Caribbean added excitement to the trip while reinforcing lessons in geography and environmental science.

Cultural highlights included:

• Escambron Beach
• Farmers’ Market visit
• Zipline Canopy Tour 
• Bioluminescent Bay excursion 

Community Service

True to the spirit of the IB, students participated in meaningful service experiences that helped them understand the importance of giving back. In San Juan, they worked on a local service learning project and participated in the LEAP Experience, where they explored sustainable farming methods and connected with community leaders to learn about food security and environmental stewardship.

Service opportunities included:

• Helping in a mangrove garden as a local community service project in San Juan
• LEAP Experience: Sustainable farming and environmental learning

This unforgettable experience encouraged our students to reflect on their role in the global community, grow their independence, and appreciate the rich culture and history of Puerto Rico. It was a journey that combined learning, exploration, and service; all essential components of the ISI student experience.