In June, Dr. Ryan Hallows, Dr. Sergio Restrepo-Mesa, and 12 students from the Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzín program in Hispanic Studies and Languages participated in a three-week cultural immersion experience in Puerto Rico. Through a partnership with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico in Ponce, students explored the island’s rich culture, language, history, and resilience while examining the complexities of Puerto Rican identity as both part of the United States and a nation with its own distinct heritage.
"This trip was an unforgettable experience. It was incredible to see the vibrant culture, music, and daily life of Puerto Rico in person. I was able to learn so much about the island and its proud and resilient people, and I believe I will carry what I learned with me for the rest of my life." ~ James MacDonald, rising senior, Great Falls, MT, Nursing major, Spanish for Health Professions minor
Each morning, students engaged in three hours of coursework focused on Indigenous and ancestral medicinal practices, health professions, and the historical and cultural forces that continue to shape Puerto Rican society. The program also emphasized the intersection of language, culture, and healthcare through Carroll's Spanish for Health Professions curriculum. Students visited Ponce Health Sciences University to learn about healthcare education and practice on the island including trapping mosquitos and testing for Zika and Dengue. Faculty members from the nursing program at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico joined the group to discuss culturally responsive care and the role of language in building trust with patients and communities. Students also participated in a presentation examining the long-term mental health impacts of Hurricane Maria, gaining a deeper understanding of trauma, resilience, and the ongoing challenges faced by Puerto Rican families nearly a decade after the storm. Afternoons provided opportunities to explore the city of Ponce, participate in community events, and experience the island’s remarkable culinary traditions.
"Puerto Rico was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I was able to experience a beautiful and proud culture and create lasting connections with my classmates and the community members. I feel like those three weeks not only helped me increase my Spanish speaking skills but also showed me how important it is to understand others and their culture." ~ McKaila Balcom, rising senior, Pasco, WA, Business Management and Marketing major, Hispanic Studies minor
The program included numerous cultural excursions across Puerto Rico. Students visited the historic fortresses of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, explored El Yunque National Forest, and toured Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, the resting place of Juan Ponce de León. Students also enjoyed time at some of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful beaches and waterfalls, including Crash Boat Beach, Luquillo Beach, Playa Santa and Salto de Collores.
"I am so grateful to have had the incredible opportunity to explore the culture in Puerto Rico with my classmates and friends. Our experience went beyond practicing our Spanish language skills as the Puerto Rican community fully welcomed and embraced us. It was amazing to share in the joy and pride that they have in their culture and identity, through everything from dancing salsa to playing Bomba. I truly believe that everyone should have an experience like this because it reminds us that even though we may live in different places and speak different languages, we can still all share meaningful experiences and connect as people and friends." ~ Amaya Fischer, rising senior, Nampa, ID, Hispanic Studies and Nursing major
A particularly memorable experience was visiting the homes and studios of renowned Puerto Rican artists Antonio Martorell and Diógenes Ballester. Students had the opportunity to speak with the artists directly, observe their creative spaces, and learn about the inspirations behind their work.
"The Puerto Rico trip was a great opportunity to experience what it was like to study as a college student in Latin America. Immersing myself in the Puerto Rican culture helped me to step outside of my American point-of-view and interact with people from many different walks of life. This trip formed friends and memories that I will remember for a very long time." ~ Peter Minnaert, rising junior, Boise, ID, Biology major, Spanish for Health Professions minor
Among the most meaningful lessons of the trip was witnessing the resilience and hospitality of the Puerto Rican people. Students encountered communities that continue to rebuild and thrive after decades of economic challenges and natural disasters, including the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
"This experience has allowed me to better understand the beautiful community, resilience, and culture of Puerto Rico. I have been given a new perspective on life and I cannot wait to visit Puerto Rico again in the future." ~ Ingrid Carlson, rising senior, Richland, WA, Hispanic Studies and Data Science major
The group also visited important Indigenous sites, including Parque Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana and Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes, deepening their understanding of Taíno history and its enduring influence on Puerto Rican culture.
"The Puerto Rico trip was life-changing. Being immersed in another culture even for just a few weeks gives a new perspective that you cannot find anywhere else. Learning about the rich history makes you appreciate every little detail so much more. Talking with locals improved my Spanish speaking ability greatly and we all make deep and meaningful connections. Our professors did an incredible job of balancing our course load, giving us time to explore, and sharing once in a lifetime experiences with us. I could not have asked for a better cultural immersion opportunity!" — Jaden Brown, rising senior, Helena, MT, Hispanic Studies and Engineering major
We are deeply grateful for our partnership with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico and for the opportunity to provide Carroll students with such a transformative educational experience. We encourage members of the Carroll community to ask participating students about their time on the island. They are eager to share stories about the people and places shaped their understanding of Puerto Rico.
