Discover how the University of Hartford’s GoLEAD program took students to Puerto Rico for an immersive leadership and cultural learning experience, fostering personal growth and community impact.
The University of Hartford’s GoLEAD program collaborated with SSA Education Abroad to design a week-long immersive program to Puerto Rico. This initiative sought to promote leadership, female empowerment, community engagement, and social responsibility among students.
Equip students with opportunities to develop leadership and interpersonal skills in real-world contexts.
Foster impactful connections with local Puerto Rican organizations.
Deeply immerse students in Puerto Rican culture through direct experiences and meaningful interactions.
Despite clear objectives, the program posed certain challenges:
A last-minute change required sourcing new accommodations, but staff quickly found suitable housing that exceeded expectations.
While most projects proved rewarding, a few activities could have been more engaging for some participants.
Access to quarters for laundry caused minor inconveniences but was managed effectively.
Proactive communication and flexibility ensured these challenges were addressed seamlessly, resulting in a highly successful program.
The 7-day itinerary in San Juan encompassed service-learning projects, leadership sessions, cultural excursions, and collaboration with local female-led community groups, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
The program successfully met its objectives, offering students a comprehensive platform to grow personally and professionally. Challenges such as housing adjustments and activity engagement were expertly managed.
96% of students found the service-learning activities meaningful and engaging.
of participants said the program helped them connect with new people and perspectives.
Participants engaged in hands-on service-learning projects that allowed them to build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and grow as leaders in real-world settings.
Students gained a deeper appreciation for Puerto Rican history, traditions, and community values through engaging cultural activities, guided tours, and interactions with local leaders.
SSA Puerto Rico staff were praised for their attentiveness and quick problem-solving, ensuring students felt supported and valued throughout their experience.
The program enabled students to contribute to meaningful environmental and social initiatives, such as garden restorations and beach cleanups, leaving a positive impact on the local community.
“I echo the gratitude and appreciation for what you did to make our GoLEAD program in Puerto Rico a success! The students can’t stop talking about the wonderful experience and are eager for future opportunities.”
"The visit to Old San Juan, learning more history about Puerto Rico, and meeting with women leaders were truly impactful."
"The service-learning activities and cultural experiences we had were amazing! I loved learning about the culture and pride in Puerto Rico."
"All of the amazing people we were able to connect with thanks to Annette. They were warm, friendly, informative, and inspiring."
"The collaboration, critical thinking, learning new knowledge, and overall professional development aspects were the highlights of the program."
Students frequently described the program as “life-changing,” highlighting how it exceeded their expectations and provided meaningful engagement opportunities.
For more information on customizing a transformative educational program for your school or university, contact us through our website or email us directly at [email protected]. Let us help you design an unforgettable learning experience for your students!
CUSTOM PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
The mission of SSA is to promote our students’ in-depth understanding of Spanish-speaking countries through specifically designed and academically rigorous university-level and cultural travel programs.
Custom Programs Director
[email protected]
Susan is your go-to contact for navigating the complex process of customized programs.
She aims to respond to all inquiries within one business day.
Don’t hesitate to drop a message. No question is too small!
