Cultural Expressions of Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
$1,095 | In-Person | 72 hours (equivalent to 6 credits)
+ registration fees
OFFERED IN COLLABORATION WITH HCCC
INSTRUCTOR: EDWIN CARDE GONZALEZ
Cultural expressions are the ways in which people communicate their cultural values, beliefs, and traditions through art, words, and actions. In this class you will learn the cultural expressions of the Boricua, through music, dance, art, language and food. Boricua is more than a word to identify a person from Puerto Rico by birth or descent. It’s a way of life that is about embracing every moment with passion and joy.
This 4-day hands-on class is designed to expand your understanding of Puerto Rican heritage through engaging activities and local experiences of many aspects of Puerto Rican life including its culture, history, music and food – the Boricua way.
Key Topics & Experiences:
– The history and significance of Puerto Rico by visiting Old San Juan, stopping at iconic landmarks like El Morro, and Maria Magdalena Cemetery.
– Visiting La Perla, a historic seaside neighborhood in Old San Juan, which will offer a deeper understanding of the island’s complex social fabric, rich cultural identity, and ongoing efforts at community transformation. While La Perla was once stigmatized due to poverty and crime, it has become an emblem of resilience, creativity, and grassroots pride.
– We will stop in Santurce to checkout Street Art and take pictures of the Murals.
– The indigenous Taíno roots by visiting the Loiza neighborhood and learning how to dance Bomba.
– A demonstration of Vejigante masks – a central figure in local cultural expressions. The masks are not only artistic expressions but also carry deep cultural and historical meanings.
– A culinary demonstration where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as Alcaparra stuffed with ground beef or potatoes and cod fish fritters. You’ll not only savor these mouth-watering delicacies but also understand their cultural significance and origins.
– Visit to Estudio de Arte Samuel Lind, a renowned art gallery and studio located in Loíza, dedicated to showcasing the vibrant Afro-Puerto Rican culture through various art forms. This experience will provide insight into contemporary artistic expressions while fostering discussions about identity and community through various artistic lenses.
– We’ll visit a secluded archeological open cave to learn about the history of the first island’s Island inhabitants and the Columbia Exchange’s impact in Puerto Rico.
Throughout the weekend class, we’ll also engage in meaningful conversations about the social issues facing Puerto Rico today, including questions of identity, sustainability, and self-governance. This dialogue will enable students to contextualize their learning within a broader global framework and appreciate the complexities of Puerto Rican life.
Students will reflect on their experiences and engage in a cultural exchange, sharing what they’ve learned and how it resonates with their own backgrounds. Each student will leave not only with new knowledge and memories but also with a deeper appreciation for Puerto Rico’s rich culture.
IMPORTANT J-1 VISA INFORMATION FOR EXTENSION AU PAIRS
Au pairs with an expired J-1 visa may travel to Puerto Rico during their extension term, since it is U.S. territory. Make sure you check with your agency for all required and signed documents before you go! In general you will need to bring the following:
– A valid extension DS-2019 that has been signed for travel
– Your I-94 card
– Your valid passport with J-1 Visa.
You should copy these documents and leave a copy with your host family when you travel.
SPACE IS VERY LIMITED AND FILLS UP QUICKLY, SO REGISTER EARLY!!
**We reserve the right to change any of the activities listed, should any of them be unavailable for any reasons.
February 21 – 24, 2026
April 16 – 19, 2026
May 16 – 19, 2026
The Details
DAY 1: 12:00 PM – 6:00PM
DAY 2: 9:00AM – 7:00PM
DAY 3: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
DAY 4: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
– Local transportation to/from all class activities
**Daily pick-up & drop-off will be from the Santurce/Condado area.
– All course materials
– One traditional Puerto Rican lunch
– Tuition fees
– Airfare to/from San Juan Puerto Rico
– Hotel Accommodations
– Transportation to/from the airport
– Meals
– Registration fees (platform and credit card processing fees)
Attendance IS MANDATORY all days during the class in Puerto Rico. If you are late or leave early, your will risk not receiving your certificate. Please note, that this is a long weekend intensive class and the days are long. Bring comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing, water & snacks. We expect you to come to class rested and ready to participate, learn and have fun!
In addition to all the meetings, this class will include pre-assignments and post-assignments as part of the 72-hour class. You will have 3 weeks to complete the pre-assignments before class begins and 4 weeks to complete the post-assignments after class ends.
Need an early certificate? This is ONLY possible is you have an educational deadline, and we require you to upload proof. Keep in mind that the earliest that you can receive your certificate is ONE WEEK after the in-person class has taken place. You MUST successfully complete all pre- and post- assignments in order to receive your course completion certificate.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Identify and explain key elements of Puerto Rican culture, including its music, dance, food, art, and language, and their roots in Taíno, African, and Spanish traditions.
2. Analyze how cultural expressions—such as Bomba dancing, vejigante mask-making, and culinary traditions—communicate values, identity, and historical memory in Puerto Rican society.
3. Describe the historical and cultural significance of major landmarks in Old San Juan, including El Morro and María Magdalena Cemetery, and explain their relevance to Puerto Rican heritage.
4. Examine the transformation of La Perla from a stigmatized community to a symbol of resilience and creativity, and discuss its role in contemporary Puerto Rican culture.
5. Participate actively in cultural practices such as Bomba dance and Puerto Rican cooking, reflecting on their experiential and educational value.
6. Interpret visual and performance art—especially at Estudio de Arte Samuel Lind—as a lens to explore Afro-Puerto Rican identity and community narratives.
7. Engage thoughtfully in dialogue about current social, political, and environmental issues affecting Puerto Rico, including questions of identity, sustainability, and self-governance.
8. Reflect personally on the cultural immersion experience and articulate how Puerto Rican cultural expressions connect with or differ from their own cultural backgrounds.
9. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect in all interactions, showing awareness of the significance of community-based experiences in shaping cultural understanding.