ArtCenter in Cuba
January 3, 2017ArtCenter traveled to Cuba in Early October. Here is a bit of what they did there:
Fresh Eyes Cuba is a 14 week transdisciplinary studio course organized around a 10-day immersive trip to Havana, Cuba in early October. Faculty and students lived in Havana and collaborated with the Instituto de Diseño (ISDi), Cuba’s design school. Under the guidance of ArtCenter faculty, communication and industrial design students from ArtCenter and ISDi engaged in an experiential workshop, building interactive pop-up installations that attracted 200 people. This final exhibition at ArtCenter will feature installations that are a reflection of and reaction to the students’ individual and collective experiences in Cuba’s ecosystem of innovation and creativity at this historic moment in time.
Vámonos Tours Offers Language Immersion in the Caribbean
November 30, 2016Article on Vámonos Tours Excerpt Published in Courier Magazine; November 2016 Edition page 42
Vámonos Tours engages students with programs that combine cultural exchange, service projects and active adventure. On a zipline and nature excursion in Puerto Rico, students hike with local organic farmers and spelunk through hidden caves.
“We make an effort to add Puerto Rican flavor, history and nature to our zipline experience,” says Pardo. “[Students] learn before flying through the forest on four to five ziplines.” Other itineraries have included meeting local fisherman.
Cuba: Travel tips and reviews
June 8, 2016Cuba: Travel tips and reviews
This is a more detailed review of my trip than my Huffington Post essay of observations and reflections.
Getting in/Visas.
From what I have read, there will be many flights a week from the U.S. in just a few months. In addition, there may additional opening of travel restrictions. Americans are only allowed to travel under certain categories. For those without business, cultural exchanges, research, or family, typically we travel under “People to People” or “Support for the Cuban People.” Until recently, these were official tours and quite expensive as you had to go with a licensed company. As of two months ago, Americans can now conduct their own tours.
I flew through Mexico City, where we attended a wedding. I was stressed about getting my visa but it was super-easy. I went to the AeroMexico counter after security in the gate area and was able to purchase it there. They did not ask for my itinerary (I had read online was that you are supposed to have one with you which I did), and I paid a fee in Pesos (I think it was $40 or so per person). Immigration in Cuba was simple and straightforward.
PuertoRico’s Fiscal Challenges and Conducting Meetings and Conventions On The Island Fiscal Situation Statement
October 27, 2015As the Puerto Rico Government, the Obama Administration, the US Congress, and Bondholders work together to address Puerto Rico’s Economic and Fiscal Situation to put into place important measures providing the Island with a way to restructure its debt and revive its economy, the tourism business sector, specifically the groups and conventions segment is strong and secure.
Airports, hotels, taxis, communication services and other elements of Puerto Rico’s tourism infrastructure are not affected by the government’s financial status. The United States government continues to support Puerto Rico in many areas including health care, subsidized housing and policing, plus Puerto Rico’s banks are backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
A Passion for Puerto Rico
April 2, 2015Excpert Published in Courier Magazine; April 2015 Edition page 40
Compiled By: Pat Henderson
During his career as a middle school and high school language teacher, Jorge Pardo organized immersion tours to Puerto Rico. As he was taking his students on these educational trips, his passion for the northeastern Caribbean island grew and led to him opening Vámonos Tours in 2002.
Morrill Spanish Club Tours Puerto Rico
July 2, 2014Excerpt As published in the Nebraska Star-Herald Newpaper; July 2, 2014
By: Sara Beyer
Six members of the Morrill High School Spanish Club and their sponsor have returned from a whirlwind fiveday, four-night tour of Puerto Rico.
Traveling were recent graduates Megan Fish, Amanda Kaufman, Ana Rodriguez, and Athena Tarin; up-coming senior Traci Sinner; up-coming junior Erika Derr; and their sponsor Sara Beyer.
Medford High School students, faculty take in sights in Puerto Rico
May 7, 2013Excerpt from Article on WickedLocal.com published May 7, 2013
By Alyssa Valentyn
Puerto Rico literally means “rich port,” for all its wealth and beauty. For the 44 Medford High School students and faculty who traveled to the island this past February vacation, it was more than just beautiful: it was rich in memories we’ll never forget.
We arrived in Condado, Puerto Rico, at 2:30 in the morning. The groggy group of students from when we boarded the plane in Boston suddenly became excited with the sight of palm trees and the feel of the night’s warm air; after all, in Boston, it had seemed like a record-breaking cold day.
Taking Students Off the Beaten Path in Puerto Rico
September 30, 2012NTA Trip Planner; 2012-2013 page 56
NTA tour operator Jorge Pardo’s company Vámonos Tours specializes in cultural immersion student tours of Puerto Rico, where Pardo was born and raised. While he moved to the United States when he was 22, he studied romance languages abroad during college. He taught Spanish and French at the middle and high school level for 18 years. After taking students on educational tours to Mexico and Spain, he was inspired to bring students to his homeland, which he realized he could show them in a less touristy and more educational and fun way. The rest is history—Pardo has been sharing Puerto Rico with students and teachers from all corners of the United States for 16 years.
NTA: What makes Puerto Rico a good destination for student groups?
Pardo: Parents need to put their trust not just in the school and chaperones in charge of the tour but also in the destination. Puerto Rico is an ideal destination since it’s a foreign culture on U.S. soil. Puerto Rico’s high standard of living and U.S.-quality medical care make it a safe location. From an educational perspective, our island has a unique fusion of cultures (Taino, Spanish, African, American) that’s evident in our everyday life, food and traditions. Of course, it also helps to be in the warm Caribbean during our cold months and only three hours away from the main East Coast cities.
¡Bienvenidos A Puerto Rico!
September 15, 2012Excerpt from Page 62 SEPTEMBER 2012 / Teach & Travel – The Official Publication of SYTA www.syta.org
By Kristyn Roggelin
Every March, I have the pleasure of accompanying students from my advanced Spanish classes to Puerto Rico. Our goal is to experience another language and culture through immersion. For one week, I ask them to step outside of their comfort zones and try exotic new foods, speak a new language, and imitate cultural nuances.
Vámonos Tours San Juan, Puerto Rico
July 15, 2011Excerpt from Courier Magazine, July 2011 page 74
For Jorge Pardo, taking groups to his native Puerto rico is more than a way to earn a living, it is his passion. “I’ve been taking friends and family around Puerto rico ever since I was in high school,” said the founder and president of Vámonos tours. “I started this company by taking my own students to my island.”