SOC 380 (3 credits)

WINTER SESSION TRAVEL COURSE

Travel Dates: January 2 – 9, 2026

Join us on an extraordinary study abroad journey to Puerto Rico, where the intersection of climate change, cultural resilience, and creative expression provides the foundation for a transformative learning experience! 

This interdisciplinary winter session travel course blends sociology, economics, and environmental studies to offer hands-on engagement with some of the most pressing global challenges. We will collaborate with local organizations on public art projects, explore climate resilience initiatives, and visit iconic ecological sites such as El Yunque National Forest and the Phosphorescent Bay. Through direct community engagement and expert-led lectures, you’ll gain insights into the socio-economic impacts of climate change and the power of creativity in building resilience and advocacy.

Beyond the classroom, this immersive experience introduces you to Puerto Rican culture through art, music, and cuisine, while fostering skills in cross-cultural communication and ethical community collaboration. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects supporting local communities, from sustainable tourism initiatives to educational programs for youth. Whether you’re drawn to the sociological, environmental, or economic aspects, this course offers something for everyone, with opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students alike.

Culture, Community & Climate in PR is an unforgettable 8-day program running from January 2 to January 9, 2026, and offers three credit hours with the option for additional independent study. The class will be co-led by Profs Jono Anzalone & Michelle Vazquez Jacobus, each of whom has unique expertise with Puerto Rican and Latinx culture and language as well as with organizations and initiatives on the Island.

As Puerto Rico is part of the United States, no passport is required for travel, making this a seamless opportunity to explore abroad. If you do not have a passport please be sure that your State ID is a “REAL ID”

Faculty

Michelle Vazquez Jacobus, JD, MSW
Associate Professor & Chair, Sociology, Department of Sociology and Economics

Michelle Vázquez Jacobus is a social worker with experience organizing and leading programs for college students and youth. She speaks Spanish proficiently and has lived and traveled extensively in Spain and Latin America. Michelle has family in Puerto Rico, including leaders of organizations with which we will partner.

Jono Anzalone, EdD
Lecturer, Economics

Jono Anzalone is the former Head of Disaster and Climate for the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, who led a team overseeing the organization’s global climate portfolio and migration programming. Jono has a rich and diverse background in disaster response, climate action, and education. Fluent in Spanish, Jono has lived in Panama twice, and his global experience extends across disaster advocacy, including his leadership as Advocacy Committee Chair for National VOAD. 

Tuition and Fees

The approximate program fee is TBD. The program fee will cover airline tickets, accommodations and some meals and other activities. The cost of tuition and fees at the in-state rate are in addition to the program fee. All participants on USM travel programs receive the in-state tuition rate regardless of residency.

The program fee includes:  accommodation, airfare, ground transportation, some meals, academic site visits and entrance fees

Not included in the program fee: cost of tuition, fees, books, academic supplies, some meals, and other personal expenses.

Application

The application deadline is October 1, 2025. Pre-requisites for the course are: at least 15 college credits hours and a minimum GPA of 2.5 or instructor permission.

A complete application includes all of the following:

  1. Submit the program
    • We recommend looking over the application before completing it so you have all parts ready, as unfortunately you cannot save as you go.
  2. A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor
    • Here is the link you can share with faculty/staff to complete a recommendation on your behalf: 
  3. Copy of academic transcript
    • Information regarding requesting a transcript can be found here (It’s probably easiest to either follow the steps for “Electronic Delivery” or “Unofficial Transcript via Classic MaineStreet” and either way, send to Kimberly Sinclair (ksinc@maine.edu)

Once the application committee has reviewed applications, you will be notified of acceptance via email. At that time, all students accepted to the program will be asked to submit a $500 nonrefundable deposit and will be enrolled in the course in MaineStreet by Kaoru Phillips in the Office of International Programs.