Academic Immersion Program
“Study abroad in Puerto Rico and experience hands-on learning in tropical agriculture, sustainability, and community engagement.”
What we do?
At the Monte Azul Foundation, we design and host academic immersion and study abroad programs in Puerto Rico that connect students and faculty to real-world experiences in sustainable agriculture, agroecology, and community resilience.
Through hands-on learning at our demonstration farms in Yabucoa and Maricao, participants engage directly with tropical food systems—studying topics such as agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and rural economic development. Each program blends academic instruction, field research, and cultural exchange, allowing students to earn academic credit while contributing to meaningful local projects.
Who travels with Monte Azul?
A list of current and previous partners include:
Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)
Kansas Wesleyan University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
What do these programs teach?
We collaborate with universities across the United States to co-create custom short-term or multi-week programs, offering faculty-led or Monte Azul–instructed courses that bring classroom concepts to life in Puerto Rico’s diverse agricultural landscapes.
The custom itinerary immerses students and faculty in a diverse range of Puerto Rico’s microclimates and unique ecological systems—from cloud forests and mountainous coffee-growing communities to fertile lowland valleys, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems. Each program features a variety of engaging and educational activities designed around the academic focus and learning objectives of the visiting institution.
While areas of focus depend on the institution and faculty that leads the trip here are some suggestions:
Tropical Ecology & Natural Resource Economics
Decolonization: Food, Energy and Water
Sustainable Agriculture and Disaster Recovery (service focused)
Tropical Agroforestry & Agroecology
How do I organize a trip?
The Monte Azul Foundation makes traveling hassle free. We handle all of the local transportation, lodging, activities, translation and cultural interpretation services. The only thing we don’t cover is medical insurance and airline travel. Want to see a sample itinerary or set up a meeting to discuss building a trip? Fill out the contact form below and we will reach out as soon as possible or email us at info@monteazulfoundation.org
“The trip to Puerto Rico with Monte Azul was truly eye opening with everything from cultural experiences to educational learning opportunities. I found myself better understanding this great island. Thank you to those who organized it, I won’t easily forget the memories I created.”
— Thomas B., Xavier University, Executive MBA Program Trip October 2021
Looking for other ways to support our work?
Check out our online store which ships Puerto Rican coffee, honey, artesanal hot sauce and more directly to you.