The Island
Puerto Rico, known as the "Isla del Encanto," is the easternmost and smallest of the Greater Antilles. Puerto Rico is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south. The island is 100 miles from east to west and 35 miles from north to south. It is a beautiful tropical island with a rich cultural heritage. The people of Puerto Rico are a mixture of three main cultures: the indigenous Taino, Spanish, and African. Spanish and English are the official languages, but Spanish is predominant.
The University
The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) was established in 1903, making it one of the oldest universities on the island. Its Rio Piedras campus has an enrollment of nearly 25,000 students. Rio Piedras is located within metropolitan San Juan. The university was admitted to membership in the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in April 1946. The university has belonged to the Association of Hispanic American Universities since 1955. In 1965, the university became affiliated with the College Entrance Examination Board. The Rio Piedras Campus is also a member of the American Council on Education.
The Program & Courses
Students in this program are allowed access to all courses offered at the university and will attend courses alongside Puerto Rican and international students. All courses are taught in Spanish except for those courses indicated in the UPR Catalog that are in other languages, including English. Courses are available in the following schools and departments as identified by UPR: For courses in English please view the following link: English Course Offerings
| General Studies |
Arts and Sciences |
| Business Administration |
Hispanic Studies |
| Education |
Architecture |
| Humanities |
Public Communication |
| Natural Sciences |
Aerospace Studies |
| Social Sciences |
Military Sciences |
| Social Work |
|
Q&A's
Got more questions? Have a look at our program-specific question and answer sheet.
Costs (budget sheet)
Select your term of interest for the latest budget information.
Insurance
All students are covered by full health, evacuation, and repatriation insurance.
Host CountryHealth Insurance
Students in this program must enroll in Puerto Rico's mandatory health insurance program. There are several options ranging in cost from $400 - $800, depending upon the plan chosen. Upon acceptance to the program, further details will be provided.
Housing and Meals
Students reside at the UPR residence hall: Plaza Universitaria. There is a kitchen on each floor of the residence hall and there are dining areas on campus and restaurants near campus.
Flight
Students make their flight arrangements to Puerto Rico's International Airport (Luis Muñoz Marín). Students will be met at the airport by UPR staff and transported to the UPR Plaza Universitaria Residence Hall. Transportation is ONLY provided to students arriving on the official arrival date. Times of arrival are between noon and 3:00 pm.
Financial Aid
Student receiving financial aid can use their aid for overseas study, and may, in some cases, have their awards increased. Students not currently receiving financial aid may be eligible. Those interested in financial aid for this program should contact the financial aid office on their home campus.
Applications
Late applications are accepted on a space-available basis. Please contact the program specialist, Lizette Alvarado, for further details.
A non-refundable deposit of $250, applicable to the program cost, must be paid within 14 days of acceptance to the program in order to secure program participation. Any deviation from program requirements must be requested in writing and authorized by the Director of International Education and Programs before the final payment date.
Updated: 07/29/2019
