Puerto Rico Universities

Most university-level study-abroad programs are conducted in Spanish, although many programs offer classes in English and beginner and lower-level language courses. Those relatively fluent in Spanish may find it cheaper to enroll directly in a university abroad, although getting college credit may be more difficult. You can search www.studyabroad.com for various semester-abroad programs that meet your criteria, including your desired location and focus of study. The following is a list of organizations that can help place students in university programs abroad, or that have their own branch in Puerto Rico.

Several institutions based in the United States offer summer- to year-long programs of study in Puerto Rico. These programs do not have citizenship restrictions, but often have academic requirements. Most programs arrange accommodations for students either in university housing or at a homestay.

National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, 504 Spaces Sciences Building., Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA (☎607-255-3735; www.naic.edu). Offers a 10 week research assistant summer program in Arecibo for 6-12 US citizens who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program. Applications due early Feb. Housing and stipend provided. 1-2 positions available for graduate students enrolled at US schools. Graduate students need not be US citizens.
Two Worlds United Educational Foundation, 503 E. Jackson St., Ste. 250, Tampa, FL 33602, USA (☎888-696-8808; www.twoworldsunited.com). Offers programs of various lengths for Spanish-language studies in Puerto Rico. For ages 15-18.

Puerto Rican Universities

If you are not a US citizen, it may be more expensive to enroll directly in a Puerto Rican university than a foreign-sponsored one, since funding for some programs is restricted to US citizens. A US visa can be difficult to obtain for citizens of countries outside of Western Europe, Australia, and Canada. Most study-abroad programs are based in San Juan.

Universidad de Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 364984, San Juan 00936 (☎250-0000 ext. 3208 or 3202; www.upr.edu). The largest university system in Puerto Rico, with campuses in Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamón, Carolina, Cayey, Humacao, Mayagüez, Ponce, Río Piedras, and Utuado. The central Río Piedras campus alone has 23,000 students. Students must have at least an intermediate level of Spanish to enroll. Tuition for non-resident students $3192 per year. Some dormitories available.
InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, C. Galileo Final, Urb. Jardines Metropolitanos, Río Piedras, San Juan; P.O. Box 363255, San Juan 00936 (☎766-1912; www.inter.edu). Campuses in Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Fajardo, Guayama, Ponce, San Germán, and San Juan. The original campus is in San Germán. With 38,000 students, this is the oldest and largest private university system in Puerto Rico. Most coursework is in Spanish, but the university offers a separate trimester program in English. Spanish immersion program available. Undergraduate tuition $140 per credit plus miscellaneous fees. Catalog available online in English. Many students live in dormitories on the San Germán campus.
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, P.O. Box 12383, San Juan 00914 (☎728-1515; www.sagrado.edu), in the heart of Santurce. Known for its outstanding communications department, this university was established in 1880 and has a student population of 5000. Offers programs in humanities, communications, education, social sciences, business administration, and natural sciences. All classes are conducted in Spanish.