San Juan, Puerto Rico

The SSA program is for high intermediate to advanced Spanish students only (at least B2 level).

Old San Juan's historic architecture

Architecture

Old San Juan’s historic architecture reflects four centuries of development that shaped the historic urban landscape. Today, it is the nation’s most complete Spanish urban center with its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Puerto Rico Cafe

Climate

Puerto Rico is predominately a tropical forest. Temperatures throughout the year are warm to hot, averaging near 85°F (29°C) in lower elevations and 70°F (21°C) in the mountains. Easterly trade winds pass across the island year-round while the rainy season stretches from April into November.

Puerto Rico Sagrado University

Host Institution

The university community at Sagrado collaborates with innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the San Juan metropolitan area. The campus is located within just a few miles of Old San Juan, beautiful beaches, and restaurants that exemplify the rich culinary tradition fusing Indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures.

Program Characteristics

  • Spring semester: mid-Jan to mid-May
  • Fall semester: August to December

Cumulative GPA: 2.5

Students can take some courses in English outside 12 credits in Spanish. Students will be able to choose from a full set of courses that cover a multitude of disciplines, such as natural sciences, nursing, business administration, communication, education, humanities, and social sciences. Credit-bearing service-learning courses, volunteer opportunities, and a buddy program for weekend excursions.

Students take courses with local degree-seeking students. Excursions include sites, such as Old San Juan, Ponce, El Yunque Tropical Rain Forest, Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo. In addition, the Internationalization and Interuniversity Relations Office offers opportunities to explore your surroundings and offers field trips planned in or around the curriculum.

Students will live on campus in double-room dorms with Puerto Rican roommates. Dorms are organized male/female floors and have a full kitchen and washer/dryer. The health and security of students are paramount, and USC is active in ensuring the welfare of its students. The dorms have 24-hour security to ensure student safety.

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