Program Overview
Deepen Your Spanish and Explore Liberal Arts in the Heart of the Caribbean!
Our Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish program in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is perfect for students aiming to boost their Spanish skills while engaging with a broad range of disciplines. This program offers direct enrollment alongside Puerto Rican students in courses covering humanities, health, business, and more, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
Program Highlights:
- Advanced Spanish Studies: Improve your Spanish through targeted instruction in literature, culture, and grammar.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Choose from a diverse set of courses, all available in Spanish, to expand your academic horizon.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican life with cultural outings and community involvement, enhancing your linguistic and cultural fluency.
San Juan’s unique blend of historical depth and vibrant culture offers an ideal backdrop for students ready to deepen their understanding of the Spanish language and Caribbean studies. Join us in San Juan for a transformative academic experience.
Program Details
Program Availability
- Spring: January 17 - May 18, 2024
- Fall: August - December, 2024
- Academic Year: August - May, 2024
Requirements
- Age: Must be 18+ at program's start
- GPA: 3.0 overall
- Spanish requisite: completed one year of advanced Spanish or equivalent
Inclusions
- Courses at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
- 12-18 credits per semester
- Accommodation: single-sex dorms with roommates from Latin America, Spain, or Puerto Rico, when available.
- All meals included
- Frequent excursions and travel opportunities
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- Local speaking partners
- Spanish courses: available in all levels
Fees
- Starting at: $15,700
Life Abroad
Discover more!
Artistic Pulse
San Juan’s art world melds rich history with vibrant street art, making the city a canvas of Puerto Rican culture. From the traditional craftsmanship found in Old San Juan to the cutting-edge galleries in Santurce, the city offers an immersive journey through its artistic heritage, appealing to creative spirits.
Culinary Exploration
San Juan’s gastronomy is a flavorful testament to its diverse cultural influences, offering everything from street food to sophisticated cuisine. Students can relish in the island’s culinary delights, such as mofongo and arroz con gandules, discovering the essence of Caribbean flavors in bustling markets and local eateries.
Cultural Immersion
In San Juan, Spanish language and Puerto Rican culture offer a vibrant backdrop for academic and personal growth. From historical landmarks in Old San Juan to lively cultural festivals, the city is a rich tapestry of experiences that foster deep connections with the island’s heritage and community.
Vibrant Living
Living in San Juan means embracing a lifestyle where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Whether it’s exploring the blue cobblestone streets, enjoying the local music scene, or relaxing on sun-soaked beaches, San Juan offers a dynamic and enriching setting for students seeking a memorable experience. 🇵🇷✨
Your semester in San Juan, Puerto Rico, unfolds into an enriching journey, not just academically, but by plunging you into the heart of Puerto Rican culture. We’ve curated a selection of cultural activities and excursions to enhance your experience, offering you a vibrant tapestry of the island’s heritage and lifestyle. Here’s what awaits you in San Juan:
🌺 Cultural Excursions:
- Historic Exploration: Begin with a tour of Castillo El Morro and a stroll through the charming streets of Old San Juan, where history comes alive around every corner.
- Natural Wonders: Venture into El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, for a day of breathtaking scenery and possibly a dip in a waterfall.
- Southern Charm: Take a trip to Ponce, known as the “Pearl of the South,” to visit Castillo Serrallés, the Museo del Vejigante, and Plaza del Pueblo, showcasing the island’s rich architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
- Urban Adventure: Experience San Juan from a different perspective with an excursion on the Tren Urbano, providing insights into daily life and urban culture.
🍴 Culinary Experiences:
- Authentic Flavors: Savor the tastes of Puerto Rico at a traditional restaurant, diving into dishes like mofongo, arroz con habichuelas, tostones, and pasteles, accompanied by local frituras and refreshing jugos del país.
- Salsa Nights: Embrace the rhythm of the island with an opportunity to dance salsa, offering a lively way to connect with Puerto Rican music and dance traditions.
This immersive cultural program is designed to ensure you experience the essence of San Juan and Puerto Rico, not just as a visitor, but as an integral part of its vibrant community. While most activities are included in your program’s cost, some might require a small additional fee. Availability may vary based on the program schedule. This collection of experiences promises a semester filled with discovery, learning, and unforgettable memories in the heart of the Caribbean. 🇵🇷✨
Meet your Resident Director
Housing
Student Residences
Students will reside on campus in single-sex dormitories, sharing double rooms with Puerto Rican roommates. These accommodations are well-equipped with refrigerators, shared bathrooms, and cooking facilities, ensuring a comfortable living environment. Enhanced by twenty-four-hour security, the dorms offer a safe and secure setting for all students. The campus features a main cafeteria and several snack bars, complementing the local dining scene. With access to the town’s diverse restaurants and eateries, students can immerse themselves in the rich culinary culture of San Juan.
Academics
Course Selection
The available courses for students vary by program and are distributed between the SSA center and local universities. Please see the selection below, and contact us for the most current course information:
SSA Language & Culture Courses
Subject
Course
Courses
Internships/Service Learning
CSO 104S – CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL ANALYSIS: SERVICE LEARNING SEMINAR
Language/History/Cultural Studies
HIST 212PR – DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUERTO RICAN NATION
Language/History/Cultural Studies
SPAN 293PR – ADVANCED SPANISH, LEVEL 4
Language/History/Cultural Studies
SPAN 291PR – SPANISH AS A NEW LANGUAGE, LEVEL 3
Language/History/Cultural Studies
SPAN 227PR – ADVANCED COMPOSITION
Language/History/Cultural Studies
SPAN 226PR – ADVANCED GRAMMAR
Language/History/Cultural Studies
SPAN 225PR – ORAL COMMUNICATION
Language/History/Cultural Studies
SPAN 106PR – READING FOR COMPOSITION
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
Academic Institutions
The Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) stands as Puerto Rico’s oldest private educational entity, distinguished by its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Sites, notably for its Main Administration Building, Portico, and Chapel. Situated on a 32-acre site in San Juan, USC combines a unique campus atmosphere with urban accessibility.
USC’s intimate campus fosters a close-knit community where students form lasting support networks and friendships. As a selective liberal arts university, it emphasizes interdisciplinary education, providing a rich academic and cultural environment for student interaction.
Safety and Support: USC prioritizes student health and safety, offering 24-hour dorm security and comprehensive support services, including academic and personal assistance through the Programa de Apoyo (PAE). Health services are readily available with a 24-hour nurse and psychological support in both English and Spanish. For off-campus explorations, reliable shuttle services ensure safe transport.
Campus Facilities:
- Olympic-sized swimming pool
- Extensive library and language lab
- Dedicated volunteer office
- Modern exercise rooms
- Mac lab and multiple computer facilities
These features underline USC’s commitment to a holistic educational experience, blending academic rigor with physical well-being and community engagement.
Why This Program?
The Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish Program in San Juan, Puerto Rico, offers a unique academic and cultural immersion experience, blending advanced Spanish studies with the rich, diverse heritage of Puerto Rico, ideal for students seeking to master the Spanish language while exploring the Caribbean’s vibrant culture.
📚 Advanced Academic Pursuits:
- Intensive Spanish Language Courses: Engage in high-level Spanish language and literature courses designed to refine fluency and understanding.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Explore a wide range of subjects from the humanities to social sciences, all taught in Spanish, enhancing your academic breadth.
🌍 Cultural Immersion:
- Local History and Culture: Dive into Puerto Rico's unique blend of cultures through courses and activities that explore its history, art, and society.
- Community Engagement: Participate in community service and cultural exchange projects, deepening your connection with the local community and culture.
💡 Personal and Professional Growth:
- Language Mastery: Achieve near-native proficiency in Spanish, opening doors to new academic and professional opportunities.
- Cultural Competence: Gain a deep understanding of Caribbean and Latin American cultures, enhancing your global perspective and cultural sensitivity.
☀️ Enriching Experiences:
- Explore Puerto Rico: Experience the beauty and diversity of Puerto Rico, from its historic sites to natural wonders, enriching your study abroad experience.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with local students, faculty, and professionals, expanding your academic and professional networks in a vibrant setting.
Dates & Fees
Term
Deadline
Start Date
End Date
Fee
Application
Important Links
Summary
Requirements
- Age: Must be 18+ at program's start
- GPA: 3.0 overall
- Spanish requisite: completed one year of advanced Spanish or equivalent
Program Summary
- Spring: January 17 - May 18, 2024
- Fall: August - December, 2024
- Academic Year: August - May, 2024
- Courses at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
- 12-18 credits per semester
- Accommodation: single-sex dorms with roommates from Latin America, Spain, or Puerto Rico, when available.
- All meals included
- Frequent excursions and travel opportunities
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- Local speaking partners
- Spanish courses: available in all levels
What does the fee include?
- Tuition fees
- Room & board
- Study tours
- Health insurance
- On-site support
- Health & Safety
- Transcripts
- Excursions
- Local activities
- Starting at: $15,700
More Programs
Useful Links
Short-Term Programs in San Juan
Semester/Year Programs in San Juan
All Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish Programs
- Seville, Spain | Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish
- Havana, Cuba | Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish
- Alicante, Spain | Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish
- Barcelona, Spain | Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish
- Córdoba, Argentina | Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish
- San Juan, Puerto Rico | Liberal Arts in Advanced Spanish