Study Abroad / Affiliated Programs / Language Programs

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Spend a semester in San Juan, Puerto Rico!

Located on 32 acres in the heart of San Juan, the university has both a distinctive campus and an urban environment.

The Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, is the oldest private educational institution in Puerto Rico. Originally founded in 1880 as an all girl’s school by the religious order of the Society of the Sacred Heart, the institution become the Universidad del Sagrado Corazon in 1935.

Why Choose San Juan, Puerto Rico?

  • Affordable study abroad program located in the heart of the Caribbean with a culturally rich political, social and economic history
  • Spanish Studies Abroad Resident director and 24/7 support
  • A campus on 32 acres in the heart of San Juan with abundant educational opportunities
  • Open to all levels of Spanish studies students
  • Variety of academic courses in Spanish or English
  • Home to El Yunque Rainforest

Visit the SSA Education Abroad Website

Courses

SSA Education Abroad offers an excellent opportunity for cross-cultural study at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazon (USC). The University promotes a participatory and personalized education and emphasizes the humanistic, scientific, technological, and professional formation of its students. You develop a strong language competency in Spanish, the capacity for team work and the ability to recognize, distinguish, and practice ethical values.

The curriculum assures the development of critical and creative thinking skills, a multicultural perspective and the integration of theory and practice through service learning.

Semester/ Academic Year Program Options

Housing

Students will live on the Universidad del Sagrado Corazon campus in single-sex dorms with Puerto Rican roommates. All dorms are double rooms, and come equipped with refrigerators, shared bathrooms and cooking facilities. Twenty-four hours security ensures the absolute safety of the students. Along with a main cafeteria and several snack bars, students will be able to take full advantage of the rich and delicious culinary culture in the town’s many restaurants and eateries.

Costs/Scholarships

Contact the Director of Study Abroad to discuss program fees and financial aid.

The San Juan, Puerto Rico program is a Saint Mary’s Affiliated Program. As such, all Federal and State aid (except work study) and up to $2,000 in Saint Mary’s institutional aid may be applied to the program’s costs.

Costs Include:

  • Tuition
  • Double occupancy room & full board
  • Orientation and Study Tours
  • Health Insurance
  • Spanish Studies transcript
  • Support of onsite staff

Scholarship and Funding Information

Students should research the details of non-Saint Mary’s scholarships for applicability and see the Director of Study Abroad for other scholarship and grant opportunities.

Program Dates/Application Deadlines

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. SSA Education Abroad recommends that you apply as early as possible to allow more time for pre-departure arrangements, such as applying for a student visa.

Click here for Program Dates and Application Deadlines

Application Procedures

To be eligible, you must have a 3.0 GPA in Spanish Coursework.

Apply online to the SSA Education Abroad. Complete the Saint Mary’s required paperwork, application may be picked up in the Study Abroad Office, International Center, the Heights.

Acceptance is contingent on a thorough review of the student’s application and subsequent approval from SSA Education Abroad.

Next Steps

After acceptance, complete the following required items.

  1. Obtain a passport. Submit a copy of the first page to the Study Abroad Office.
  2. Arrange travel plans. Submit a copy of your flight itinerary to the Study Abroad Office.
Culture/City Information

As a study abroad student in Puerto Rico you will see beyond the white sand beaches and tourist attractions. Student life, coursework and local activities will quickly encourage you to become fully immersed in the language and culture of the Caribbean island lifestyle and heritage.

Known today as “La Ciudad Amurallada” (the walled city), San Juan is one of the biggest natural harbors in the Caribbean and the oldest city in United States territory. It is also the one of the largest capitals in the Caribbean, with a population of around 2.73 million people. Old San Juan holds many of the government buildings and is characterized by its seventeenth and eighteenth century colonial style which echoes its Spanish ancestry.

Learn more about the culture of San Juan

Find Us

The Heights International Center, Room 104
Winona Campus
Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.