The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) was founded in 1903 as a public institution of higher education. Since its beginning, the University has responded to the social, cultural and professional necessities of Puerto Ricans. It is a system comprised of eleven campuses and other institutional units which are established at several municipalities of the island.
The Río Piedras campus is located at San Juan, the capital city. This is the principal campus within the UPR system, not only because of its academic offerings, but because it has the highest student population and largest facilities. It has easy access to public transportation and is within walking distance of the Río Piedras town market, shopping areas, and local bookstores.
Program description and content
This program is designed to increase participants’ ability to communicate in Spanish, as well as enhance their understanding of Puerto Rican social and cultural patterns. While participants take two courses, they will experience the natural beauty of the island and its historical and cultural wealth.
Spanish for Non-Native Speakers
This three credits course provides basic knowledge in Spanish grammar and oral communication. Also, the professors will offer the opportunity to use the acquired education in real-life situations. The proficiency level in which the participant will take the Spanish course will be determined by the results obtained on a placement test given at the beginning of the program.
Society and Culture in Puerto Rico
This three credits course offers an overview on the island’s culture: history, arts, folklore, ecology, economics, geography, and politics. The course, arranged as a series of lectures, integrates field trips and activities that will enhance learning and will allow students to become better acquainted with some of the most important features of Puerto Rican culture and landscape.
Previous Society and Culture courses have included trips to Ponce, Old San Juan, bioluminescent bays, several beaches, the Puerto Rico Art Museum, Casa Pueblo (Adjuntas), El Yunque Rain Forest, Icacos Key, Coamo hotsprings, among others. However these trips may vary according to the seasons, climate changes on the island, and availability of resources. The program’s offerings are subject to the number of students registered.
Program cost: $3,200.00
The price includes:
- Registration and placement test
- Courses and professors
- Official credits (6) and transcripts
- Transportation: field trips and airport
- Welcome and farewell activities
- Two (2) meals per day on weekdays
- Lodging at Plaza Universitaria
- Use of campus facilities and Internet
- Program assistant
- Administrative expenses
Administrative requirements for admission to the program:
- Registration Form
- Non-refundable deposit of $500.00 (money order or credit card authorization form)
- Official transcripts
- Waiver of Claims Agreement (minors / adults)
- Medical Authorization Form (minors / adults)
- Jeanne Clery Act Dispositions
- Plaza Universitaria’s bylaws (full bylaws / sign only form)
- Travel insurance evidence
University of Puerto Rico
Río Piedras Campus
Faculty of General Studies
Interdisciplinary and Multicultural Institute
12 Ave. Universidad Ste.1201
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925-2532
1-787-764-0000, ext. 88786
inim.uprrp@upr.edu
Prof.a Nadja N. Fuster Pérez, Director
César Robles, Administrative Assistant