Top 5 Study Abroad Programs in Puerto Rico

Studying abroad doesn’t always mean going halfway around the world – sometimes it’s as close (and iconic) as San Juan, Puerto Rico, where U.S. students can experience island life, a rich culture, and global learning without even needing a passport. From salsa music spilling into the streets to weekends surfing or hiking El Yunque, Puerto Rico packs all the adventure of study abroad with zero extra hassle.

Time to explore the best study abroad programs in Puerto Rico – starting now.

Read More: 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in San Juan, Puerto Rico

What are the Best Study Abroad Programs in San Juan?

CIEE offers a variety of San Juan study abroad programs that mix academics with hands-on experiences. From semester-long opportunities to short-term summer sessions, you’ll find programs designed to fit your major, your schedule, and your goals. No matter which you choose, you’ll earn college credit, explore Puerto Rican culture, and experience a side of study abroad that feels both familiar and completely unique. 

Featured Program #1: Semester in San Juan

Spend a semester in San Juan and experience island life like never before. Choose from a wide variety of courses, gain hands-on experience through service-learning, research, or an internship, and immerse yourself in Puerto Rico’s incredible mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $9,950
• Featured Course: Culture and Cuisine in the Caribbean
• Excursion Highlight: Kayak through the glowing bioluminescent bay at Laguna Grande

Featured Program #2: Business + Culture

Choose a Business + Culture semester in San Juan and plug into the heart of Puerto Rico’s growing economy. You’ll take courses in business, marketing, sustainable tourism, and more, and enhance your experience with an optional internship or independent research project. Outside class, you'll explore San Juan’s startup scene, connect with local entrepreneurs, and dive into the city’s culture!

• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $9,950
• Featured Course: Doing Business in Latin America
• Excursion Highlight: Dive into the history and impact of reggaetón and attend a live reggaetón performance

Read More: What To Do in San Juan While Studying Abroad

Featured Program #3: Ecology + Sustainability

Dive into Puerto Rico's unique ecosystems while earning academic credit. Get hands-on experience through fieldwork, collaborate with local environmental organizations, and explore real-world conservation and sustainability efforts in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $9,950
• Featured Course: Global Change and The Environment
• Excursion Highlight: Spend the day glamping by the river in Utuado, surrounded by lush tropical forests

Featured Program #4: Summer in San Juan

Turn your summer into an adventure with one of the best study abroad programs in Puerto Rico, where culture, history, and the island’s spirit come to life. Take courses that spark your curiosity, join activities that connect you with the local community, and experience the energy of the city – from historic streets to hidden local spots – all in just a few weeks.

• Program Length: 4 or 8 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $3,950 per session
• Featured Course: Photojournalism
• Excursion Highlight: Engage in community-based resilience efforts by volunteering with local organizations working on sustainable rebuilding

Featured Program #5: Engineering, Technology + Sciences

Dive into a semester in San Juan focused on engineering, technology, and sciences. From hands-on lab work to real-world projects, you’ll build practical skills, tackle real challenges, and gain a global perspective in cutting-edge STEM fields.

• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $9,950
• Featured Course: Global Change and The Environment
• Excursion Highlight: Visit a biotechnology lab to learn about breakthroughs in medical technology

Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: San Juan 

Find Your Perfect Puerto Rican Study Abroad Program with CIEE

With some of the best Puerto Rico study abroad programs, you can dive into sustainability, tackle real-world projects, or explore business and tech – all while living the island life. Pack your curiosity, bring your ambition, and get ready to turn your time in Puerto Rico into an experience you’ll never forget. 

STUDY ABROAD IN SAN JUAN