Liberal Arts Language Immersion
Unique Experiences
Step into 500+ years of history
through guided walking experiences in Old San Juan – colorful colonial streets, iconic forts like El Morro, and the city’s vibrant arts scene
Experience two signature sides of contemporary Puerto Rico
night kayaking in bioluminescent waters near San Juan
Deep dive into reggaetón’s roots
and global impact – often paired with live performance
Your Destination
San Juan is Puerto Rico’s vibrant city, offering the perfect environment for language immersion and cultural exploration. Whether you're practicing Spanish with locals in lively plazas, engaging in conversations at a traditional café, or wandering through the colorful streets of Old San Juan, every experience deepens your connection to the language and culture. San Juan’s historic forts, world-class museums, and stunning Caribbean coastline offer endless opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. With a perfect blend of history, modern energy, and artistic expression, San Juan is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from host institution courses that align with your academic major.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in San Juan will open doors for you to explore Puerto Rico’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Take a day trip to Culebra Island and relax on the pristine white sands of Playa Flamenco, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
- Learn to cook traditional Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and arroz con guandules in a hands-on cooking class with Puerto Rican host moms
- Enjoy a scenic horseback ride along the beaches and trails of Isabela, taking in the stunning coastal views and lush landscapes
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
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... keep reading
What To Do in San Juan While Studying Abroad
If you’re heading to San Juan, Puerto Rico for your study abroad journey – congrats, you’re in for a great time! Envision this for a second: World-class beaches, rainbow-colored buildings... keep reading
Top 9 Puerto Rican Slang Words
Puerto Rican Spanish has its own unique rhythm, and if you’re studying abroad there, you’ll quickly notice locals dropping words and phrases you’ve never seen in a textbook. Understanding Puerto... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE San Juan offers residence hall housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From single to shared rooms, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Standard Housing: Includes a double room in a residence hall, located within walking distance of campus and 15 minutes from the city center by public transportation. Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Meals are not included.
- Select Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall. Residence halls are located within walking distance from campus and 15 minutes from city center. Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Meals are not included. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Meals are not included.
Academics
CIEE San Juan: Study in San Juan, a dynamic city where rich history meets Caribbean charm. From exploring colorful streets and historic forts to soaking up the sun on stunning beaches, experience the vibrant culture and warm hospitality that make San Juan unforgettable.
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón: Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) is a private, nonprofit Catholic university located in Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is the oldest educational institution with Catholic roots on the island. It was founded in 1880, officially becoming a higher education institution in 1935, , and adopting its current name in 1976. Today, USC offers a broad academic portfolio in fields such as business, communication, arts and design, health and natural sciences, computer science and technology, and interdisciplinary studies. USC places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, creativity, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. The university is especially recognized in Puerto Rico for its programs in communication, creative industries, and business, and it remains accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, reflecting its longstanding commitment to academic quality and community engagement.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC)
Please note that not all courses are available every term. Courses below are 3-credits and taught in Spanish unless otherwise specified.
Sample Course List:
Business
- ADM 102 – Organizational Dynamics
- ADM 105 – Macroeconomics / Personal Branding
- ADM 201 – Commercial Law
- ADM 301 – Human Resources Management I
- ADM 325 – Social Entrepreneurship
- ADM 400 – Management Experience
- ADM 401 – Operations Management
- ADM 420 – Social Change: Philanthropy Lab / Sagra / Co
- ADM 430 – Cooperative Professional Internship
- ADM 450 – Decision-Making
- ADM 498 – Business Administration Practicum
3D Animation
- ADT 101 – Digital Image Manipulation and Editing
- ADT 201 – Introduction to 3D Modeling and Animation
- ADT 210 – Pre-Production, Pre-Visualization, and Animatic (4 credits)
- ADT 220 – Character Design and Animation
- ADT 310 – Advanced Texturing, Lighting, and Compositing
- ADT 390 – Special Topics
- ADT 401 – Special Project in Animation (4 credits)
- ADT 425 – Special Effects and Image Compositing
Art
- ART 016 – Introduction to Visual Culture
- ART 102 – Appreciation of the Visual Arts
- ART 110 – History of Puerto Rican Art
- ART 111 – Art Theory and History
- ART 116 – Visual Language and Thought
- ART 125 – Drawing Fundamentals
- ART 208 – Ceramics
- ART 210 – History of the Arts in Puerto Rico
- ART 230 – Three-Dimensional Creation
- ART 310 – New Trends
- ART 320 – Graphic Processes
- ART 322 – Advanced Drawing
- ART 330 – Computer-Aided Design and Illustration
- ART 334 – Screen Printing Fundamentals
- ART 390 – Special Topics
- ART 415 – The Art Circuit
- ART 485 – Interdisciplinary Practicum
Biology
- BIO 101 – Human Biology I (+ Lab)
- BIO 102 – Human Biology II (+ Lab)
- BIO 111 – General Biology I (+ Lab) (4 credits)
- BIO 112 – General Biology II (+ Lab) (4 credits)
- BIO 204 – Introduction to Microbiology
- BIO 206 – Microbiology (+ Lab) (4 credits)
- BIO 223 – Genetics (+ Lab) (4 credits)
- BIO 230 – General Botany (+ Lab) (4 credits)
- BIO 302 – Ecology (+ Lab) (4 credits)
- BIO 310 – Human Physiology (+ Lab) (4 credits)
- BIO 320 – Immunology
- BIO 323 – Developmental Biology (+ Lab) (4 credits)
- BIO 390 – Special Topics
Computer Science
- CCO 115 – Computational Principles and Techniques (4 credits)
- CCO 140 – Object-Oriented Programming
- CCO 290 – Web Content Management
- CCO 335 – Distributed Systems (4 credits)
- CCO 390 – Special Topics
- CCO 405 – Computer Ethics
- CCO 485 – Website and Cross-Platform Application Development
Communications
- CES 110 – Strategic Communication
- CES 111 – Strategic Writing
- CES 220 – The Creative Process
- CES 221 – Strategic Branding
- CES 310 – Digital Media Strategies
- CES 311 – Creation, Curation, and Dissemination of Digital Content
- CES 390 – Special Topics
- CES 410 – Regulatory Standards in Strategic Communication
- CES 411 – Strategic Communication Management
- CES 412 – Media and Audience Analytics
- CES 415 – Consumer Behavior
- CES 490 – Professional Practicum in Strategic Communication
Exercise Science & Health Promotion
- CFI 101 – Social and Psychological Aspects of Sport
- CFI 102 – Adapted Physical Education
- CFI 105 – Wellness and Quality of Life
- CFI 110 – Introduction to Massage
- CFI 111 – Sports Massage
To view the updated set of courses for each term, visit the university's website.
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $8,756 ** |
| Housing | $5,700 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,800 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,800 † |
| International Airfare | $400 †† |
| Local Transportation | $200 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $15 |
| Personal expenses | $260 |
| Total Costs | $2,675 |
*non-refundable fee
**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††one round trip a day for the semester by subway
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $500 * |
| Educational Costs | $9,756 ** |
| Housing | $4,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,950 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $2,210 † |
| International Airfare | $400 †† |
| Local Transportation | $200 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $15 |
| Personal expenses | $1,049 †††† |
| Total Costs | $3,874 |
*non-refundable fee
**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for groceries if you plan on making your own meals ($400/month) and the optional estimated cost for dining out once per week ($510). Budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††one round trip a day for the semester by subway
††††Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, cell phone. Does not include personal travel.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Alejandra Herrera
Regional Director of Operations for Latin America
Marianjelly Negrón Rivera
Program Coordinator
Marianjelly comes from the town of Utuado, a mountainous municipality in Puerto Rico's central region. Since moving to San Juan in 2018, her interest in tourism grew due to tourists'...
Jack Goldthorpe
Program Coordinator
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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