Douglas Olsen
Puerto Rico is a US territory, and its citizens are US citizens, so they are not considered international students in the US. However, students from Puerto Rico are sometimes lumped in with international students when it comes to taking standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. Additionally, students from Puerto Rico can travel directly to and from US territories like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands without a valid US visa, which is typically a requirement for international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | Spanish and English are the official languages, but Spanish is dominant. Textbooks are often in English, while classes are taught in Spanish. |
| Housing | Some universities provide housing for international students, either in the form of on-campus housing or shared apartments close to campus. |
| Student life | Puerto Rican students are passionate about their education and have protested against rising tuition fees. |
| Visa requirements | US citizens do not need a visa to study in Puerto Rico. Non-US citizens must first be accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) school and then apply for a US Student Visa. |
| Popular universities | University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, UPR Mayagüez (RUM) |
| Popular study destinations | San Juan, Mayagüez, Rincon |
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What You'll Learn
Language and Housing
Puerto Rico has two official languages: Spanish and English. Spanish has been the official language of Puerto Rico since the 15th century when Spanish settlers took over the island. However, after the Spanish-American War, the United States established English as the official language of Puerto Rico. In 1902, English became the second official language of Puerto Rico, with both languages to be used "indiscriminately" in all official and public activities. English is also the obligatory language of instruction in Puerto Rican high schools. Spanish is the dominant language of business, education, and daily life on the island, spoken by over 95% of the population.
The language of instruction in schools changed several times in the 20th century. In 1946, legislation was introduced to restore Spanish as the primary language of instruction in Puerto Rican schools, which was signed into law by President Truman in 1948. However, English was still required to be taught as a second language. In 1948, a decree by the Education Commissioner, Mariano Villaronga, made Spanish the language of instruction in all courses except English.
Today, English is a required subject in schools starting in kindergarten and is often a requirement for employment. As a result, most Puerto Ricans are bilingual, and a unique blend of the two languages, known as "Spanglish", has developed on the island. Spanglish combines words and phrases from both Spanish and English and is commonly used by bilingual Puerto Ricans.
Regarding housing in Puerto Rico, there is limited information specifically for international students. However, the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry offers modern university housing for its students, with 112 bedrooms available across three walk-up-style buildings inside the campus.
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Student Visas
Puerto Rico is home to several universities, including the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras in San Juan, which has about 17,000 students and offers 80 undergraduate programs. Another option is the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (RUM), which offers four faculties: Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Business Administration, and Agricultural Sciences.
Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, the visa requirements for international students are the same as for entering the US. US citizens can travel freely in and out of Puerto Rico with government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, but all non-US citizens looking to study in Puerto Rico must first be accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) school and then apply for a US student visa.
One type of student visa available for international students wishing to study in Puerto Rico is the F-1 visa. An F-1 student is a nonimmigrant who is enrolled in a full course of study with the purpose of achieving specific educational or professional goals. The academic institution must be designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to offer courses to these students and must be registered on SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
International students and scholars can travel directly to and from US territories, including Puerto Rico, without the requirement of a valid US visa if they have a valid passport, I-94 printout or card, a properly endorsed I-20 or DS-2019 (F-1 or J-1)/I-797 approval notice (H-1b or O-1), and proof of current student enrollment.
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Academic Life
Puerto Rico has a unique academic landscape, with a mix of public and private schools, and a strong culture of student activism. Education is compulsory between the ages of five and 18, with students attending either public or private schools. As of 2013, there were 1,460 public schools and 764 private schools on the island, with a total of 606,515 K–12 students, 64,335 vocational students, and 250,011 university students.
The academic life of students in Puerto Rico is marked by a strong passion for education. This is evident in the student-led strikes at UPR campuses protesting rising tuition fees. In 2010, a two-month strike delayed classes but ultimately resulted in a victory for the students. The University of Puerto Rico offers the largest number of academic programs on the island, with 472 academic programs, 32 of which lead to a doctorate. However, the university has faced financial challenges, with strikes occurring in response to attempts to raise tuition fees.
The language of instruction in Puerto Rico's academic system is primarily Spanish, with English being the second official language. Textbooks at universities are often in English, while classes are taught in Spanish. However, programs like the Inter American University of Puerto Rico offer English Trimester Programs, solely taught in English.
Puerto Rico's academic standards are overseen by the Puerto Rico Education Council, which is responsible for licensing educational institutions. However, the quality of education varies, with a significant proportion of students graduating at a sub-basic level or not graduating at all. The SAT and ACT exams are also used for university admissions, but mainland universities rarely accept the Spanish-language version of the SAT, creating challenges for Puerto Rican students seeking to study abroad.
The academic outcomes for students in Puerto Rico are influenced by various factors, including exposure to violence and mental health issues. Studies have shown that students who intend to drop out of school have higher exposure to violence and mental health concerns. Additionally, economic disadvantages and living below the poverty level contribute to lower graduation rates. Grade retention and failure are also prevalent, impacting students' self-concept and academic competencies.
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University of Puerto Rico
The University of Puerto Rico accepts international students. The university is designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to offer courses to non-immigrant international students enrolled in a full course of study. These students are classified as F-1 and are governed by specific regulations, including the Immigration and Nationality Act and related provisions. The F-1 student program is managed by the DHS's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which also ensures compliance with regulations.
The University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, is one campus that specifically caters to international students. The university provides resources and support for international students, including information on maintaining F-1 student status, restoring status, and job and practical training applications.
The University of Puerto Rico is not the only educational institution in the territory that accepts international students. There are several other colleges and universities in Puerto Rico that also enrol international students, such as the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, with campuses in Barranquitas, Bayamon, Metro San Juan, Ponce Mercedita, and San German, as well as the ICPR Junior College-General Institutional in Hato Rey.
International students in Puerto Rico benefit from the territory's unique location and cultural offerings. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico offers easy travel to and from the continental United States without the requirement of a valid U.S. visa for students already studying in the country. At the same time, Puerto Rico's distinct history and culture provide a rich educational context for international students seeking a diverse educational experience.
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Study Abroad Programs
Puerto Rico is a US territory, and its citizens are US nationals. Therefore, Puerto Ricans are not considered international students when studying in the US.
However, Puerto Rico is a popular destination for international students from other countries. The University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, established in 1903, is the oldest and largest center of higher education in the Caribbean. It is recognised as the campus with the most comprehensive professional and graduate programs and is the leading research university in Puerto Rico. The campus offers over 80 undergraduate degrees, 55 master's degrees, and 14 doctoral programs. It is located in the vibrant capital city of San Juan, which is a popular choice for students. San Juan is a coastal city with beach access and the perks of city living. The city's rich history and vibrant culture make it a one-of-a-kind study abroad destination.
The University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras is one of 11 UPR campuses and is a popular choice for students in San Juan. The campus has about 17,000 students and offers 80 undergraduate programs. Mayagüez, located on the west coast, is another great location for students seeking a more relaxed pace than San Juan. Mayagüez is home to the UPR Mayagüez (RUM) campus, with approximately 13,000 students and four faculties: Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Business Administration, and Agricultural Sciences.
Puerto Rico offers a unique experience for study abroad students, with its vibrant culture, tropical charm, and year-round warm weather. It is easily accessible from most major US cities, making it both convenient and affordable for students wishing to study abroad. The Inter American University of Puerto Rico offers an English Trimester Program, taught solely in English. However, many programs require several college-level Spanish courses. Housing is typically provided for study abroad students, either in shared apartments close to campus or in on-campus residence halls.
There are various study abroad programs available in Puerto Rico, such as the specialized programs offered by SSA in San Juan. These programs combine rigorous academic studies with immersive real-world experiences. Students can explore the world of International Business & Marketing or Science and Technology in Advanced Spanish. There are also Liberal Arts programs taught in English and Spanish, allowing students to enhance their language skills and cultural fluency.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to study in Puerto Rico. You can travel freely in and out of the country with government-issued picture identification, such as a driver's license. However, if you are not a US citizen, you must first be accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) school and then apply for a US Student Visa.
Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico, with Spanish being the dominant language. While you don't need to be fluent in Spanish to live in Puerto Rico, many programs require several college-level Spanish courses. The Inter American University of Puerto Rico offers an English Trimester Program taught solely in English.
Puerto Rican students are very passionate about their education. There have been student-led strikes at UPR campuses protesting rising tuition fees. International students should be prepared for a rigorous academic environment and stay informed about any potential disruptions to classes due to student activism.
