International Students: Puerto Rico's Education Attraction

Puerto Rico is an archipelago in the northeastern Caribbean Sea that was ceded to the US in 1898 and is considered a US territory. Despite being US citizens, Puerto Rican students are classified as out-of-state students when applying to mainland universities in the US. This is because the College Board, which administers the SAT, expanded its market to Latin America in 1964 with a Spanish-language edition of the college entrance exam, now called the PAA, which is given to every 11th and 12th grader in Puerto Rico. However, almost no mainland universities accept the PAA for admission, except from international students. This creates a unique set of challenges for Puerto Rican students who wish to pursue higher education in the US, as they must navigate a different admissions process and face limited opportunities and financial aid.

International students in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to several universities that offer a unique experience for international students. The island's rich culture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities like San Juan make it a desirable destination for those looking to study abroad.

International students typically account for a small percentage of enrolments in Puerto Rican universities. For example, at the Universidad de Puerto Rico, only 0.06% of students are foreign. However, there are a number of exchange programs offered, such as the one between New York University and the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.

Puerto Rico's universities offer a wide range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fields like engineering, computer science, business administration, communication, education, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico (PUPR), for instance, offers courses in engineering, geomatic sciences, architecture, computer science, and business administration. Tuition fees at PUPR are on the higher end for Puerto Rican universities, costing US$8,040 per year. On the other hand, tuition fees at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón are US$5,780 per year.

For international students, tuition fees in Puerto Rico range from US$2,500 to $5,000 for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. To enrol, international students must first be accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) school and then apply for a US student visa. This is because Puerto Rico is an unincorporated US territory, and its visa requirements are the same as those for studying in the US. An exception to this is that international students and scholars can travel directly to and from Puerto Rico without a valid US visa, as long as they do not enter another country during their trip.

Some universities in Puerto Rico have a high percentage of international students at the postgraduate level. For example, the Universidad de Puerto Rico has around 75% international students at the postgraduate level and 25% at the undergraduate level. This university offers programs taught in Spanish covering a variety of subjects, including education, business administration, social sciences, public communication, natural sciences, and humanities.

Exchange programs and international degrees

Puerto Rico is a US territory, so its visa requirements are the same as those for the US. 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. International students are few in Puerto Rican universities; for instance, at the Universidad de Puerto Rico, only 0.06% of students are foreign. However, there are exchange programs, such as that run between New York University and the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.

The Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez (SUAGM) is the first private higher education provider established in Puerto Rico. It features four universities across the island and five sister branches based in Maryland, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Miami, and Dallas. SUAGM runs several exchange programs for staff and students and also collaborates with universities in Europe, Central America, and China.

The Universidad de Puerto Rico offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs taught in Spanish in a variety of subjects, including education, business administration, the social sciences, public communication, natural sciences, military sciences, humanities, and aerospace studies. The university has about 17,000 students and offers 80 undergraduate programs.

The Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico is a large private non-profit university with Christian roots, currently employing approximately 1,500 academic staff and teaching around 50,000 students. The university offers a mix of courses in visual arts, aviation, natural sciences, biotechnologies, environmental and chemical sciences, health sciences, social and political sciences, communications, entrepreneurship, business, IT, and engineering.

The Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico (PUPR) is a small private non-profit establishment founded in 1966 with campuses in Orlando, San Juan, and Miami. It offers courses in engineering, geomatic sciences, architecture, computer science, and business administration. Tuition fees at PUPR are US$8,040 per year.

The Inter American University of Puerto Rico offers an English Trimester Program, taught solely in English. The Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music is a public conservatory in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that has hosted several international musicians as students and faculty.

Student visas and travel

International students and scholars can travel directly to and from U.S. territories (i.e. Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) located in the Caribbean without the requirement of a valid U.S. visa. However, it is recommended that students carry their immigration documents with them even if they only plan to travel between the U.S. territory and the U.S. mainland. The I-94 is the Arrival/Departure Record issued by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer to foreign visitors entering the United States.

If you are arriving in Puerto Rico from outside the US, you will go through the same immigration process as you would at any other US airport. You will need to show an ID to get on the plane past TSA to begin with. If you are flying from the US, no problem, no visa is needed but, sometimes, when you fly out of Puerto Rico you may be stopped by ICE and questioned. There are also customs to clear before leaving the island to make sure that you are not bringing contraband into the US mainland or elsewhere.

CBP officers sometimes check departing passengers at San Juan Airport, as there are some people who illegally enter Puerto Rico from neighbouring islands, and this is their best chance to catch them before they reach the US mainland. When these checks occur, they are generally at the departure gate or even on the jetway. Provided your immigration status is ok, though, you will have no problem, as you had not departed the US and are not seeking entry again. But it's a good idea to have your valid I-20 and a printout of your I-94 with you anyway, as it may help speed things up if you are checked.

If you are travelling to Canada, Mexico, or certain contiguous territories for less than 30 days, and you are not a foreign national of certain countries designated by the Department of State, you may be permitted to re-enter the United States with an expired visa. You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are returning home or travelling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States. Ensure that you have all the documentation you need for your visa application and allow sufficient time for processing a new visa.

Courses and tuition fees

Puerto Rico is an archipelago comprising four islands in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. San Juan is the capital of the main island of Puerto Rico, which is located between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands. The islands were a possession of Spain for more than 400 years before being ceded to the US in 1898. While the inhabitants elect their own governor, they are not represented in the US Congress, which holds sway over the territory.

The University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras charged $4,940 in combined tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 academic year. Students from Puerto Rico did not receive a discount, and these costs did not cover room and board. The average yearly cost in tuition and fees for out-of-state students was $4,940, which is much lower than the national average of $19,933. Tuition and fees have been growing at about 6.74% annually for the past five years, so students can expect to pay $5,628 if the growth continues. This amounts to an estimated $11,635 for two years of out-of-state tuition and fees, and $24,889 for four years. These numbers do not include room and board, transportation, or books.

The Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, the oldest private university in Puerto Rico, charges $5,780 per year in tuition fees. The university offers courses in business administration, communication, education, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

The Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico (PUPR), a small private non-profit establishment founded in 1966, has campuses in Orlando, San Juan, and Miami. It offers courses in engineering, geomatic sciences, architecture, computer science, and business administration. The tuition fees are $8,040 per year, which is towards the higher end for universities in Puerto Rico.

It is important to note that the cost of attendance also depends on other factors such as room and board, transportation, and books, which can vary significantly depending on the location and lifestyle choices. Additionally, financial aid packages and scholarships can significantly reduce the overall cost of tuition and fees.

Student life and entertainment

Puerto Rico is a vibrant place to be a student, with a rich culture to explore, a diverse ecosystem, and a lively city scene. The island offers a unique blend of natural wonders, historical sites, and urban attractions.

Puerto Rico is a great place for students to broaden their horizons, with a diverse range of activities and entertainment options. The island's natural beauty is a big draw, with its famous beaches, mountains, and diverse ecosystems offering a range of outdoor activities. The El Angelito trail, for example, is a great place to hike and explore the island's unique plant and animal life, including the famous coquí frog. The trail leads to a lagoon where students can take a dip or even try out an exhilarating rope swing.

For those interested in history and culture, Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of old and new. The island is home to the second oldest city in America, with its blue cobblestone streets and the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Cristóbal, the largest Spanish-built fortification in the New World. Students can also explore the many museums and art galleries, showcasing the island's rich cultural heritage.

The southern city of Ponce is a great place to learn about Puerto Rico's architecture and culture, with the popular Parque de Bombas, the island's first fire station, now a museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For students who enjoy city life, San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, offers a vibrant urban setting. The city has a range of educational institutions, including the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, which has hosted international musicians, and Interamerican University, which offers a dynamic academic environment. San Juan also provides a great base for surfing, with professional instructors just a 45-minute trip away.

Puerto Rico's food scene is also a big part of its cultural appeal, with students able to explore the unique and delicious local cuisine, including the traditional dish Mofongo, a deep-fried plantain dish with garlic and meat or seafood. The laid-back town of Piñones offers a great selection of open-air eateries to sample local fare.

For those looking for a more relaxed pace, the island offers a range of beautiful accommodation options, from luxury resorts to private rentals, providing the perfect base to explore the island's natural wonders and take in its famous southern charm and hospitality.

Frequently asked questions