Pre-Requisites
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 GPA
- Two 300-level Spanish Courses or approval from Spanish faculty
- Judicial Check
- Academic Conduct Check
Currently Accepting Applications for:
- Spring 2026 Estimated Program Dates: January – May
- SMCM Approval Application Deadlines: October 1st for Scholarship Consideration, October 15th Final Deadline on Via TRM
Highlights
- Take Spanish-taught courses at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
- Practice your Spanish with a local language partner
- Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico’s vibrant, historic, and beach-filled city!
Course Equivalencies
Financing Studying Abroad
Office of International Education Scholarships (Need-Based, Merit-Based, Region Specific, Language Study)
Speak with the Office of Student Financial Assistance for Options
About the Program
SMCM partners with SSA to offer students the opportunity to study advanced Spanish language and Latin American Studies, Business, or STEM at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón for a semester in San Juan, Puerto – without ever technically leaving the U.S.! On-site SSA staff members provide 24/7 support, coordinate the arrival orientation, and host several excursions throughout the semester. The orientation and excursions are designed to introduce students to Puerto Rican culture, history, and the academic culture of the host institution.
Location
The city of San Juan, Puerto has a complex and rich cultural history, which is an excellent location to study Spanish, Latin American and Caribbean Studies. In just a day or weekend trip, students can experience the jungles of El Yunque, the beaches of San Juan, the salt flats and surfing of the Western Coast and more – or even take a ferry to beautiful smaller islands, such as Vieques, Culebra!
Academics
The Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) is Puerto Rico’s oldest private educational institution, and its 32-acre site in San Juan is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. USC offers small class sizes and a range of Spanish courses, as well as experiential learning opportunities and a variety of Spanish-taught subjects. Students will live on campus in a 24-hour secure dorm and experience additional support and health services on campus, as well as have the support of SSA staff. Bonus: students are provided with local activities and a language partner!
Student Life
USC and SSA’s on-site staff assist students with all aspects of their experience abroad; students have 24/7 security and support on this program.
Important Links
Faculty Liaison
Dr. José Ballesteros, Spanish Faculty: jrballesteros@smcm.edu
Transfer Credit Policy
See the following for how grades and credits are translated back to SMCM. Note: grade equivalencies between U.S. and international institutions are subject to change without notice. the equivalencies provided here are understand to be accurate and up to date as of September 2024.
| Grading System | |
| Grade | SMCM Grade |
| A+ | A+ |
| A+ | A+ |
| A- | A- |
| B+ | B+ |
| B | B |
| B- | B- |
| C+ | C+ |
| C | C |
| C- | C- |
| D+ | D+ |
| D | D |
| F | F |
| Credit Conversion | |
| USC credits are equal to US credits. | |
Academic and Judicial Policies
The academic and judicial requirements for any student considering studying abroad.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
How financial aid will apply towards your study abroad program and what scholarships are available.
Payments and Services
Payment processes for semester-long, short-term, and non-SMCM study abroad programs.