SMCM-SSA in San Juan, Puerto Rico

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.

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!

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!

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.