Study in Puerto Rico

Have you been planning to pursue your academic career in one of the most uniquely branded in the Caribbean region? Are you looking to learn a new culture in a different environment while studying abroad?!

Whatever the motive may be, RocApply Puerto Rico is just the perfect destination for you! The country may not have the fancy that some countries do but certainly, it cannot be dismissed as a study abroad destination for those who are ready to gear themselves for new adventures.

If you are looking for an unforgettable academic experience in a beautiful setting a study abroad in Puerto Rico may be best for you! Studying abroad here offers a once in a lifetime cultural experience while earning credits towards an international degree.

But before you book your trip, here are some experiential aspects you might find exhilarating if you decide to study abroad in Puerto Rico!

Studying Abroad in Puerto Rico may not only enhance your academic experience but it may also be a part of a personal adventure that may shape how you view the world.

If you are still unsure, here are some details that may assure you that studying abroad in the country is the best choice for you. The U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico is tucked in the Caribbean Sea just east of Cuba and made up of four major islands.

It is a great combo package for a study abroad experience because English and Spanish are both official languages here.

Giving study abroad students the chance to learn Spanish with the comfort of being bounded by a population that can answer questions in English too is just an experience of a lifetime.

This Caribbean paradise is full of white sandy beaches, world-class surfing, and rugged rain forests. Studying abroad in Puerto Rico is one of the great and most inexpensive options for international students prospecting to learn Spanish and experience the Caribbean way, especially considering its proximity to the United States!

Studying abroad is not a one size fits all program. In fact, there are many options to choose from in Puerto Rico.

Whether you are pursuing immersion language programs, a summer abroad here or specific courses that may get you closer towards earning your Bachelor's or Master's degree, discovering the great program to choose from so that you might study abroad in Puerto Rico is just a click away on RocApply.

To explore major programs in the country, click on the “select a specialty” menu and happy filtering! Though not a classic study abroad destination, Puerto Rico offers a great experience to study abroad nationalities.

Just a quick flight from most major United States’ cities, it is both easy and cheap to study abroad in Puerto Rico either for a semester or a short summer course.

Whether you are looking to learn Spanish in the country, or want to know whether you should choose to study abroad in San Juan or somewhere else on the archipelago, this guide will give you the information you need to plan your study abroad on this Caribbean island.

So pack your bags and get ready to study abroad and tour rainforests, swim beneath waterfalls, and travel the beach between classes!

Students in North Cyprus

About Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a land of multiple influences and from the African slaves to the Spanish conquerors, the island has realized many cultures grace its shores.

Today the island of Purto Rico boasts a diverse scene with awesome opportunities to enjoy the extensive and beautiful natural environment and learn more about its interesting and complicated history.

RocApply has dedicated this guide for your information on Puerto Rico. Make sure to read through!!

The island nation has so many activities that tourists' biggest concern is deciding what to do first. Most items are geared towards the outdoorsy visitor with things like scuba diving off the intriguing coast, hiking through the majestic rainforest, or horse-riding on one of the diverse beaches.

There are, however, a few tamer things like travel to the many historic plantations which helped grow the island’s socioeconomy.

The landmark spots are just as plentiful offering travelers everything from historical tours and cultural excursions to continually stun and inspire. Art buffs will love the many galleries and museums which chronicle the country’s past.

Not to be missed are the bioluminescent bays which are a great example of how unpredictable and powerful nature truly can be.

There is a wide range of accommodation options available catering to every need and budget here. In the larger cities especially, foreigners will find everything from five-star luxury hotels to budget backpackers lodges.

The cuisine is also well worth a take with most local restaurants serving local staples, beans, and rice. There are also, however, a plethora of exotic options for travelers who prefer to stick to the comforts of home cuisines.

The Caribbean is extremely endowed and appealing with countries like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas only a stone’s throw away. Puerto Rico itself is quite geographically diverse which makes for an exciting and unique experience.

Whether you're looking for beach and sun, rug green rainforests, or challenging mountain ranges, the island nation has it all for spoils.

Puerto Rico has a tropical climate which makes the island’s weather generally pleasant all year round. Temperatures here seldom vary and there are only slight changes between night and day, summer and winter.

The northern section is even a bit cooler, yet the south is a bit drier. The dry season runs from November to April and temperatures tend to be a bit cooler. The mercury drops no lower than 70˚F which is why the country is such an appealing winter getaway.

Traveling around the country is relatively easy as the public transportation system is top-notch. Car rental is definitely a great selection with many reliable companies.

Two main taxi companies offer private, metered, and shared significantly reliable cabs! The train line operates around San Juan and the surrounding metropolitan area, while the bus network is far more ubiquitous and able to reach more remote regions.

About Puerto Rico's Economy

For most people in the United States it's easy to forget Puerto Rico outside of the occasional still-in-trouble-after-hurricanes story you will discover. But the picture is much worse than even that still. The economy is weak and in freefall.

The United States Bureau of Economic Analysis, the government organization that generates important statistics has begun the basic work to create a gross domestic product analysis of the island.

A place, although a territory of the United States, outside of the zone of constitutional rights, so any guarantee of protections depends on laws billed in Congress that can be undone.

A place where a complicated financial history has led to systemic fiscal instability and weakness that combined with banks pushing toxic and dangerous lending deals for a government desperate to get out of a financial hurdle.

The buyers of the bonds that came from the borrowing? Citizens of the island. The U.S. has done much to solve the economy of Puerto Rico, as the BEA figures show. Looking at the period from 2012 to 2017, the picture is sketchy.

Think of the pain of a recession. Now project that to continue for at least five years.

The island nation had one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region until 2006; however, growth has been poor for each of the last two decades years.

The downturn coincided with the phaseout of tax preferences that had led United States firms to invest heavily in the Commonwealth since the 1950s, and a steep rise in the rates of oil, which generates most of the island's electricity.

Dropping job opportunities prompted a sharp rise in outmigration, as many Puerto Ricans sought jobs on the United States mainland.

Unemployment reached 16% in 2011 but declined to 11.5% in December 2017. The United States minimum wage laws apply in Puerto Rico, hampering job growth. Per capita income is about two-thirds that of the mainland.

The industrial sector greatly exceeds agriculture as the locus of economic activity and revenue-generation. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 7 million tourists in 2018.

Gross domestic product in Puerto Rico is down because of a vicious circle further spurred on by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. When economies fail, people dessert for jobs and to make money they can remit home to their families.

That causes more collapse of the economy, catalyzing additional people away. The dual hurricanes exacerbated the situation, but the problems already existed. Much of its failure can be attributed to these mishaps!

DISCLAIMER: This report was last updated in 2020. Due to the sensitivity of economic information and data privacy, RocApply publishes only authentic indices as gathered from relevant and trusted sources as attached;

Why Study in Puerto Rico

Affordable Tuition Fees in Puerto Rico
An Amazing Destination
The comparatively laid-back emirate of Puerto Rico is a good introduction to the Islamic world, with its only downside the disallowance of alcohol. The capital is a home for things to do outdoors, centered on sailing and water sports, although visitors are advised to bring their own diving gear as the selection of rental outlets is limited. Powerboats and yachts can be chartered, and fishing trips are the best pastime.
Affordable Accomodation in Puerto Rico
Explore the Country
Getting to know the country and its people is best done by booking guided tours around the interesting land. In the capital are attractions such as the Puerto Aquarium, the zoos, several great parks, and an Olympic-sized skating rink. Boat trips along the coast or around Puerto Rico's offshore islands and overnight camping in the desert are unmissable experiences.
International Environment in Puerto Rico
Experience Water Sports
These are the most popular activity in the country, with the warm waters of the Caribbean region, the coral reefs, and a multitude of marine life inviting many scuba-divers and snorkelers. Universities can arrange travel to the best dive sites, as well as offer kiteboarding, water skiing, and kayaking. Studying here is an experience of a lifetime!
Great Weather in Puerto Rico
Tour the Country
Most of the spots feature camels, and a few have quad-biking as part of the package that you would enjoy with friends on holidays. Catering is included, and sleeping in a tent or under a canopy of glittering stars is one of the most romantic experiences anywhere in the world. There’s a selection of privately-run camps to choose from and RocApply partners rises can provide the best deals.

Scholarships in Puerto Rico

Most of the programs also come with fully-funded scholarships and fellowships as well as travel grants and financial aid, thus international students, researchers, and professors can always find a suitable program in Puerto Rico and apply.

Several scholarships and awards are offered by the government, post-secondary institutions, and other public or private organizations to assist non-local students to finance their education in the country.

Some are available solely for non-local students, and others are awarded on a competitive basis to all students despite nationality or residency status.

Puerto Rico Student Visa

As an aspiring student in Puerto Rico, you will need a student visa that will help you to gain entry into the country without any problems.

Thus RocApply has put together the requirements for a student visa in Puerto Rico.

The student visa has to be obtained whilst you are in your country of origin.

However, it is always advisable to check updated information on visa requirements in case there are any changes

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