Isla del Encanto: Society, Culture and Environment in Puerto Rico : International Affairs : 黑料吃瓜

Location: 惭补测补驳眉别锄, Puerto Rico
Courses: SOCI 4360: Directed Study. Participants will register for two sections of SOCI 4360, earning 6-hours of degree credit.
CRNs: 53204 & 53205
Program Directors: , twu19@txstate.edu & , cb59423@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Maymester, May 14 - June 4, 2026
Travel: May 20 - June 1, 2026
Program Fee: $2,520
Course Tuition: 6-hours $2,136.48
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

Discover the west side of Puerto Rico. Hosted by the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico, 惭补测补驳眉别锄, this course offers students the opportunity to explore the island's fascinating history and vibrant national identity. You'll also explore how Puerto Rico鈥檚 unique past has influenced local initiatives across urban, rural, and coastal areas. Through workshops with distinguished faculty from the political science, sociology, and history departments, activities and excursions, and collaborative group reflections, Texas State students will have the opportunity to learn more about and critically examine complex social issues that Puerto Ricans are facing today. Taking an interdisciplinary perspective students will have the chance to design innovative and meaningful solutions to the problems affecting local communities in Puerto Rico that can also be applied to similar problems that are affecting their communities in Texas.

DATE	ACTIVITIES
May 20	Arrive at in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Transfer to our host town of , Puerto Rico. Check into our hotel and gather for a mandatory first day meeting.
May 21	Kick off with a welcome at , explore the campus, dive into a workshop on Puerto Rico鈥檚 history and its relationship with the U.S., then tour the city of before a social reception.
May 22	Workshops on ethnic and urban development, an excursion to to learn about cultural resistance, team reflection, and an energizing dance workshop.
May 23	Watch and discuss a documentary, check in on the final project, then enjoy an afternoon beach trip to in Cabo Rojo.
May 24	Day trip to Ponce, Puerto Rico where we will explore the , step into the grandeur of , and visit a former 19th century coffee plantation before heading back to 惭补测补驳眉别锄.
May 25	Journey to and tour of where you will experience grassroots environmental efforts in the mountains of .
May 26	Visit a local coffee hacienda and the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of the Coastline , engage in workshops on food insecurity and climate resilience, and end the day by attending a local basketball game of the .
May 27	Sail out to and La Parguera, stop at , and connect with the Agricultural Extension Service before reflecting on the group project.
May 28	Workshops on community organization and public health, followed by a guided tour of .
May 29	Workshops on Puerto Rican literature and bilingual identity, then head to Rinc贸n for a guided tour of and finish with student project work.
May 30	Collaborate on final projects, present to peers and professors, and close with a farewell banquet and celebration.
May 31	Transfer to for a historic walking tour of , then spend the afternoon exploring the .
June 1	Travel home.

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Application Details

The Study in America program to 惭补测补驳眉别锄, Puerto Rico, requires the following:

Letter of recommendation
Two essay questions - 250 words
Interview with faculty leaders

The the letter of recommendation and essay questions will be submitted within the linked application. The Program Directors will reach out to applicants to schedule an interview.

Essay A: How will your participation in this program contribute to your academic & professional growth? (Include at least two examples which could include connections to degree plan, career path, academic interests, etc.)

Essay B: Please discuss your personal goals for Study in America and what challenges you anticipate (connections to identity, language, cultural interests, etc.). Be specific about how this relates to your own particular set of circumstances.

Writing Tips

No more than 250 words each.
The audience is the faculty co-directors Jos茅 R. P茅rez Reisler and Claude Bonazzo Romaguera
Avoid general statements like, 鈥淚 want to study abroad to broaden my horizons."
Make connections to the program location and course content.
Address your motivation, goals and preparedness to do the Study in America course in Puerto Rico .
Focus on specific examples to illustrate your essay's points.
You can get help at the College of Liberal Arts University Writing Center. The information for it is at:

Faculty Leaders

Application Process

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & SIA.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 22, 2026.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  This program is open to all undergraduate students.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  No, course instruction before and after travel will be conducted online.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The program fee includes:
  - Lodging throughout the duration of the trip.
  - On site transportation.
  - 9 breakfasts and 10 lunches.
  - Admission to all program activities.
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare.
  - 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, all dinners.
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
  *Per SIA policy, airfare is purchased by the student is not refundable by the university. Students are encouraged to purchase flexible airfare or travel insurance in case of the event they are unable to travel.
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with 黑料吃瓜 One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  Students are responsible for purchasing airfare, on-site transportation will be provided.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  Dress code varies by activity. Guidance will be provided prior to travel.
- Will there be downtime on the trip?
  
  Students will have some limited down time.
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs. See full drop/refund policy.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.