Play Mayaguez

Department of Sociology
Location: Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
Courses: SOCI 4360: Directed Study. Participants will register for two sections of SOCI 4360, earning 6-hours of degree credit. 
CRNs: TBD
Program Directors: Dr. José Pérez Reisler, twu19@txstate.edu & Dr. Claude M Bonazzo Romaguera, 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, Mayagüez, this course offers students the opportunity to explore the island's fascinating history and vibrant national identity. You'll also explore how Puerto Rico’s 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.

DATEACTIVITIES
May 20

Arrive at Luis Munoz Marin Airport in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Transfer to our host town of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Check into our hotel Posada Hotel Colonial and gather for a mandatory first day meeting.

May 21

Kick off with a welcome at UPR Mayagüez, explore the campus, dive into a workshop on Puerto Rico’s history and its relationship with the U.S., then tour the city of Mayagüez before a social reception.

May 22

Workshops on ethnic and urban development, an excursion to San Germán to learn about cultural resistance, team reflection, and an energizing Bomba/Plena dance workshop.

May 23

Watch and discuss a Casa Pueblo documentary, check in on the final project, then enjoy an afternoon beach trip to Boquerón in Cabo Rojo.

May 24

Day trip to Ponce, Puerto Rico where we will explore the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Park, step into the grandeur of Castillo Serrallés, and visit Hacienda Buena Vista a former 19th century coffee plantation before heading back to Mayagüez.

May 25

Journey to  Casa Pueblo and tour of Bosque Escuela La Olimpia where you will experience grassroots environmental efforts in the mountains of Adjuntas.

May 26

Visit Café Mis Abuelos a local coffee hacienda and the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of the Coastline (CIEL), engage in workshops on food insecurity and climate resilience, and end the day by attending a local basketball game of the Indios de Mayaguez.

May 27

Sail out to Isla Magueyes and La Parguera, stop at Isla Cueva, 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 Cabo Rojo’s wildlife refuge and lighthouse.

May 29

Workshops on Puerto Rican literature and bilingual identity, then head to Rincón for a guided tour of Punta Higuero 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 San Juan for a historic walking tour of Old San Juan’s 500-year heritage, then spend the afternoon exploring the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.

June 1Travel home.

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Application Details

The Study in America program to Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, requires the following:

  1. Letter of recommendation
  2. Two essay questions - 250 words
  3. 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 José R. Pérez Reisler and Claude Bonazzo Romaguera
  • Avoid general statements like, “I 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: University Writing Center : Texas State University

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

Register for SIA associated course.

Program FAQ

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