Montage of Study in America 2026 Puerto Rico trip Play Video

Department of Sociology
Location: Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
Courses: SOCI 4360** : Isla del Encanto: Society, Culture and Environment in Puerto Rico
CRNs: TBD
Program Directors: Dr. José Pérez Reisler, twu19@txstate.edu & Dr. Samuel Van Vleet, map541@txstate.edu 
Course Dates: Summer I, June 1 - July 2, 2027
Travel: June 3 - 17, 2027
Program Fee: $3,216.11
Course Tuition: 6 hours $2,136.48
*Financial Aid eligible

** Participants will register for two sections of SOCI 4360, earning 6-hours of degree credit

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.

DATEACTIVITES
Thursday, June 3

Arrive at Luis Munoz Marin Airport in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Transfer to our host town of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Enjoy our first group dinner at El Buen Café and check into our hotel Posada Hotel Colonial.

Friday, June 4

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 and enjoy an energizing Bomba/Plena dance workshop before a group dinner.

Saturday, June 5

Enjoy free time in the morning to get to explore the city of Mayagüez before going on an afternoon beach trip to Boquerón in Cabo Rojo.

Sunday, June 6

Day trip to Ponce, Puerto Rico where we will explore the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Park, step into the grandeur of Castillo Serrallés, eat lunch at the Cruceta del Vigia and visit the historic Plaza Delicias before heading back to Mayagüez.

Monday, June 7 

Visit Café Mis Abuelos a local coffee hacienda in the morning, enjoy a lunch at Café de Tite before afternoon workshops on Puerto Rico’s national identity and gentrification. Finish off your day with a group reflection and free time to explore the city of Mayagüez.

Tuesday, June 8 

Engage in workshops on food insecurity and public health in the morning before heading in the afternoon to an excursion to the historic center of the city of San Germán. End the day by attending a local basketball game of the Atléticos de San Germán. 

Wednesday, June 9

Sail out to Isla Magueyes stop at Isla Cueva for lunch before visiting the laboratories of Project ISER and Caricoos. End the day by visiting La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay. 

Thursday, June 10

Enjoy a workshop on community organization before heading out in the afternoon to visit Rincon to learn more about the conservation efforts in the coastal areas of this city. End the day enjoying Gallery Nights a weekly street festival with live music.

Friday, June 11

Engage in Workshops on Puerto Rican literature and bilingual identity in the morning and then enjoy free time in the afternoon where you can attend el Festival del Mango in downtown Mayagüez.

Saturday, June 12

Journey to  Casa Pueblo and tour of Bosque Escuela La Olimpia where you will experience grassroots environmental efforts in the mountains of Adjuntas. Enjoy a traditional buffet lunch at Hotel Monte Rio and student reflections in the town square before returning to Mayagüez.

Sunday, June 13

Visit Los Pozos in the morning, the site of the controversial Proyecto Esencia. Visit el poblado de Boquerón before heading back to Mayagüez to enjoy the closing night of the Festival del Mango.

Monday, June 14

Engage in workshops on climate resilience in the morning while enjoying a guided tour of the Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Litoral (CIEL) and free time in the afternoon. 

Tuesday, June 15

Collaborate on final projects, present to peers and professors, and close with a farewell celebration Museo Casa Grande.

Wednesday, June 16

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.

Thursday, June 17

Departure at Luis Muñoz Marín Airport

*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 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 director: José R. Pérez Reisler & Samuel Van Vleet
  • 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

Headshot of Dr. Samuel Van Vleet

Dr. Samuel Van Vleet

Application Process

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & SIA.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 15, 2027.

STEP 4

Register for SIA associated course.

Program FAQ

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