Page last updated on October 24, 2025

IU East's Spring 2026 Study Away Program in Puerto Rico

Details and requirements

Travel Dates (tentative): May 19-27, 2026
Semester: Spring 2026
Online Course (required): SPAN-S390 -- Cultural and Linguistic Immersion in Puerto Rico (taught by Prof. Simon -- Sec# 20205)
Minimum pre-requisite: SPAN-S150 -- Elementary Spanish II (or equivalent course or consent of instructor)
Minimum GPA: 2.75 (or consent of instructor)

Informational Meeting

Date: Friday, Oct 24 @3 p.m.
Click here to view the recording of the video.

Cost of Program:

Details of program fee

NB: Does NOT include: IU East tuition, books, personal expenses, and optional activities.

*ALL degree-seeking IU East undergrads enrolled in the course receive this $438 scholarship

How to apply?

Send a brief letter of intent to Prof. Simon, jjsimon@iu.edu
and
Make a $250 deposit [instructions on how to make the deposit will be sent after acceptance into the program]

Deadline: Friday, Nov 7
[Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis after this deadline]

This letter needs to include:

Your first & last names, IU email, Student ID#
Two references (i.e., name and contact information of an IU full-time instructor we could contact if necessary)

Additional points to address in this letter of intent that could give you an advantage if we receive too many applications:

Why do you want to study away in Puerto Rico?
What would be the benefits of this study away program?
How will this program contribute to your overall academic/career goals?

Course Description

This course examines aspects of Puerto Rican culture and history, specifically as it relates to the contiguous United States. Through pre-travel preparation, travel and research, students will acquire a greater understanding of Puerto Rican culture and life as they improve their linguistic Spanish skills.

The course is divided into three phases:

1) Preparation (online)

Modules on the history and culture of Puerto Rico (based on required readings and homework activities).
Talk Abroad: Conversations with native speakers of the language to gain confidence in oral and listening skills
Project proposal: Students will choose an aspect of Puerto Rican history, culture, literature, or language to examine while on the island.

2) Immersion Trip (tentative)

The group will go to Puerto Rico in May (tentatively May 19-27)
Immersion activities may include:
- Tours around San Juan and other important towns
- Visit Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and other landmarks
- Outdoor activities
  - Yoga
  - Visits to natural sites
- Cultural Activities
  - Coffee plantation
  - Salsa lesson
  - Cooking class
  - Others..
During the trip, students will do their best to communicate in Spanish at all times. They will have the opportunity to talk to locals about their research projects.

3) Final Project and Presentation at Student Research Day

After the immersion trip, students will complete their research. They will participate in the Student Research Day celebration at IU East.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Julien Simon jjsimon@iu.edu

Professor of Spanish
Indiana University East
Whitewater Hall WZ 271
Ph. # (765) 973-8622