Latin American Legal Studies in San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico/Connecticut Exchange program began in 1988/89 and since then over 60 students have participated in the program. UConn students may attend the University of Puerto Rico and University of Puerto Rico students may attend UConn.

Eligibility
Application Process
Course of Study
Accommodations
Cost
The Island and University of Puerto Rico
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
www.law.upr.edu
Contact Person in Puerto Rico
Law School Contacts

Eligibility

The program is designed for students matriculating at the University of Connecticut School of Law. First and second year day division students are eligible to apply to study abroad in their second or third year. Evening division students and four-year day students are eligible to apply in their second or third year to study abroad in their third or fourth year. Students may participate during the fall or spring semester or for a full year.

Application Process

The application process for all programs takes place once a year in February and decisions are made in March for the following academic year. Application forms are available at the Study Abroad Fair and online. Selection criteria include grades, faculty recommendations, essay and interview.

Course of Study

Connecticut students may register for any of the regular courses offered by Puerto Rico providing the students have not taken the class at Connecticut. The language of instruction is Spanish; exams and papers may be written in English. Students should take into consideration their proficiency in Spanish when registering for classes. UPR has a new program called the Visiting Student Program. It is offered during the fall semester and students are allowed to take up to 15 credits in English. This gives students the possibility of taking courses in Spanish or English or a combination of both. Connecticut students normally take four courses for which they receive 12 credits per semester. Since UPR is ABA-approved, additional courses and credits may be taken.

As with our other semester abroad programs, Connecticut students will participate directly in a Puerto Rican law school. This means that the Connecticut students have not only the opportunity to sample the array of courses at their host school, but also are, for a time, students at another law school. It has always been our belief that this learning experience is of considerable benefit to those who are thinking of doing some of their legal practice in the area of international law.

The University of Puerto Rico grades our students as it does its other students. Courses from the University of Puerto Rico are treated the same as any other transfer credits on your transcript; the title of the course is listed on the transcript with the number of credits earned. No credit is given for a failed course or a course in which a grade of "D" is received.

Accommodations

Housing is arranged through the Associate Dean at the School of Law. The new International House is close by the School of Law. Students have their own bedroom in a three bedroom apartment, sharing bath, kitchen, and living areas. The cost is of $300.00 per month and includes electricity, water, and Internet connection. Students need to bring bed sheets, pillows and towels. We do not recommend that you use the International house "Turabo." Although it is inexpensive and located less than a mile from campus, it is in a bad area, and there have been break-ins. Old San Juan is more expensive ($450+), but safer. Students going to Puerto Rico should talk with exchange students from UPR and contact Michele-Colón Garcia, Associate Dean, at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law and discuss their housing needs.

Cost

Connecticut has negotiated an exchange agreement with the University of Puerto Rico which provides that students will pay their home institution for tuition. Thus, Connecticut students taking courses in Puerto Rico will receive a regular fee bill from the Business Office here, charging them for twelve credits for a semester or twenty four credits for the year. In addition a Law School Study Abroad fee of $475 will be charged.

Students participating in the Puerto Rican exchange should take into account the cost of travel of Puerto Rico, as well as the cost for accommodation. Of course, depending on a student's situation, there may be lost income if the student needs to give up a job in Hartford. Study in Puerto Rico should not affect your financial aid status.

The Island and University of Puerto Rico

The 100 by 35 mile island of Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles. The island enjoys agreeable weather throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between the mid-70's and high-80's, ensured by the easterly tradewinds.

Puerto Rico's early history is one of Spain's fight for control following the landing of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Despite frequent attacks by Spain's enemies, Puerto Rico remained under Spanish rule for three centuries. The economy was mostly agrarian with sugar cane, coffee, and cattle the principal income sources. Following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was ceded to the U.S. and became a Commonwealth in 1952.

Puerto Rico has become an important business, cultural and communications center, not only recognized in the Caribbean Basin, but worldwide as well. Its strategic location has encouraged burgeoning commercial activity. Its 3.5 million people enjoy the highest annual incomes in Latin America. Among the large number of industries flourishing in Puerto Rico during the past 30 years are many high growth, high technology companies. These include makers of pharmaceuticals, computers and electronics.

The University of Puerto Rico is located in the Rio Piedras section of San Juan. The School of Law is on the picture-book main campus of the university. This campus is noted for its many lovely buildings, including a majestic clock-tower which overlooks the Metropolitan Area of San Juan.

As part of the main campus, the School of Law shares the amenities of campus life. The Student Center shows classic movies; the Cultural Center sponsors speakers, shows and plays; and the Sports Center offers swimming, tennis, volleyball, sauna, and aerobics.

Cancellation Policy

Foreign study at the University of Puerto Rico will not be canceled by Connecticut due to lack of enrollment. Should the University of Puerto Rico decide to cancel the program, Connecticut students will then register for regular classes at the School of Law. In the event that cancellation occurs after the pre-registration period for the semester in question, every effort will be made to accommodate student preferences in registering for classes. No promise can be made that all desired classes will be available.

Additional Information

Those considering the Puerto Rico exchange programs should consult first with Professor Angel Oquendo, program director. Consult the website: www.law.upr.edu.

Blanche Capilos can answer questions or direct you to helpful resources. A range of materials including a video is on Reserve in the Library. Students with questions about handicapped accommodations at UPR and in Puerto Rico in general are encouraged to consult with Dr. Jane Thierfeld Brown, Dean's Office, 570-5130.

You may wish also to talk about this program with the exchange students from Puerto Rico and Connecticut students who have attended UPR. Vanessa Badillo, Edwin Colon, Idalia Crespo, Yaira Diaz, and Alberto Rivera are our exchange students from Puerto Rico.

Exchange Programs