UW Homeland, Belonging, and Diaspora in Puerto Rico

Location

Not sure where Puerto Rico is? See is on a map here.

With a population of abour 3.2 million people, Puerto Rico's vibrant island culture is rich in history and delivers on classic Caribbean charm. The main island of the archipelago is just 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, and within that small size, there are mountain ranges, rainforests, waterfalls and endless stretches of coastline.

Puerto Rico is known for stunning natural wonders like El Yunque National Forest – the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System – and caves like Cueva Ventana, which offers breathtaking views of the Río Grande de Arecibo valley.

Puerto Rican culture is a vibrant mix of Taíno, African, and Spanish influences, reflected in its food, music, and traditions. The island is well known for salsa music and dance, reggaeton, and artistic expression – from street art in Santurce to the tradition of vejigante masks. It’s also home to delicious dishes like mofongo (a dish typically made with fried plantains and chicken), lechon asado (roast pork), and alcapurria (fritters).

Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.

Housing

Students will stay in hostels or guesthouses during the program. Meals will be provided or prepared together.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

On-Site Support

A UW-Madison program leader provides on-site support. A local organization  will provide additional support in country.

Handbooks

Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
Homeland, Belonging, & Diaspora in Puerto Rico Handbook Summer 2026 (2026)

Orientation

IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program. You will also have an orientation upon arrival in Puerto Rica.

Getting to Your Program

Round trip airfare Chicago/Puerto Rico is included in the program fee.

Insurance

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record.  If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business.  All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Summer 2026 Cost Details

Financial Aid

UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.

Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.

Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.

Scholarships

Check out our scholarships page to find:

• A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
• Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
• Tips for writing scholarship essays.

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

How to Apply

First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.

There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.

Next login to the IAP Online Application.

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

View our application schedule.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by International Academic Programs.  We have a team that works with each program.  Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Emma Hetzel (Make an appointment with Emma Hetzel, or email emma.hetzel@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Ramona Washington (Make an appointment with Ramona Washington, or email ramona.washington@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)