The programs are comprehensive and they prepare you really well academically. There may be one or two professors that perhaps you just won't like, mostly because of his/her attitude or perhaps because the class is just not what you were expecting it to be. At least, that's been my experience. Of course, this can vary from faculty to faculty since there's hundreds of professors at the UPR. Overall, however, I find that there's a lot you can learn at the UPR campus of Rio Piedras. The course offerings are so large... you can study anything from art, architecture, all types of sciences, math, languages, education, law, theater, music, journalism, etc.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I love the people you meet, the extracurricular activities, the student discounts on plays, student organizations, night life, college dorms... everything!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Despite the new $800 yearly special stabilization fee and that each year the cost per credit keeps rising, the UPR still offers inexpensive higher education. Cost per credit for 2012 will be somewhere around $55 per credit for undergraduates and $137 per credit for graduate students.
For foreign or non-resident undergraduate students, the yearly rate is around $4,369.00 (sans the $800 yearly special fee and this is if you take the 12 credits minimum per semester to be considered a full-time student). For foreign or non-resident graduate students, the yearly fee is something like $6,371.00 (again without counting the $800 fee and as a full-time student taking a minimum of 8 credits per semester).
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Be aware that you have to have a working knowledge of Spanish as almost all courses are given in that language (except English and foreign languages majors, of course). There's a decent population, however, of foreign students who study in the Natural Sciences faculty and I've noticed many of them don't know much Spanish. Still, if you want to get to know the locals, knowing Spanish definitely helps (although many Puerto Ricans in the metropolitan area DO know English).
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Anyone who would like to get to know Puerto Rico and take advantage of its wonders. The academic offerings are vast and the university is located at the heart of Rio Piedras, which is basically kept alive by the university community.
The programs are comprehensive and they prepare you really well academically. There may be one or two professors that perhaps you just won't like, mostly because of his/her attitude or perhaps because the class is just not what you were expecting it to be. At least, that's been my experience. Of course, this can vary from faculty to faculty since there's hundreds of professors at the UPR. Overall, however, I find that there's a lot you can learn at the UPR campus of Rio Piedras. The course offerings are so large... you can study anything from art, architecture, all types of sciences, math, languages, education, law, theater, music, journalism, etc.
I love the people you meet, the extracurricular activities, the student discounts on plays, student organizations, night life, college dorms... everything!
Despite the new $800 yearly special stabilization fee and that each year the cost per credit keeps rising, the UPR still offers inexpensive higher education. Cost per credit for 2012 will be somewhere around $55 per credit for undergraduates and $137 per credit for graduate students. For foreign or non-resident undergraduate students, the yearly rate is around $4,369.00 (sans the $800 yearly special fee and this is if you take the 12 credits minimum per semester to be considered a full-time student). For foreign or non-resident graduate students, the yearly fee is something like $6,371.00 (again without counting the $800 fee and as a full-time student taking a minimum of 8 credits per semester).
Be aware that you have to have a working knowledge of Spanish as almost all courses are given in that language (except English and foreign languages majors, of course). There's a decent population, however, of foreign students who study in the Natural Sciences faculty and I've noticed many of them don't know much Spanish. Still, if you want to get to know the locals, knowing Spanish definitely helps (although many Puerto Ricans in the metropolitan area DO know English).
Anyone who would like to get to know Puerto Rico and take advantage of its wonders. The academic offerings are vast and the university is located at the heart of Rio Piedras, which is basically kept alive by the university community.