GEOL 4018-- University of Puerto Rico Summer Geological Field Course

TUITION (2024 information)

In September of 2020, the Univ. of Puerto Rico central administration announced that out-of-state and international students would pay the same tuition rate as in-state students. 

The course is charged for 6 credits and associated fees.  The tuition rate during summer 2024 will be $157 per credit (UPR cert. 2021-2022-163) or $942 for the course tuition.  There are also additional fees (maintenance, technology, lab) around $200 in total.  Out-of-state students also pay an additional $500 course fee.  Final tuition amounts and registration fees are subject to alteration and approval by the university administration at any time.

HOUSING

Our on-campus Hotel Colegial dormitory style lodging is highly recommended, but not required.  Please check back soon or contact us for more details.  Each student will be responsible for arranging and financing their own housing. 

MEALS

No meals are included in the course tuition or fees.  Students should bring their own portable lunch each field day.  There is a large grocery store immediately across the street from the university campus, in addition to may other local markets, stores, etc.  Field days are typically 7:30am - 4:30pm. 

COST

An estimate for total costs for an out-of-state student is provided here:

Application = ~$50

Tution = $942

Fees = $200

Out-of-state student course fee = $500

Housing = ~$800

Meals = ~$600

Round trip airfare to/from Puerto Rico = ~$800

Total estimate:  ~$3,900

Keep in mind that this is an estimate based on projections and is not a fixed, guaranteed amount.  The cost of each out-of-state student's airfare, meals, and housing can vary.  Each student enrolled in the course is required to have a health insurance plan and this cost is not included in the above estimate.

WEATHER

June and July in Puerto Rico are hot but not unbearable.  The high temperatures are moderated by the proximity to the ocean. Day time temperatures are around 90F and nightly low temperatures are around 75F.  Humidity is high.  The rainy season really picks up in August but afternoon showers can be strong during the whole year.  If at all, tropical storms usually pass during September, not during June.

VEGETATION

Puerto Rico is home to diverse micro-climate zones and a consequence of this are varying types of vegetation. In the more arid mapping areas, we will encounter large cacti and thorny scrub.  While there are no native poisonous animals in the island, there are some types of plants that can cause allergic reactions (similar to poison ivy or poison oak) if handled.  The course instructors will help orient students to know which plants should be avoided. 

HEALTH and SAFETY

Safety is our top priority in all field settings.  No student will ever be alone in the field.  Because of this reason, participants have a field partner.  We also use location-tracking phone applications for extra safety consideration.  Phone signal is not perfect but serviceable in most sites.  A field vehicle is present at all times should an emergency arise.  All field trip sites and field mapping areas are within a short distance of roads and local communities.  Each mapping area is within 30 minutes of a regional Medical Center.  On campus, we have a medical clinic available for basic needs.  Like all universities, a requirement to register for classes at UPRM is to have health insurance coverage and standard vaccinations up to date.

When we travel with our students on departmental field trips, we suggest that all participants acquire travelers' insurance.  These types of plans cover a much wider range of things that can happen than regular health insurance.  These plans include various personal injury, loss of possessions, airline issues, etc. and range between about $150-$250 for a six week period.  One company that we have used in the past is World Nomads but there are many options to suit your individual circumstances.  This coverage is not required to enroll in the course but is highly recommended.

FIELD DAYS

Field days are Monday - Friday with weekends free.  The general schedule will be from 7:30am to 4:30pm each day. Optional field trips to sites of interest (caving, waterfalls, beaches, coral reefs, cultural sites, rainforest, etc.) may be organized for free days.  The last field day will be two days before the final mapping project materials are due.

SPECIAL CONCERNS

Only a valid ID like a driver's license is necessary to travel to PR. If using a driver's license, we encourage that it is REAL ID compliant. 

There are no special health requirements for travelers to Puerto Rico.  Mosquitoes are present but not more prevalent than in the southern US.  Consumption of food and local municipal water is safe and regulated by similar standards in the continental US.  

All continental US phone carriers function in Puerto Rico without additional service fees.  Mail can be sent and received via the US Postal service or other providers like FedEx or UPS.

The University of Puerto Rico Department of Geology summer field course is conducted in an environment with respect for participants from varying ethnic backgrounds, life experiences, sexual orientation, and/or gender identification.

APPLY

Please fill out this Pre-application form and contact professor Stephen Hughes (kenneth.hughes@upr.edu) or Thomas Hudgins (thomas.hudgins@upr.edu) for more information about the course and how to navigate the application process.  All summer students must apply as a "visiting student" through the office of admissions and applications must be received by mid March.  Applications include a fee of approximately $50. 

Anonymous student feedback on the course:

"I liked that we had a structure from the beginning and we followed it."

"It was a good experience even though I didn't like walking so much... LOL."

"I've enjoyed from start to finish."

"I liked the small assignments we had before the big projects because they were good for practicing and learning skills."

2018 Photo Album: