San Juan Travel Forum

I am looking into a post graduate internship in San Juan, the Department of Health. My spanish is not that great so I'm wondering if I would need to speak Spanish?

Would that be San Juan, Puerto Rico? If so, everyone speaks English!

Carmen

Both Spanish and English are the official languages there, so you shouldn't have too much of a problem communicating either way :)

Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the US, so English is its official language, but Spanish is also widely spoken. I have traveled all over the island of PR and have observed that in most parts people speak English, but as you travel further away from the cities (e.g., San Juan, Ponce, etc.), Spanish is mostly preferred and used in everyday communication.

As Puerto Ricans are very gracious, they'll try to be patient with you, but will not guarantee that they'll cater to your English-speaking ways all of the time. It has to be a two-way street. Show that you're trying to learn Spanish as much as you can because that sure will guarantee more respect and acceptance.

Goodluck and do enjoy beautiful Puerto Rico!

I was in San Juan last summer, most people speak Spanish or some form of Spanglish. I would strongly suggest improving upon your Spanish. I believe the more touristy places all have english speaking employees, but all the little mom and pop run places are Spanish.

While living in PR as a teacher, my friend got her Master's degree - her experience in school was that needing Spanish depends on your professor - some used English, some Spanish. She quickly formed study groups with bilingual students so she didn't miss any information.

Socially, you'll do fine...in one year of living in Guyama and traveling extensively, the only place I had a problem was at a mechanic shop -- and the Tom's Peanut vendor saved us!

You'll love it...don't forget to go to: www.biobay.com !