Latin American Studies, International Business, and Research
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About this Program
The Latin American Studies, International Business & Research program at the Universidad del Norte offers students that chance to take business, culture or a limited number of ABET-accredited engineering courses in English or Spanish alongside local Colombian students at one of the country's most prestigious universities. Spanish language courses are available for those wishing to improve their language proficiency, while advanced speakers can choose from an extensive offering of courses in Spanish. Business courses are widely available in English as well. You may complete the Research Project course in English or Spanish with the supervision of a faculty member at the host university. If you have at least a high intermediate Spanish level, you may volunteer in the local community and receive credit through the Volunteering and Social Transformation Service-Learning course. All courses are taught by host university faculty at the Universidad del Norte. Courses are taught by faculty at the host university and classmates will be local and other international students.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Spanish
- Courses with Locals
- Local University Program
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Research Opportunities
- Service Opportunities
- Apartment
- Dorm
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 192-256
- Credit System: Contact Hours
- Typical Course load: 4-5
- Credit Per Course: 48 or 64
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Universidad del Norte
- Credit Conversion Rate: 10 Contact Hours = 1 SU Quarter Credit
- Quarter Range: 19-25.5
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $2,000
- Spring Semester: $2,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to ISA on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by ISA. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Warm and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) in the Andean region. The Caribbean coast tends to be hotter.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and mostly dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) on the coast and in the lowlands.
- Autumn (September to November): Rainy season returns in some regions, with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F) in the mountains.
- Winter (December to February): Dry season with warm temperatures, particularly in the lowlands, where it ranges from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
Travel Resources
- Air: Major airports include El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá), José María Córdova International Airport (Medellín), and Rafael Núñez International Airport (Cartagena).
- Train: Train travel is limited. Some tourist routes, like the "Turistren" from Bogotá to Zipaquirá, are available.
- Public Transport: Extensive bus networks operate in major cities, with systems like the TransMilenio in Bogotá and Metro in Medellín.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Must-see sites include the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, the walled city of Cartagena, Tayrona National Park, and the Cocora Valley.
- Language: Spanish is the official language. English is less common, except in tourist areas.
- Festivals: Celebrations include the Barranquilla Carnival, Bogotá International Book Fair, and Medellín Flower Festival.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Typical dishes include bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of meats, beans, and plantains), arepas, ajiaco (chicken and potato soup), and empanadas. Colombian coffee is world-renowned.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more available, especially in larger cities, but may be limited in rural areas. Be sure to confirm ingredients as meat may be included in broths or side dishes.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Bogotá: Carrera 45, No. 24B-27, Bogotá, D.C. (Phone: +57 601 275-2000)
- U.S. Consular Agency in Barranquilla: Centro Empresarial las Americas 1, Calle 77B, No. 57-141, Suite 511, Barranquilla
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Major cities have made improvements in accessibility, especially in newer public transport and infrastructure projects. However, rural areas and older buildings may lack accessible facilities.
- LGBTQ+: Colombia is progressive in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws. Acceptance varies by region, with urban centers being more inclusive than rural areas.
- Religion: Colombia is predominantly Roman Catholic, with religious freedom protected, and growing Protestant and non-religious communities.
- Race & Ethnicity: Colombia is ethnically diverse, with significant Afro-Colombian and Indigenous populations, but these groups often face social and economic inequalities.
- Gender: Colombia has legal protections for gender equality, but traditional gender roles and gender-based violence remain persistent challenges, particularly in rural areas.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by ISA.
U.S. passport holders may be required to obtain a student visa for programs over 90 days in Colombia (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). ISA will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in ISA’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.