Universidad Católica del Uruguay
- Study psychology, sociology, and communications in Spanish in Montevideo, Uruguay
- Students must have completed at least 5 semesters of Spanish in order to participate on this program
- Live with an Uruguayan host family and immerse yourself in the local culture
- Complement your coursework by volunteering in local communities with other international and Uruguayan students
Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, is no ordinary port city. It is filled with WWII history, museums, a still standing gate to an old Spanish fort, and of course, Universidad Catolica del Uruguay. The University offers up the chance to take classes such as business, education, and sociology, but in a way that helps you master the Spanish language! If that isn’t enticing enough, Uruguay is home to many beaches and a year-round mild climate that begs students to visit.
The university is located in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. A port town on the Río Plata, Montevideo is the capital of the MERCOSUR and is mainly populated by European immigrants. The city offers a mild climate, clean air and wonderful beaches. The university is a 15 minute ride from the downtown area.
The Faculty of Communication Sciences, the Department of Sociology, the Business School, and Psychology are favored by international students because of the specific courses they offer.
In addition to taking courses from the regular curriculum, the special program for international students offers four courses per semester:
- Uruguayan and Latin American History
- Uruguayan Literature (selected authors)
- Spanish language (two levels offered)
- Uruguayan Culture
See the Additional Course Offerings for International Students for course descriptions.
NOTE: Students are encouraged to take at least two courses from the regular curriculum in order to immerse themselves more fully into university life.
Students typically enroll in 5-7 classes per term which averages to 20-25 hours in class per week. A term runs for 15-16 weeks.
Language Requirement: A minimum of 5 semesters of university-level Spanish or the equivalent must be completed prior to program.
Language Courses: Intensive Spanish language courses are offered in addition to regular classes during the academic year or semester for Intermediate and Advanced levels. Contact hours per course: 67.5
Pre-session: A 2-week pre-session, intensive Spanish language course is offered before both semesters for an additional fee for Low Intermediate level students. Contact hours per course: 40
All students are housed with host families and receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the host family. UCU does not have on-campus housing for international students. In the unlikely event that a host family is not available, students are housed in a student hostel. The ISEP coordinator advises students on their housing accommodations prior to arrival.
Orientation
The orientation program covers academic advice, housing, health, emergencies, safety and general information. Integration activities will help students connet with each other. Optional activities for the following weekends (walking tours, trips to surrounding tourist places, etc.) will be offered during those days. Students will have to take a Spanish Language test upon arrival. If the student's Spanish proficiency does not meet the level required by the university, he or she will be required to take a private Spanish language course (not included in the ISEP benefits).
Arrival Details
Students arriving on the Official Arrival Date will be picked up by a member of their host family or by a special taxi at the Carrasco Airport.
Student Activities
International students have the chance as all Uruguayan students to participate in extra-curricular activities, such as sports (swimming, football, basketball, handball, etc), theatre, choir and visual arts. Every semester an International Fair is organized with the help of exchange students in order to reach out to the university community.
Community Engagement (Internships, Service-Learning, Volunteering, etc.)
The Human Sciences Faculty offers a Community Service Program where international and Uruguayan students work in poor areas. Program participants work with children or young people in a cross-cultural service-learning experience. Students enrolled in this Community Service Program receive a grade and credit hours for their participation.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
For more information, stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott.
ISEP website with more information about UCU