Why should I do a study abroad / Exchange semester in Colombia?

• To be a citizen of the world through academic and cultural experiences during the academic semester.

• To have a global perspective of your program in Colombia.

• To develop an international network of professional and personal contacts.

• To get to know and adapt to another education system, different from the one in your home institution.

Why Colombia?

Colombia is home to a diverse geography of seas, jungles, mountains and plains. There are many reasons to love Colombia some of which include its cultural diversity, full of traditions, music, parties and joy, and its warm people committed and willing to help you at any time.

More information about our country:

• The answer is Colombia

• Colombia es realismo mágico

• ¿Por qué Colombia?

• Visita Colombia, la tierra de la sabrosura

Why Bogotá?

Bogotá D.C. is the capital of our country, and it is located in the central zone of Colombia. It is the cultural, economic and education center of the country. Because of this, you can find people from all regions representing a variety of cultures. It is a great opportunity to get to know the different sides of Colombian culture. 

Click here to learn more about Bogotá, the cultural, capital city.

Why Uniandes?

Universidad de Los Andes was founded on November 16th, 1948, under the direction of Mario Laserna, to make a significant contribution to the development of higher education and the growth of a pluralist society. Universidad de los Andes is a non-profit, independent, non-partisan and non-denominational entity. Since its foundation, Uniandes has been a leader in research, significantly influencing the country's cultural and scientific development.

Uniandes facts and figures:

• Foundation - 1948

• 12 Schools

• 39 Undergraduate programs

• Approximately 19,123 students

• QS ranking 227: for more information about Uniandes, click here. 

Learn more about exchange students' experiences here. 

Important Dates

Types of Mobility

Check if your home university has an exchange agreement with us. Coming to Uniandes as an exchange student is an excellent opportunity for you to take subjects related to your academic program while expanding your perspective. In addition, you will have the possibility to experience Colombian culture, practice your Spanish and develop skills for your personal and professional growth. In case you are interested in studying in our institution but your university does not have an agreement with us, you can come as a free mover. Unlike exchange students, you are required to pay our tuition fees. Keep in mind that you will pay for the number of credits that you register for.

Click here to learn more about the different mobility programs we have at Uniandes.

• Exchange Semester -  fact sheet (English - Spanish)

• Double Degree

• Degree Project

• Research Internship

• Summer Schools

  • School of Management Summer School

  • School of Law Summer School

  • Colombia: Language, Nature and Peace

  • Other courses

• Free movers - fact sheet (English - Spanish)

Funding

International students may primarily look for funding in their home institutions, or governments.  Some examples are:

• Erasmus Plus Program: a program that seeks to support education, youth and sports in Europe through specific agreements for granting financial support for the mobility period. Students can find information directly from the office of international affairs in their home institution. 

  • Partner universities that promote this scholarship:

  • Freie Universität Berlin y Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen - Germany

  • Queen Mary University of London – United Kingdom

  • Roskilde Universitet – Denmark

• Líderes del mañana: This is an exchange program between Uniandes and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). The main objective is to give financial support to students who are part of scholarship programs in both universities.

• Alianza del Pacífico: This Alliance made by the goverments of Chile, Colombia, Perú and México, gives students from those countries the opportunity to have an exchange experience in universities without having a bilateral agreement. In addition, the selected students will get a scholarship for their living expenses while they are abroad.

Begin your application process     

1. Visit the office of International affairs in order to learn about the requirements and the open calls.

2. Make sure you have the minimum language requirements. Most courses are taught in Spanish; therefore, we recommend you have at least a B1 Spanish level when you are taking Spanish taught courses. In case you are enrolling in courses taught in English, you must provide at least an A2 Spanish level and a B2 English level. Regardless of your Spanish level, you must take the placement test at Uniandes.

3. Plan your academic calendar carefully

4. Review the course offerings in our institution

5. Keep in mind our important dates