Introduction
Founded in 1989 by the Scottish Community in Argentina, Universidad de San Andrés is already recognized as one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the region. With an enrollment of over 2,000 students, it offers both graduate and postgraduate degrees in Business, Law, Social Sciences and the Humanities. The University operates in two locations: a campus in north suburban Buenos Aires and a downtown center. The Faculty brings together highly-renowned local and international professors and researchers. Universidad de San Andrés is a teaching and research university. Its institutional culture draws upon the ethical values set out by the Presbyterian St. Andrew´s Scottish Education Association, active in education and community service in Argentina since 1836.
Disclaimer
Due to the continued impact of COVID-19, applicants should be aware that changes to academic calendars may occur with little or no notice. Students are encouraged to either wait to book travel or book travel that allows for changes with no financial penalty.
Applicants should also be aware that processing of visas may be impacted or halted by specific countries. Failure to secure the necessary visa may result in inability to participate in this program.
Participants on this program may be required to self-quarantine prior to the start of their program for a specified period of time. Students are responsible for arranging (logistics and financial) their travel appropriately to ensure self-quarantine is completed prior to the start of the program.
Academics
In order to participate on this program, University of Miami students must be of at least a Sophomore standing. The language of instruction is Spanish. Students must have the equivalent of at least two years of college level Spanish or a B2 level in the Common European Framework of Languages.
If it is determined during the application process, that applicants may not have achieved this level, students will be denied admissions or in some cases required to take the
Spanish Immersion Program in the month prior to the beginning of the semester. Occasionally 1 or 2 classes per semester may be offered in English, but cannot be guaranteed.
Course Enrollment
The
catalog of courses includes a description, contact hours, and a link to a recent syllabus as well as the semester in which the course is offered. Students will be sent a final list of available courses approximately one month prior to the start of the semester. Students will enroll online approximately two weeks prior to the start of their semester abroad. UM students are allowed to register in any undergraduate course provided they have sufficient academic background. UdeSA recommends enrolling in 3 or 4 courses per semester; maximum 4 courses. Five courses may be taken only with written permission from Academic Director of International Programs. Each course requires between 4 and 6 hours of class time per course per week (including lectures and tutorials).
Following, is a list of courses taken by past University of Miami students at Universidad de San Andres. This list does not guarantee that a particular course will be offered during a student's study abroad semester, rather it should be used as a reference guide.
List of Courses Taken by Past UM Students at UdeSA.
Spanish Language Courses
Two levels of Advanced Spanish language courses are offered as part of the regular curriculum during the semester. Students whose Spanish is above these levels may take "Escritura y Prácticas Discursivas Universitarias,” a course on academic writing skills designed for Spanish native speakers. During February and July, a fee based
Intensive Spanish program is held for Spanish at the intermediate level.
Academic Areas
Areas of Study |
Additional Available Courses |
Accounting |
Art History |
Business Administration |
Cinema Studies |
Communication |
Gender Studies |
Design |
History |
Digital Business |
Human Rights |
Economics |
Journalism |
Education |
Latin American Studies |
Humanities |
Literature |
International Relations |
Math |
Law |
Statistics |
Political Science |
Spanish and Service Learning |
Program Dates
Typically, the Fall semester runs from late July to December. The Spring semester runs from late February to July. University of Miami students may complete a full academic year at Universidad de San Andres. Specific program dates are available
here.
Grading Scales
UdeSA |
10 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
UM |
A |
A |
A |
B |
B |
C |
C |
F |
F |
F |
F |
Credit Equivalency
One San Andrés course = 4 UM credits.
Housing
Students are provided housing options in the safest, most desirable and conveniently located neighborhoods within the city of Buenos Aires. There are many affordable transportation options to get around and to arrive at campus.
San Andrés staff assist with housing arrangements for students based on student preference for one of the following options:
Residence Hall
UdeSA has a limited number of spaces available in the on-campus dormitory. The residence hall provides shared rooms (doubles and quadruples) for approximately 120 students just steps away from the academic buildings. The building has 24hr security and includes WIFI, shared kitchen, living room area with direct TV and cable, computer lab, coin operated laundry room, quiet study area, storage for suitcases, weekly cleaning, public telephone, backyard and terrace.
Homestay
Students may wish to live with an Argentine family during their stay. UdeSA staff provides a list of families who have hosted international students in the past. This option typically includes breakfast and dinner every day (except for dinner on Saturdays). These arrangements, as well as cost, will be finalized between students and their host family. Host families are matched with students according to their preferences. UM recommends the homestay option for those students seeking an immersion experience. Homestays are not only a way to practice Spanish language skills, but also to learn more about Argentine culture and social dynamics.
Apartment
UdeSA staff provides information and resources so students can find their own housing in the city.
Student Life
Campus Facilities
Undergraduate classes are taught at the Victoria Campus. The Victoria Campus is well equipped with a library, computer labs, study rooms, dining hall, green spaces, soccer fields, dormitories, locker room, student counseling center and student lounge.
Social and Volunteer Activities
Universidad de San Andres offers a plethora of extracurricular activities including an art workshop, choir, student magazine, and music groups. The university has many student organizations which international students are welcome to join which focus on environmental and social issues and provide volunteer opportunities.
Cultural Activities
Students can sign up during orientation to participate in a package of cultural activities including city tour, trip to the Delta, graffiti tour, tango activity, etc. Exchange students are invited to participate at a reduced rate.
Sports
UdeSA has a wide range of options for practicing sports. There are teams for football (soccer), basketball, field hockey, swimming, archery, volleyball and running. Exchange students are invited to train with and join these teams. Internal and external tournaments are held for these sports, as well as tennis, chess and golf.
Buddy Program
The “Programa de Anfitriones” pairs a local student from Universidad de San Andrés, a buddy (anfitrión in Spanish), with an UdeSA international student for a semester. The opportunity seeks to encourage interaction among students, assist international students as they adapt to Argentine culture and academic system and promote internationalization among UdeSA students.
The program includes activities during the Welcome Weekend and throughout the semester. These vary from helping international students in everyday tasks such as the use of public transport, to participating in planned outings organized by Anfitrión leaders: barbeques, visits to museums or tourist attractions, concerts, picnics, and more.
All international students are encouraged to participate! International students who chose to take part will be assigned their anfitrión just before or during the first weeks of the semester.
Health Insurance
The purchase of a local health insurance policy is required. Students may petition to waive this requirement if their international policy meets minimum requirements. Petitions for insurance waiver must be submitted prior to the Universidad de San Andres acceptance. Approximate cost for a local policy is USD $350 per semester. Once admitted, UdeSA will send contact information for local policy which meets requirements including repatriation benefit and complete coverage at hospitals with international standards.
Admission
Serious applicants should plan to submit a complete, well-thought out, and comprehensive application. Students who submit a complete application will be granted an interview. Qualified candidates will be nominated to Universidad de San Andres, who will require that students complete a separate application. Universidad de San Andres will make the final admission decision. Late applications will not be considered. Admitted students will receive an acceptance email and admission package directly from Universidad de San Andres.
Student Visa
Students who will be in the country more than 90 days: International students studying in Argentina for longer than 90 days must acquire a Student/Resident VISA for their exchange period. Students should apply through the nearest Argentine consulate as soon as they have received their letter of acceptance as the visa process may take up to three months. Those accepted to UdeSA with less than a three-month margin should contact the Office of International Programs for further instructions. More
information about the visa process can be found on this website.
Additional Resources