The University of Miami is proud to present the ULatin America program. Students participating on this program will have the opportunity to spend a life-changing semester in two different Latin American countries. University of Miami students will spend 18 weeks in some of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan and liveliest cities in the world. This program offers students a series of courses designed to help them explore the dynamics of Latin American nations and its various cultures. With no language requirement, the ULatin America program is a perfect way to begin learning Spanish and to participate in an internship opportunity abroad.
The following brochure information is specifically geared towards Fall/Spring ULatin America applicants.
Highlights
The ULatin America will focus on the Latin World with students spending their semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Monteverde, Costa Rica. Students will study in Buenos Aires, “Paris of South America” and see how much Buenos Aires is brimming with art, culture, architecture. By spending 18 weeks in Argentina and Costa Rica students will not only improve their language skills but also take advantage of these opportunities:
- Explore 2?countries in 1 program: Argentina and Costa Rica
- Including overnight study tours and Academic field trips and cultural activities
- Earn up to 18 credits
- Take up to 6 credits of?SPA
- Earn credit that can apply towards a Latin American Studies major or minor?
- Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
- Option to earn 3 credits while participating in an internship, service-learning, or independent research
- Program fee of $4,800 which includes housing and health insurance
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
With the innovative block system, students will complete 15-18 credits while on this program. During each six-week block, students will take one or two 3-credit classes. With six academic tracks from Business to International Relations and Political Sciences, students will find an array of internship, research and service-learning opportunities while being able to take advantage of courses taught in English and Spanish. All classes are held in the CIEE learning centers and taught by CIEE professors.
Health and safety conditions permitting, instruction will be live in the classroom for onsite students with some classes provided via online learning. Contingency plans are in place to allow for program completion in the event of any academic disruption.
Class Format
Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet either two, three, or four times per week. Attendance is strictly enforced for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. All classes are held in the CIEE learning centers and taught by CIEE professors.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students’ grades are based on attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.
Academic Culture
Each course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of their host city when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends in between blocks.
Credits
Students are required to enroll in two 3-credit courses each block. Students attending the program for all three blocks in a semester may select one block in which to enroll in only one 3-credit class (recommended for the block of the Academic Project, where applicable). Each course is 3 semester credits, unless otherwise noted in the syllabus. During the on-site orientation, students with minimal knowledge of Spanish may elect to enroll in the non-credit ‘Survival Language’ course.
Courses
For a list of program courses, please contact the ULatin America study abroad advisor, Kevin East at kevineast@miami.edu.
Internship, Service-Learning, or Independent Research
Academic Projects are approximately 100-120 total hours of field-based work/internship, service learning, or independent research hours, plus 15 seminar hours and meetings with a faculty advisor for three credits. Students applying for an Academic Project will be required to submit additional materials after acceptance. The exact internship is determined through a personalized placement process with CIEE.
Latin American Studies Minor
This UM designed program offers students the opportunity to complete classes which may be counted towards the Latin American Studies minor while studying in Buenos Aires and Santiago.
Students that desire a more immersive experience can take 18 credits of classes from the approved list which may be counted towards the Latin American Studies (LAS) major.
Housing and Meals
During the length of their program, ULatin America students will stay in homestay, shared apartments, or dormitories depending on the location. The cost of housing is included in the $4,800 program fee. Students choosing the homestay option will also have some meals included. Below is a comprehensive list of the housing and meal options available in each host city.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Homestay
As long as the local health and safety regulations permit, students will stay in homestays following new health guidelines. A homestay provides an excellent opportunity for cultural immersion for a complete Argentine cultural experience. Students will be placed with carefully screened homestay families. Each family has at least one member that can speak English. The commute to class takes an average of 30 minutes by public transportation. Hosts may be nuclear families with young children, single professionals, young couples with no children, or older couples. Homestay housing includes two meals per day: breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Students are responsible for the other meals. Host families and students will decide meals together.
Apartments
In case students cannot stay in Homestays as usually done, individual apartments will be arranged for students. Apartments are located in a safe residential area, close to markets, shops, restaurants, and public transportation. These are furnished for single or double occupancy and are located within walking distance from the CIEE Buenos Aires campus. Meals are not included in the apartment option.
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Housing and Meals
Students stay in the “bungalows” and “cabinas” of the CIEE campus, with en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and porches lined with hammocks. Three simple, but hardy meals are served in the dining hall. The campus includes indoor and outdoor common areas for recreation and study and allows exclusive access to forest trails and gardens. All students receive three meals per day. Accommodations for vegan and vegetarian diets are available.
Finances
Students participating on the ULatin America program will be able to use their financial aid for the duration of the program. Review the ULatin America budget sheet to see the billable and non-billable expenses. Your student account will be charged University of Miami semester tuition, a program fee, and a $150 study abroad fee.
Students participating on the ULatin America program are strongly encouraged to consider and apply for the following study abroad scholarships:
Dates
Fall
August-December
Spring
January-May
