Universidad Externado de Colombia
Live and study in one of the most historical, political and cultural centers of Colombia on the foot of the hill of Guadalupe at Universidad Externado de Colombia!
Externado is recognized as a leader in the areas of government & international relations, economics, business administration and finance. Founded in 1886 as an answer to absolutism and suppression of freedom of education, this prestigious university (within the top 100 in Latin America, QS 2019) has a combination of modern infrastructure buildings and historical houses. You will have the privilege to study surrounded by spectacular gardens and forests on campus on a year round subtropical climate. Be ready to explore the ideal mix of urban sophistication, colonial charm and natural wonder while refining your Spanish language skills.
Key information
Application information
Useful links
Program details
Areas of Study:
Externado offers a wide variety of programs, including: economics, international relations, geography, anthropology, archaeology, philosophy, psychology, history, sociology, communications, journalism, tourism, finances, law, math and social work.
Professional Volunteering program:
The school of finance, government and international relations has a credit bearing volunteer program open to exchange students to increase their socio-cultural knowledge and complement other academic courses. Students would work with recognized NGOs, both national and international.
Course Information:
Course information can be found by faculty. Click on 'facultades' and choose which faculty you are interested in, specify undergraduate, and then the department. "Curriculum" or "plan de estudios" is where you can find specific courses.
Students have to take a full course load at the host university which is 18 credits per semester at Externado. Exchange students have to take at least 60% of credits in the faculty of registration.
A limited number of courses are taught in English. Please check this shared document for their up to date offerings. (Regularly updated by the partner)
The academic year is divided into two semesters.
First semester: late January to early June.
Second semester: July to November.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Externado estimates the average living expenses per month around 400-600$US.
Here are some examples of expenditures:
Housing/Apartments: from 200$US to 400$US/month
Food: 150$US/month
Lunch in a restaurant close to the University: 5$US (15000 Pesos COP)
Public Transport: 50$US/monthAlso, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations etc in your budget planning.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange?
Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the University of Calgary, who have completed at least one full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
An academic reference is required for a complete application.
Students that want to take courses in Spanish must have completed a minimum of Spanish 303 (4 semesters of Spanish) or the equivalent. (either B-1 or B-2 level depending on the faculty)
During the orientation week the level of Spanish will be assessed by Externado's Center of Spanish as a Foreign Language (CEPEX) and students have the possibility to take Spanish language courses at the CEPEX.
If you have questions about the academic or social life in Bogotá you can post on their exchange students Facebook page, and can be in touch with other exchange students or with Colombian students.
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Veronica V. Cardoso
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.