Program Overview
Program Overview
-
Popular Subject Areas
Latin American Studies, International Business, Engineering & Courses with Locals
-
Location
Barranquilla
-
Host University
Universidad del Norte
-
Term
Spring 1 2023
-
Program Dates
Jan 16, 2023 - Jun 01, 2023
-
Program Length
Semester
-
Application Deadline
Nov 10, 2022
-
Forms and Payment Deadline
Nov 15, 2022
-
Credit
192 - 256 Contact Hours
-
Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
-
Cost
$10,950
- This session is in progress and is no longer accepting applications.
Study Abroad Program Description
Distinguish yourself by taking business, culture or ABET-accredited engineering courses in English or Spanish alongside Colombians at one of the country's most prestigious universities.
Spanish language courses are taught in Spanish, while business, culture and engineering courses are available in English and Spanish. You may complete the Research Project course in English or Spanish with the supervision of a faculty member at the host university. If you have at least a high intermediate Spanish level, you may volunteer in the local community and receive credit through the Volunteering and Social Transformation Service-Learning course. All courses are taught by host university faculty at the Universidad del Norte.
Semester + Semester Programs Available: You can combine the Spring + Fall OR Fall + Spring sessions at a discounted price. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA Colombia Program Manager.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

24-Hour Emergency

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Airport Reception

Visa Support

Tuition at the Host University

Housing

Meals and Laundry Service

Bridging Cultures Orientation

Full-Time Resident Staff

On-Site ISA Offices

Internet Access

ISA Discovery Model

Excursions

Cultural Activities

Insurance

Official Transcript from the Host University

Professional Development Toolbox

Scholarship Opportunities
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
192 - 256
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 16
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 24
Academic Information
- Course Selection
- The courses below reflect the most current list of courses released by the host university. Language courses can be found at the bottom of the course list. Courses and contact hours are subject to change. Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Colombia Program Manager.
- Course Credit
- According to ISA policy, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student’s home university.
- Transcripts
- The transcript from the Universidad del Norte will reflect credits for each course listed below. The contact hours for each course will not be reflected on the transcript, but are listed below to assist with credit transfer. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
- Placement Exam
- Students enrolling in language courses (e.g. Advanced Spanish, High Intermediate Spanish, Business Spanish, etc.) must take a placement exam before arrival. A language exam is not required for courses with locals in Spanish if the student has taken or tested out of at least four levels of college-level Spanish.
- Experiential Learning Courses
- Students interested in the Research Project course must submit a research proposal and a resume (CV). Please contact the Colombia Program Manager for more information.
- The Volunteering and Social Transformation (Service-Learning) course requires a high intermediate language level. Please note that many community projects for this class take place on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Language Requirements
- ISA recommends that students who have not completed or tested out of a minimum of one semester (two quarters) of college-level Spanish enroll in a language course during their program. English courses are limited primarily to the fields of Business and Engineering, so be prepared with viable alternates in the event of a cancellation or scheduling conflict.
- Courses with Locals
- Students must be at the Advanced Spanish language level or above in order to enroll in courses with locals instructed in Spanish.
- Please see the course catalog, linked below in the Additional Courses with Locals section, for more course options.
- In rare cases, course language of instruction may change from English to Spanish.
Courses
select allclear all
Support & Funding
Funding Your ISA Program
Wondering how you’ll fund your program? ISA’s got you covered! If you receive financial aid for your home university, you will likely be able to use those funds for study abroad too. The first step is usually speaking with your home university. Check out the steps for using financial aid here.
Need to know how much to budget for a term abroad? Take a look at the additional expenses you might expect, depending on your program.
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. We offer over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, visit the scholarships and grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Colombian lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Colombia. With an open-mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.

Homestay
Host families are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide two meals per day and laundry service once a week. While students typically have their own room, you might share a room with another ISA student of the same gender.

Student Residence
Residencias are occupied primarily by international students. At the residencia, you will have your own bedroom and bathroom. Residencias do not include meals or laundry service, but you will have access to the shared kitchen and laundry facilities. Basic cookware and cutlery and weekly cleaning of common areas is included. All residencias include WiFi and are just a 20-25 minute bus ride to the university.

Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA

Cartagena & Islas del Rosario
Stroll down cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved colonial architecture of Cartagena, the historic walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site once home to Gabriel García Márquez. Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch on lslas del Rosario and go kayaking or participate in an optional activity such as an ecological walk or snorkeling.

Guajira Peninsula * Optional
Observe striking desert and ocean landscapes, explore Riohacha and experience a "Ranchería Night," including food and songs and dances performed by the indigenous Wayuú people. Spend the night in Cabo de la Vela and marvel at the unparalleled sunset view.

Tayrona National Park & Minca
Hike or ride horseback along a breathtaking coastal trail to reach Cabo San Juan, one of Colombia's most beautiful beaches. Spend the night sleeping in a hammock before visiting the village of Minca, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, to learn how organic coffee is made at Finca La Victoria and swim at the Marinka waterfalls.

Totumo Mud Volcano
Take a revitalizing mud bath inside of the popular tourist destination el Volcán del Totumo.

Cultural Activities in Barranquilla
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Barranquilla. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Barranquilla special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking, dance and painting classes and museum and zoo visits.