Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Spanish Language & Courses with Locals
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Location
Barranquilla
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Host University
Universidad del Norte
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Term
Summer 1 2021
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Program Dates
Early Jun, 2021 - Early Jul, 2021
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Mar 25, 2021
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 10, 2021
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Credit
80 - 112 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$4,550
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Improve your Spanish, study Colombian culture or take an elective in Spanish with Colombians at one of the country's most prestigious universities.
Spanish language courses are taught in Spanish and are available from the beginning to high advanced levels. The Race, Identity and Colombian Culture course is taught in English while business, communication, and culture electives are taught in Spanish and require an advanced language level. You may complete the Research Project course in English or Spanish with the supervision of a faculty member at the host university. All courses are taught by host university faculty at the Universidad del Norte.
*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 Program

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
80 - 112
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
6 - 7
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
9 - 11
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.
- 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
Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
Funding Your ISA 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. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, you may visit the Scholarships and Grants page. Please note that some programs, including remote learning opportunities, are not eligible for scholarships.
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.

Totumo Mud Volcano
Take a revitalizing mud bath inside of the popular tourist destination el Volcán del Totumo. According to local legend, the volcano once

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.