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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
STEM & 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 2025
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Program Dates
Jun 15, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Apr 05, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 10, 2025
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Credit
80 - 112 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$5,450
- 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.
You may also choose to enroll in ABET-accredited engineering courses in English or Spanish with Colombians at one of the country's most prestigious universities. The civil, electrical, electronics, industrial, mechanical and systems engineering programs at the Universidad del Norte have been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Math and physics courses at the advanced Spanish level are also available. Course options include Spanish language, culture or experiential learning courses such as the Research Project course in English or Spanish, which requires 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
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service*
Meals and Laundry Service*
*The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
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 and contact hours for each course listed below. 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
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating your questions about traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Michelle McRaney
Senior Program Manager, Latin America
Michelle graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a focus on International Management. She studied International Business in Caen, France and Spanish and International Management in Monterrey, Mexico. Michelle joined the ISA team in 1998. Michelle has led programs in Guanajuato, Mexico; Salamanca, Spain; Granada, Spain; Santander, Spain; Sydney, Australia; and Santiago, Dominican Republic. She also accompanied several ISA site visits in Chile and Argentina, and conducted new program research and staff training in Mexico and Brazil. In 2006, Michelle moved to Lima, Peru, where she set-up ISA's first program in Peru, which expanded to include Cusco. Michelle is excited about sharing the Peruvian culture and cuisine with all ISA participants and helping to adjust to life in Lima.
BARRANQUILLA TEAM
Katherine Rua
Resident Director, Colombia
Katherine Rua
Resident Director
Born and raised in Barranquilla, Katherine graduated from the Universidad del Norte with a degree in international relations. She was an exchange student at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. She represented her home university at the Organization of American States in Washington D.C. Additionally, she earned a scholarship for a dual degree in international cooperation from Colombia and Pavia University in Italy. Last, she volunteered in Egypt during the winter of 2013. She speaks native Spanish, fluent English and basic French. Prior to joining ISA, Katherine worked for two years with Universidad del Norte to strengthen services for international students. She is very passionate about traveling throughout the country and abroad as well as promoting Colombia as a safe, friendly, and exciting destination for foreign students.
Resources
Access & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
ISA Student Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
ISA Housing in Barranquilla allows you to enjoy a memorable experience by living with a local Colombian family, or in an apartment/student residence with other local and international students. With an open mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture will be both educational and highly rewarding. This will be a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new place and live as a local would, so take advantage and let yourself become a Barranquillero!
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
For students seeking a deep linguistic and cultural immersion experience, living with a host family is the ideal choice. Each host family is thoughtfully selected by ISA’s resident staff to ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment tailored to your needs. Homestays include two meals per day as well as weekly laundry service, providing convenience and insight into local daily life. While students typically enjoy the privacy of their own room, some homes may also host another ISA student of the same gender, fostering a shared cultural journey.
Apartment
For those seeking greater independence during their time abroad, apartments offer an ideal housing option. Conveniently located close to campus, these student apartments create a dynamic living environment, welcoming both local and international students. Each apartment is fully furnished and includes individual bedrooms, along with access to a range of shared amenities such as a gym, yoga room, pool, barbecue area, and cafeteria. Some meals are included at the cafeteria, and a laundry room is also available for your convenience.
Please note that spots are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with placement not guaranteed. Apartment types and setups are subject to change depending on the availability of housing providers in Barranquilla.
Student Residence
Student residences provide an inclusive and vibrant living environment, hosting both Colombian and international students. Each residence offers the comfort of a private bedroom and bathroom, ensuring a personal space to relax and study. While meals and laundry services are not included, residents have access to a shared kitchen equipped with basic cookware and cutlery, as well as on-site laundry facilities. Weekly cleaning of common areas is also provided for your convenience.
All residences come with WiFi and are conveniently located within a 20-25 minute bus ride to the university, making them a practical and welcoming option for your stay.
Independent Housing
If you prefer to secure your own housing, you have the option to arrange accommodations independently. By choosing this option, you will receive a discount equivalent to the housing portion of the program price. Please note that you are solely responsible for researching, booking, and managing your chosen housing, as well as covering all associated fees, deposits, and rent directly with the housing provider.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Cartagena & Islas del Rosario
Wander through the enchanting cobblestone streets of Cartagena and marvel at its beautifully preserved colonial architecture. This historic walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once served as the inspiration for Gabriel García Márquez. Savor a delicious traditional Colombian lunch on the stunning Islas del Rosario, followed by exciting activities such as kayaking. Alternatively, choose from optional adventures like an ecological walk or snorkeling, making this experience truly unforgettable.
Cartagena & Islas del Rosario
Wander through the enchanting cobblestone streets of Cartagena and marvel at its beautifully preserved colonial architecture. This historic walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once served as the inspiration for Gabriel García Márquez. Savor a delicious traditional Colombian lunch on the stunning Islas del Rosario, followed by exciting activities such as kayaking. Alternatively, choose from optional adventures like an ecological walk or snorkeling, making this experience truly unforgettable.
Totumo Mud Volcano
Dive into a truly unique experience at the Totumo Mud Volcano, an extraordinary natural wonder located near Cartagena. Climb to the top of this small volcano and sink into its warm, mineral-rich mud, believed by locals to have rejuvenating properties. Relax as you float effortlessly in the dense mud, and afterward, rinse off in a nearby lagoon. This day excursion offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and an opportunity to experience one of Colombia's most fascinating natural attractions.
Totumo Mud Volcano
Dive into a truly unique experience at the Totumo Mud Volcano, an extraordinary natural wonder located near Cartagena. Climb to the top of this small volcano and sink into its warm, mineral-rich mud, believed by locals to have rejuvenating properties. Relax as you float effortlessly in the dense mud, and afterward, rinse off in a nearby lagoon. This day excursion offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and an opportunity to experience one of Colombia's most fascinating natural attractions.
Cultural Activities in Barranquilla
The on-site team inspires you to dive into the vibrant culture and energy of Barranquilla. To enrich your experience, they offer a dynamic calendar of events that celebrates the city’s unique charm. Activities vary each term but have previously included engaging cooking, dance, and painting classes, as well as visits to local museums and the city’s renowned zoo.
Cultural Activities in Barranquilla
The on-site team inspires you to dive into the vibrant culture and energy of Barranquilla. To enrich your experience, they offer a dynamic calendar of events that celebrates the city’s unique charm. Activities vary each term but have previously included engaging cooking, dance, and painting classes, as well as visits to local museums and the city’s renowned zoo.