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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
International Business & Courses with Locals
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Location
Medellín
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Host University
Universidad EAFIT
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Term
Spring 1 2024
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Program Dates
Jan 15, 2024 - May 26, 2024
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Oct 01, 2023
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Oct 15, 2023
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Credit
180 - 240 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$12,350
- This session is in progress and is no longer accepting applications.
Study Abroad Program Description
Enroll in the International Business & Courses with Locals program to take business, economics and international relations in English with Colombians, improve your Spanish proficiency or take courses with locals.
Courses available in English and Spanish include business, economics, finance, management, engineering and international relations. Spanish language courses are available at all levels through the university's Spanish as a Foreign Language Program. Courses in Spanish requiring an advanced Spanish level (4 or more semesters of college-level Spanish) include biology, communications, engineering, literature, music, political science and psychology. All courses are taught by host university faculty at the Universidad EAFIT.
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 Site Specialist.
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
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.
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.
Resident Staff
Resident Staff
The part-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 Offices
On-Site Offices
You will have access to many of the resources and facilities at the host university. ISA resident staff members will hold office hours either at the host university or at another pre-determined location in the city each week.
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, and some summer sessions.
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.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
180 - 240
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. Courses and contact hours are subject to change. Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Colombia Program Manager.
- If you are planning to choose courses taught in English with locals, please consult the Universidad EAFIT list of courses in English. This list will vary from semester to semester, and the final course list will be released a few weeks prior to the start of classes.
- If you are at the advanced Spanish level (4 or more semesters of college-level Spanish), you can consult the complete Universidad EAFIT course list for more options.
- Course levels are determined by local students' degree plans. Courses without a course level designation are supplemental courses and course levels must be determined by the home university.
- Course Credit
- According to ISA policy, you must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by your home institution, for the duration of the program. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university.
- You may enroll in 4-5 courses (12-16 U.S. Semester Credits).
- Language Courses
- The EAFIT offers international students 4-week intensive language courses at the university's Spanish as a Foreign Language Program, the first in Colombia to be certified by the Spanish Instituto Cervantes. Please note that these language courses are not included in your ISA program price and are available for an additional cost. Although these language courses will not appear on your transcript, you will receive a certificate of completion and can petition your home university to receive credit for the course. Spanish language course enrollment and additional payment occurs on site once your final course list has been determined. Language placement exam details will be provided on site.
- Transcript Information
- The transcript from the Universidad EAFIT will reflect EAFIT credits and contact hours for each course listed below, with the exception of language courses that say "no credit". Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to 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.
MEDELLÍN TEAM
Laura Arredondo
Resident Director, Colombia
Laura Arredondo
Resident Director
Laura Arredondo was born and raised in the Metropolitan Area of Medellin, Colombia. She graduated from the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Colombia with a B.A. in International Business Management and a double degree in German-Latin American Career in Administration from Münster University of Applied Sciences in Germany. She is currently studying an MIB at the EAFIT in Colombia. Her first experience studying abroad was in Germany in 2009, where she had the opportunity to finish her studies in Management and work at a famous German apparel brand as her internship for six months. She enjoyed studying with people from different countries and improving her English and German language skills. She traveled throughout Western Europe and fell in love with the experience of getting to know different cultures. In 2018 she went back to Europe to volunteer at a linguistic school in Italy as a teacher’s assistant, helping students with their language and intercultural skills through various courses and cultural programs. She enjoyed living with two different families, learning the insights of the new culture, and exploring Italy and Spain. All of these experiences abroad were life-changing and Laura developed a passion for international education. She is excited to help ISA students with their own intercultural experiences. It goes without saying that she loves to travel, and often visits other parts of Colombia, as well as other international destinations in her free time.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & 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@studiesabroad.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity 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, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
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
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 breakfast and dinner every day except Sundays 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 will likely share a 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 most are located in a gated residential neighborhood just a 15-20 minute walk 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
Guatapé
Admire the pueblo's colorful zocalos and hike up desination hotspot La Piedra del Peñol.
Guatapé
Admire the pueblo's colorful zocalos and hike up desination hotspot La Piedra del Peñol.
Medellín City Tour
Contemplate the famous sculptures at Plaza Botero, take in the view of the city from Pueblito Paisa and ride the cable car overlooking the city.
Medellín City Tour
Contemplate the famous sculptures at Plaza Botero, take in the view of the city from Pueblito Paisa and ride the cable car overlooking the city.
Santa Fe de Antioquia
Gaze upon 16th century colonial architecture and visit the Western Suspension Bridge.
Santa Fe de Antioquia
Gaze upon 16th century colonial architecture and visit the Western Suspension Bridge.
The Coffee Triangle
Relax in the famous Santa Rosa de Cabal hot springs, explore Armenia and the colonial pueblo of Salento, and walk among the world's tallest palm trees in Valle de Cocora.
The Coffee Triangle
Relax in the famous Santa Rosa de Cabal hot springs, explore Armenia and the colonial pueblo of Salento, and walk among the world's tallest palm trees in Valle de Cocora.
Cultural Activities in Medellín
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Medellín. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Medellín special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking and dance classes, a soccer match, service day, visits to the Silleteros of Santa Elena and the Comuna 13 neighborhood.
Cultural Activities in Medellín
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Medellín. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Medellín special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking and dance classes, a soccer match, service day, visits to the Silleteros of Santa Elena and the Comuna 13 neighborhood.