Universidad Catolíca Argentina, Full Exchange
Program: Full Exchange
The University
One of the finest and largest private universities in Argentina, Pontifica Universidad Catolíca Argentina (UCA) is located in Puerto Madero, an architecturally-acclaimed US $2.5 billion urban renewal project in the old port of Buenos Aires, which includes move theatres, luxury restaurants, a Hilton hotel and the headquarters of many multinational corporations. Since its foundation in 1958, UCA has been a pioneer in many fields and attracted leading scholars in each academic discipline to its faculty. UCA also created the country’s first business administration department. Clearly identified with its Christian character and tradition, the University fosters academic excellence, personal growth and a passion for truth and justice.
The central campus is accessible by colectivo (bus) and subte (metro), and is a short walk from the city’s historical and financial districts, yet offers quiet surroundings. It is only a few blocks away from a 1,000-acre natural preserve.
The City of Buenos Aires
Argentina is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world and offers great geographic variety. The capital, Buenos Aires, is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Americas and its character and look were molded by European immigration in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries. Buenos Aires has magnificent buildings, monuments and parks and although it is a big city, its transportation system makes it easy to move around.
Academic Program
The University offers courses and degrees in:
- Advertising
- Agriculture and Theology
- Business
- Commerce
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- History
- Institutional Communications
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Law
- Literature
- Marketing
- Music and Musicology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
Minimum Course Load: 3 per semester (depending on number of credit hours)
Maximum Course Load: 6 per semester (depending on number of credit hours)
Orientation
The International Office organizes general orientation and campus tour at the beginning of each semester. Academic counseling is available at each academic department or institute.
Language
All courses at UCA are taught in Spanish. Exchange students’ home universities must state, in written form, that the student’s Spanish language skills will enable him/her to undertake courses taught in Spanish without experiencing difficulty.
Spanish Language Courses for exchange, study-abroad and extension students
The International Office at UCA, together with the Language and Literature Departments, offers courses in Spanish as Foreign Language (SFL) during the university’s academic year (1 st Semester: March – July, 2 nd Semester: August – November). SFL courses are offered at the initial, intermediate and advanced level. Exchange students must take a placement exam upon arrival. If a student does not place into the Intermediate II level, they must enroll in a SFL course paying a reduced fee (approximately $150 in 2005) and receive official transcripts for credit transfer purposes at their home institutions.
The SFL program is mainly directed to international students enrolled at UCA and its courses are valid for credit transfer purposes. Extension students coming from abroad or residing in Buenos Aires are also welcome.
University Services
UCA has the most modern urban campus in Argentina, made up of four impressive buildings, the first of which opened in 1996. There are five computer labs with full Internet access for the students, four university cafeterias, and a beautiful esplanade along the River Plate. The facilities also include three multimedia auditoriums, a bank, medical attention, Xerox machines, an open-air amphitheatre, a comfortable open-shelf library and Argentina’s best on campus TV and Radio studios. An underground tunnel connects all the buildings.
Extracurricular Activities
The University offers a wide variety of extension activities, including drama, choir, community involvement, conferences on political and economic issues, Christian ministry, creative writing, oratory, photography, arts, etc.
As for sports, students and faculty attend the different associated clubs in which they practice volleyball, hockey, football (soccer), rugby, basketball, swimming, sport cycle, stretching, yoga, salsa, fitness, aerobics, body combat among other sports and disciplines. Football, tennis and golf contests are a tradition at UCA.
Housing
There is no campus housing at UCA. The International Office can provide help in finding a place to live. You will be able to choose from different types of accommodations: home-stay, student residences or flats. Living in Buenos Aires is quite inexpensive today. For about US $150-180 (per month) you can find excellent housing opportunities.
Requirements
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Strong academic record.
- Evidence of good character, maturity, and motivation.
- Ability and willingness to adapt to a foreign environment
- Strong intermediate or advanced proficiency in Spanish
Academic Calendar:
- Year: February - December
- Fall Semester: March - July
- Spring Semester: August - November
- Summer Recess: December 1st - 1st week/day in February