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UCA - PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATóLICA DE ARGENTINA Program Level: Undergraduate Number of Weeks/Term: 16 |
- Background
- Location Information
- Program Dates
- Host Institution
- Academic Information
- Academic Disciplines
- Credit Transfer Information
- Eligibility Requirements
- Program Costs
- Housing and Meals
- Insurance
- Extracurricular Activities
- Climate
- VISA & Passport Information
- Your Next Steps
- Experiences of Former Students
- Contact Details
BACKGROUND
Georgia Tech (GT) has developed a number of overseas programs around the globe. These programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a portion of their academic programs in top-notch foreign universities that are partnered with GT. As a result of immersion in a foreign academic and cultural environment, students have the maximum opportunity to learn to operate effectively in an atmosphere that is wholly different from that of GT and the U.S.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Argentina
The Argentine Republic is situated between the Andes in the west and the southern Atlantic Ocean in the east and south. It is bordered by Paraguay and Bolivia in the north, Brazil and Uruguay in the northeast, and Chile in the west and south. It also claims the British overseas territories of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. By area, it is the second largest country of South America after Brazil and the 8th largest country in the world. Argentina is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world and offers great geographic variety.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and its largest city and port, as well as one of the largest cities in Latin America and the world. Buenos Aires is located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent, opposite Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
Buenos Aires, is the one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Americas and its character and look were molded by European immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. More European than South American in flavour, Buenos Aires' heart boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. The locals are renowned for their flair and cockiness, even in times of adversity. It's a city of tragedy and elation; a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital.
BA has magnificent buildings, monuments and parks and although it is a big city, its transportation system makes it easy to move around. There are many interesting neighborhoods to explore: Retiro, Recoleta, San Telmo, La Boca, Belgrano and Puerto Madero, to mention just a few.
The "porteños" (as inhabitants of Buenos Aires are called) enjoy an active cultural and social life. Hospitality to foreigners is the rule, and the city is unique for its diverse and fun night-life. Traveling to Argentina's extraordinary destinations (Iguazú Falls, The Andes & Patagonia, Córdoba...) is also a must for exchange students.
PROGRAM DATES
Fall Term: Early August - Late November
Spring Term: Early March - Early July
Academic Year: Early August - Early July
(Summer Break: December 1st to 1st week day in February)
NOTE: Students may participate in this program for the fall term, spring term, or for a full academic year.
YEAR PROGRAM STARTED:
2007
HOST INSTITUTION ACADEMIC INFORMATION
One of the finest and largest private universities in Argentina, Pontificia Universidad Católica 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 movie theatres, luxury restaurants, a Hilton Hotel and the headquarters of many multinational corporations. Since it was founded in 1958, UCA has been a pioneer in many fields and has attracted leading scholars in each academic discipline to its faculty. UCA also created Argentina's first business administration department. Clearly identified with its 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.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
Subject Areas Available:
- Economics
- History, Technology, and Society
- International Affairs
- Literature, Communication, and Culture
- Management
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Philosophy, Science, and Technology
- Spanish
For more information on courses offered at UCA: click here
Language Information
All courses at UCA are taught in Spanish. GT recommends that students complete at least 2 years of college level Spanish or have the equivalent advanced/3000 level of skills before participating in this program.
** Upon arrival at UCA, a compulsory Spanish placement test is administrated to all students. Students who do not reach the "Advanced" level in Spanish must attend a Spanish course during their exchange period. There is an additional charge for this course that is not included in the regular tuition/fees rate. For more information: click here
An INTENSIVE Spanish course is available for an additional cost, and highly recommended, before the regular semester begins. For more information: click here
TopCREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
Credit for courses taken as part of GT exchange programs is added as transfer credit on the GT transcript. Since it is important to know which kind of credit students will earn abroad as soon as possible, GT requires that courses be pre-approved for transfer. With a Foreign Credit Approval Form (available from OIE) in hand, and the credit transfer system information (listed below), students should submit course descriptions to the appropriate academic unit to request their approval. If taking Math classes, for example, then the student should go to the GT School of Mathematics to get permission for the courses to transfer to GT. If approved, the GT School of Mathematics signs the Foreign Credit Approval Form showing how the courses will transfer so that students will know which type of credit they should expect to receive.
For detailed credit transfer instructions click here
For the Foreign Credit Approval Form click here
CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM
This information is intended for undergraduates students only. Graduate students must speak with their academic unit to to determine the acceptance of transfer credits.
UCA uses the following credit transfer system:
1.04 UCA credits = 1 GT credit
GRADING SYSTEM
UCA uses the grading system listed below:
UCA Grade = US Grade
8 - 10 = A
6 - 7 = B
4 - 5 = C
No Equivalent = D
3 and below = F
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
PROGRAM COSTS
The same matriculation, tuition and other mandatory fees (including transportation, technology, activity, health, and athletic) apply to a term abroad as would normally at Georgia Tech. Exchange students must pay tuition and fees to the GT Bursar for each semester they are abroad. No other expenses associated with this program are paid to GT; instead, these expenses are paid on site.
Keep in mind the costs of books, health insurance, food, living expenses, and travel money, as well as pre-departure costs like your passport and visa. In general, Buenos Aires is VERY cheap compared to the the United States.
The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso. Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the newspaper or click here for the most current rates.
DON"T FORGET TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! See the OIE web site for more info: click here
Following are cost estimates for one semester at UCA that may help you prepare for your term(s) abroad. All costs are in USD.
In State Tuition $3,035 Out of State Tuition $3,285 GT Mandatory Fees $818 Books and Supplies $250 Administrative and/or Application fees $750 Miscellaneous (includes passport/visa fees, required field trips, local transportation and incidentals) $650 Roundtrip Airfare $1,200 Room and Board $2,500 Additional Language Instruction $500 Mandatory Insurance $150 Total $9,853 (in state) $10,103 (out of state)
*Out-of-state students pay in state tuition, plus $250 for this exchange program.
*Costs in the preceding chart are estimates for undergraduates based on tuition rates posted by the GT Bursar for "continuing students." Guaranteed tuition rates, graduate tuition rates, and MBA tuition rates vary. Please check the GT Bursar's web site click here to confirm actual tuition rates based on degree, term, or level of study. Actual costs may be higher or lower than those listed above, depending on the exchange rate and personal spending habits/needs.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Housing
Meals
*students who choose the host family option will most likely have some meals provided by the family at a monthly cost. Some off-campus residence halls offer optional meal plans.
UCA has negotiated a special price with "Visiting Buenos Aires", a company that provides
homestays for international students in Buenos Aires. For more information: www.visitingbuenosaires.com Top
INSURANCE
Students participating in this program will be assessed $150 per semester for mandatory insurance coverage. You will be covered by T.W. Lord and Associates. For detailed information about this insurance plan, click here. This cost is included in the above cost estimates for the program.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The University has a wide variety of extension activities which are open to international students. These activities are offered by the UCA schools and academic units, the student unions, and other organizations, such as the Center for the Promotion of NGOs, the Patagonia Program, the Women 2000 Project, the Fine Arts Pavillion, the Campus Ministry, the Cultural Center, etc. More information can be found by clicking the "Extensión" button on UCA's home page.
These activities are excellent opportunities for international students to:
- increase their knowledge of Argentina and its culture
- achieve a better integration in the UCA community
- fully develop their talents
- get to meet new people and friends
N.B.: Some activities may require the payment of a reduced fee.
The activities of the Cultural Center are recommended for international students. The Cultural Center offers Conferences, Plays, Expositions, Music Presentations, Contests, Dialogues with Artists, Drama Festivals, Cultural Weeks, Literary Cafés, Book Presentations, Dialogues with Photographers, Cinema Debates, Academic Meetings, Seminars, Courses & Workshops (Drama, Choir, Dance, Painting, Drawing, Photography, Art History, Art Appreciation, Oratory, Creative Writing, Writing, Chess) and Languages (English, French, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, German). Don't miss the chance to pass by their office and talk to the staff in order to check the availability of places.
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, aerobox, body combat among other sports and disciplines. Football, tennis and golf contests are a tradition at UCA.
CLIMATE
Buenos Aires has a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 94ºF in January to 50ºF in July. The heaviest rain falls during the winter months, though rain can be expected at any time of year. Many locals leave Buenos Aires during the hot summer months (December, January and February) and head for the coastal resorts. The best time to visit the city is during spring (September, October and November) or autumn (March, April and May).
VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION
Complete information about how to apply for or renew a U.S. passport is available online click here
A student visa is required for study in Argentina. There is a consulate located in downtown Atlanta which can process visas for students who have a Georgia Mailing address and use this address in their visa application. They are located at :
245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Suite 2101
Atlanta, GA 30303 USA
Tel: (404) 880-0805
Fax: (404) 880-0806
To access the consulate's web site: click here You should go to the consular section and click on the requirements for a "Student Visa" or "Visa para estudios"
Procedures for student visas change regularly, and you must follow all instructions very carefully.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
To begin the process of participating in this exchange, please do the following:
EXPERIENCES OF FORMER STUDENTS
click here
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Melissa Lee DeLara, Exchange Study Abroad Advisor
GT Office of International Education
631 Cherry Street
Savant Building, Suite 211
Atlanta, GA 30332-0284
Phone: (404)894-7475 Fax: (404)894-9682
E-mail: melissa.delara@oie.gatech.edu
OIE web site: click here
Host/Program Web Site: click here
Buenos Aires
Argentina
Latin America
Semester
16
12
Spanish
For more info, contact OIE.
Can I go abroad while pursuing a GT degree?
GT students have many opportunities to participate in semester/exchange and study abroad programs. In an exchange program, you actually take classes with the host university's students and faculty. (In some cases, this means that you must have excellent knowledge of the local language to participate). Exchange program participants usually pay normal GT tuition and fees for each term abroad. Credits can be pre-approved to transfer back to GT so that you do not get behind in your studies. The application deadline for fall and academic year programs is in early February; for spring programs the deadline is in September/October.
In a study abroad program, the courses are taught by GT faculty and you register for regular GT courses. Residents pay normal matriculation fees, but do not pay ancillary fees (athletic, health, etc.). Non-residents only pay resident matriculation plus $250 ($1500 for GTL Summer/$2000 for GTL Spring/Fall) . This is a savings of over $6,000 for out-of-state students who participate in GT study abroad programs as full-time students! Deadlines for summer study abroad programs vary from early January to mid-February.
In most cases, if you are eligible for financial aid or scholarships, you can apply your grants, scholarships, and/or loans toward the expenses associated with participating in all GT programs.
GT's International Plan: More than just study abroad
Your major is participating in this new initiative!
The International Plan is an intensive, degree-long program designed to prepare GT graduates professionally and personally for successful lives in the 21st century. Requirements of the program include international coursework, two terms abroad (any combination of study, research or internship abroad), proficiency in a second language, and a culminating course. Students who complete the program will have a designation on their diploma indicating completion of the degree with global competence: for example, "BS in Mechanical Engineering: International Plan." For more information or an application, contact your major advisor or OIE and visit the website: click here