THE PROGRAM 
Universidad de Montevideo (UM) is a prestigious Uruguayan university continuously ranked first among Uruguay's private universities. Noted for its department of Economics, UM also boasts personalized attention in a communal and cosmopolitan environment.
Situated between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is ranked first in Latin America for democracy, peace, lack of corruption, quality of living, and equally first in South America when it comes to press freedom, size of the middle class, prosperity and security. Uruguay is seen as one of the most socially developed countries in the world, garnering international attention for its progressive policies.
Students will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating historical context of the country, as well as its rich natural wonders. Characterized by picturesque beaches and lush greenery, Uruguay offers incredible landscapes with notably fair weather and moderate temperatures throughout the year.
The Student Exchange Program allows students to experience cultural immersion, acquire a foreign language, and develop a deeper appreciation of the host country.
THE ACADEMICS
Course Catalog: The majority of courses at UM are taught in Spanish, which means that students prepared to take courses in Spanish will have a wider selection of courses to choose from. However, a selection of courses at UC are taught in English.
Spanish Language Courses: The Spanish Language Course is designed for UM international students only, as a tool to help them succeed in their Spanish immersion classes. Social and cultural activities introduce and familiarize students to Latin American & Uruguayan history, literature, food, traditions, music and cinema. Students can benefit from a small class group and engaging lessons.
UM international students do not need to apply for the Spanish Language Course if they have already applied as an Exchange Student or Free Mover. There is however, a fee. The 60 hour course costs USD 800, but exchange students are offered a 50% discount.
Course Equivalents: These are courses Drexel students have taken at UM before, which means you do not have to go through the course approval process again. However, you must still complete the pre-approval form. Please note there is no guarantee that pre-approved courses will be offered in the future. There are currently no course equivalents for this program.
Course Approvals: Students participating in the program are asked to complete an academic pre-approval form. For this form, we ask you to review the course offerings at the host institution and discuss with your academic advisor which courses are best suited for your plan of study. You must obtain approval by the appropriate department for each course you plan to take abroad. For example, if you want to take a sociology course at the host institution for Drexel credit, its equivalent must be pre-approved by the Sociology Department at Drexel. Students are encouraged to elect 8-10 courses on the pre-approval form in case there are scheduling conflicts, or your top choices are not available.
Grading: Students are taught and graded by faculty at the host institution. Grades are noted as "CR/NCR" on transcripts and will NOT affect the cumulative GPA. In order to receive CR, students must earn the equivalent of a "C" or above at the host institution. Students must maintain full-time status at the host institution while also taking the equivalent of a full-time course load at Drexel.
Majors Available at UM:
Accounting
Business Administration
Economics
International Business
Information Technology
Civil Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Journalism Film
Corporate Communication
Public Opinion
Advertising
Degree in Translation and Interpretation Studies (English-Spanish)
PROGRAM CALENDAR
Fall term: late July/ early August – mid November
Spring Term: late February/early March – late June
UM is a semester school. Students will need to arrange early departure from their co-op in order to arrive in late July/early August or late February/early March.
THE EXPERIENCE
Universidad de Montevideo is dedicated to providing comprehensive intercultural experiences both in and out of the classroom.
The UM Buddy Program aims to integrate and support international students right from the start of their exchange semester. Each student is given a ‘buddy’ upon arrival to help integrate with the University’s community and develop a support network. Through this program, the international student will be able to learn about Uruguayan culture and life in Montevideo.
The University offers a variety of sports such as basketball, football, handball and hockey. Internal and inter-university tournaments are organized and participation in these teams is warmly welcomed and is a great way to discover other parts of Uruguay and integrate into the wider university life. The ‘Adventurer’s Club’ organizes outdoor activities around the country such as hiking and canoeing and an opportunity exists to do a trip to hike up Machu Pichu.
The UM encourages service within the local community and has many links with projects around Montevideo. These opportunities are open to international students and are highly recommended to get a better idea of the realities of Uruguay. There is a university community service club which they are welcome to join.
Internships are available for international students; you can apply to work with Uruguayan organizations or within the University itself and receive credit. Students must also be enrolled in a minimum of two courses. Internships allow students to acquire a global vision and to demonstrate adaptability in an international setting.
Orientation: Pre-arrival support starts after students are sent the letter of acceptance by email. Next the Office of International Relations makes sure students receive, also by email, an updated student guide package and academic calendar, followed by a schedule of courses offered during the semester. Once the student receives the schedule, the University offers academic counseling so that students can choose courses that best match their interests and needs.
As part of pre-arrival support, the Office of International Relations organizes a two-day orientation program at the beginning of each semester, designed to help new international students settle in by introducing them to the University and to Montevideo. Another day trip is organized early in the semester to encourage students to get to know each other and discover a town outside of Montevideo.
Housing: The Universidad de Montevideo does not provide on-campus housing. However the Office of International Affairs sends out a housing list before the beginning of every semester with multiple choices of living situations such as international residences, house stays and independent rooms to rent.
It is strongly recommended to arrange your permanent housing in Montevideo once you have arrived. It is our suggestion that you book a hostel for the beginning of your stay so that you may search for appropriate housing during your first weeks here.
Visa Instructions: Visit the
embassy site for the most up-to date information regarding visas.
COST AND FINACIAL AID
This is a Drexel sponsored program which means all of your Drexel tuition and financial aid remain the same during your term abroad.
Students who receive Federal Work Study should consider applying for the Study Abroad Online Journalist work study position (after acceptance).
To seek additional funding, review the
Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly. Students may also want to submit a revised budget to the Financial Aid Office to see if additional funding may be available.
