Uruguay: Universidad ORT (USAC) | Study Abroad Center

Through UNI's partnership with USAC (University of Study Abroad Consortium), students are able to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year in the incredible country of Uruguay! As one of USAC's Specialty Programs, students will live and study on the campus of Universidad ORT, but take courses taught by USAC professors. They will also have the option to connect with up to 50 other US students before the start of the semester who will also be participating in this program.

‌There are a range of courses to choose from in both English and Spanish, and students will still have access to all the same resources offered by the university, such as language partners, cafeteria's, campus activities and clubs, and more.

Not only will UNI students be advised through the process by the UNI Study Abroad Center, but they will also receive help and support from USAC staff as well. Because USAC has an office on Universidad ORT's campus, they will have on-site staff available upon students arrival in Uruguay and for the entire duration of the program!

Dates & Deadlines

Term: Summer and Fall 2025
App Deadline: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Program Dates: TBA

The application cycle for Spring 2025 is currently closed. Summer and Fall 2025 applications will open later this semester. Students can click the link below to schedule this meeting beginning in November.

Schedule First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the summer of 2025 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. If you are still deciding where or when you want to go abroad, you can also schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about the programs we offer and find one that works best for you!

Study Abroad Waitlist Schedule Info Meeting

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

Location

The campus is located in Montevideo, which is the capital city of Uruguay. In fact, Montevideo was recently ranked as having the highest quality of life amongst all Latin American cities. From rich architecture to sandy beaches, this city is quickly becoming a travel destination for lots of travelers due to its relaxed atmosphere and the locals laid back way of life. With 19 miles of coastline, a vast number of green spaces, parks, gardens, lots of entertainment, and culture, there is plenty to see and experience in the city.

Universidad ORT is the first and largest private university in Uruguay. Welcoming students from around the world, there are more than 11,000 students that attend ORT every year. While the school has two separate campus's, USAC students will reside on the Pocitos campus. With many newer facilities here including a computer lab, library, low-cost cafeteria, and the nicest gym in the city, there is something for everyone at ORT.

Academics

While studying in Uruguay, students will take 4-6 classes for a total of 12-18 credits per semester. Students will be required to take a minimum of one Spanish language course during their program, but it is recommended they take two. However, all students are welcome to ORT regardless of their Spanish speaking skill level, as there are no Spanish proficiency requirements to be accepted into the program. There is also an Elementary Spanish course available that does not require any prerequisites. All language courses focus on speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.

Beyond Spanish language courses, there are a variety of other course options taught in English. Some area's of studies offered are listed below:

Business
Sport Management
Gender Studies
Environment and Sustainability

Participant Info

Meet your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Finland, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Jamie will help you every step of the way.

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Uruguay.

Immigration Information:

Students going to Uruguay for more than 90 days will need to apply for a student visa or an extension once in Uruguay.

Your Study Abroad Advisor and USAC will help you through this process but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the latest updates related to their destination country.

Housing & Meals

Students will have the option to choose between a homestay or residence hall for their living accommodations while abroad.

Homestay

If students decide to do the homestay option, they will be placed with a host family located within a 20-30 minute commute to the university. They will provide students with a room in their home, and breakfast and dinner daily, as well as weekly laundry. Host families typically live in traditional neighborhoods on Montevideo with plenty of restaurants, parks, and plaza's for students to visit as well. This option is recommended to students who want to learn to enhance their language skills, and be completely immersed into the local culture.

Residence Halls

With this option, students will be placed in a private apartment residence hall located 15 minutes away from campus by bus. Each apartment has two single rooms, a kitchen, wifi, and a shared bathroom. This residence hall is used by both USAC and local students.

Winter Session (J-Term)

ORT is also offering a few courses over the winter term (also referred to as "J-Term"). Program dates run from December 26, 2024 to January 18, 2025. During this time, students will take one course for a total of 3 credits. Course options are listed below:

Intermediate Spanish I
Intermediate Spanish II
Contemporary Women's Activism (taught in English)
Cultural History of Argentina and Uruguay (taught in English)
Latin America Today (taught in English)

Please schedule a meeting with the Study Abroad Center using the links at the top of the page to learn more information about the courses, cost, or housing for J-Term in Uruguay.

Summer School

USAC also offers a 5 week summer program in May-June as well. During this time, students will take 1-2 courses for 3-7 credits. Taking a Spanish course during the summer program is not required. Their are a variety of course options for students to choose from, including subject such as Latin American Studies, Gender studies, Spanish, and Marketing.

Internship Opportunity

Students also have the opportunity to participate in a 3-credit internship during their summer or semester abroad in Uruguay. Through this opportunity, students will get to learn about the workplace culture, norms, and expectations, helping them to develop cross cultural understanding and intercultural communication and language skills. Students will be placed in an internationally focused organization or other professional work setting to acquire a working knowledge of their field of study.

Placements are available (but not guarenteed) in the following fields:

Business
Digital Marketing and Social Media Management
English-Language Instruction
Health and Wellness
Natural Resources and Environmental Studies
NGO and Social Services

Spanish proficiency is not required for an internship.

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost will vary

Costs for the USAC program to Uruguay will vary depending on students preferences and necessities. Students will go over projected costs with a UNI study abroad advisor during their First Steps meeting.

USAC is a nonprofit, so they make it a priority to keep costs affordable to allow more students to gain an international experience. They also offer a wide variety of scholarships, grants, and discounts to students, as well as assistance to students who need help applying for financial aid.

UNI study abroad center also has many scholarship resources available for students. Visit our "Finances and Scholarships" page for more information.

Cost of Studying On Campus at UNI*

*per semester, estimated, will vary per person

Tuition & Fees	$4,864
Room & Board	$4,824
Books	$400
Personal Expenses	$887
Transportation	$350
Total	$11,325

Source: https://admissions.uni.edu/cost-aid

Pending Updates for UNI Fall 2024

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). Additionally, students must meet all of the following in order to be eligible to study abroad:

‌Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application and maintain this cumulative GPA prior to departure and throughout the study abroad process
If your cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, submit the following to the Study Abroad Center (103 East Bartlett):
- Letters of reference from two academic contacts (e.g. academic advisor and former or current professor) supporting your pursuit of study abroad. If you are attending a faculty-led study abroad program, one of the letters must be from a course leader. However, if the program has two course leaders, only one of the letters can be from one of the course leaders.

‌Must be over the age of 18 years old
Must meet the course prerequisites (participation in the program is dependent upon meeting these)
Must be in good standing with the university
UNI's partner institutions may require additional eligibility requirements to be met, these vary from institution to institution. Please consult with the Study Abroad Center staff to discuss these additional requirements, if applicable.
Applicants traveling to a region of a country or a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel) will not be eligible.