Global E3: Universidad de los Andes, Colombia

 

Overview: 

Established in 1948, the University of the Andes (Uniandes) is an autonomous, independent, and innovative institution that fosters pluralism, tolerance, and respect for ideas. A highly skilled, knowledgeable, and prestigious faculty facilitates the development of an outstanding academic and professional life project that supports research, contributes to the development of the country, and transcends its geographical boundaries.

This exchange program is College of Engineering (ENGR) specific, meaning only undergraduate ENGR students may participate. Uniandes and Pitt are members of Global E3, an exchange consortium of over 60 Engineering Schools from around the world. This consortium is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). 

For more information about the university, see the Global E3 Uniandes specific page and the Uniandes website   

Uniandes accepts students for Fall or Spring with the possibility of extending for an academic year

Most courses are taught in Spanish, but readings can be in English.

Learning Objectives: 

As an active and engaged participant on this program, you will have the opportunity to develop: 

  • the ability to succeed independently in a foreign education environment. 
  • non-US based perspectives on your field of study and/or future career path. 
  • a global network of peers in similar fields of study and connections with faculty in Colombia.

 

Partner Information: 

Office Responsible for International Exchange Students
Study Abroad Center   |   oiamobility@uniandes.edu.co

Location Description: 

Bogotá, the capital of the Republic of Colombia, was founded on August 6, 1538 by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. Today it has 6,865,997 inhabitants, urban sprawl approximately 35 square kilometers and is located to the east of the Sabana de Bogotá at a height of 2,630 meters above sea level. In the downtown area are also the major political and administrative offices in Bogota and Colombia, as well as sites of cultural and historical interest. The northern area combines residential and commercial buildings, which house banks and shopping centers. The southern area is industrial and residential. In the west there are state institutions, residential and industrial areas as well as the El Dorado International Airport and Terminal Transport (land).

Housing Description: 

Los Andes offers Housing. Housing is available to exchange students. Torre Seneca is a 26-story tower, located in front of the Universidad de Los Andes, which offers 628 rooms distributed in apartments of 1, 2 and 4 rooms.

Academic Description: 

Use the links below to see if the specific departments offer the types of courses you would like to take while studying abroad.  We suggest you review courses available with your Faculty director of your program prior to applying to the program. 
Academic Departments: 
Visit the University's website to learn more about course offerings.  The following disciplines have been listed as available: 
Disciplines Available
Biomedical Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Systems and Computing Engineering
Of note: 

  • All courses must be approved by the Faculty Director of your department in the Swanson School of Engineering. A course approval form must be completed and submitted to SSoE’s Engineering International Initiatives Office. 
  • Additionally, for the purpose of full-time status here at Pitt, students should be prepared to take what is equivalent to at least 12 Pitt credit hours.   
  • Courses taken abroad will be treated as transfer credits and will be marked as pass/fail (S/NC) on a Pitt student's transcript. In other words, transfer credits will not affect your Pitt GPA. However, students must receive a C grade or higher in order for the credits to transfer. Actual grades earned will appear on the transcript from the exchange university. 

Language Requirements: Non-native English speakers may be required to show evidence of English proficiency.    

Students who have attended this program in the past have taken classes in the areas of:: 
Engineering
University Course Catalog: 
recent schedule of courses
Grading: 

In order to gain Pitt credit, you must receive a C or higher for each course you will transfer back to Pitt for credit. 
Information about the grading scale abroad can be found on the Global E3 page. 
Transcripts: Please request that your university send a hardcopy to the Engineering International Initiatives Office. Make sure that you follow their instructions on how to ensure that an official copy of your grades are received. Hardcopies should be sent the following address: International Engineering Initiatives, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 152 Benedum Hall, 3700 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. 
Exchange university transcripts typically do not arrive from the exchange university until 3 to 4 months after the end of exchange period. Therefore, Pitt students should be mindful of how this may affect their ability to graduate, especially when exchanging during one's senior year. Another consideration is how this may affect your financial aid package, as the S/NC grades are not posted until transcripts are received.
 

Experiential Learning Description: 
Program Fees: 

Pitt students participating on an exchange program will pay regular Pitt tuition and fees, according to their in-state or out-of-state residency status. In addition to the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, this also includes all Mandatory Fees, such as the Student Activity Fee, Wellness Fee, Computing and Network Services Fee, and the Security, Safety, and Transportation Fee.

Pitt Students on financial aid and/or tuition scholarships will need to consult the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid or respective entity providing the funds to confirm coverage for study abroad.

Items Billed by Pitt

 

 Tuition: Check Pitt's website to verify current costs:https://ir.pitt.edu/undergraduate-tuition/ 
 
Program Fee: Check Pitt's website to verify current costs https://ir.pitt.edu/undergraduate-tuition/ 
 
Study Abroad Fee $400 
 
Total Billed by Pitt: Estimate your Pitt expenses based on current tuition and fees.
 
 
How Much To Budget: 

 

 

 

Alicia JF Olalde, M.A.

Hello! Konnichiwa! I am the Director for Global Experiences and Engagement in the Swanson School of Engineering.  After working for the JET program in Japan for just over two years, I decided to pursue a career in international education. I returned to the US via a few months of travel -slowing making my way west with many stops in stunning locations and with amazing people. Whenever possible, I continue  explore new countries and cultures and have had the good fortune to work, study and travel all over the world. I have been fortunate to work both as an administrator and as a classroom educator in higher education; my areas of interest are international, adult and comparative education.  I enjoy assisting engineering students seize global opportunities! 

E-mail: 
a.olalde@pitt.edu

Schedule an appointment

SSOE students: schedule an appointment with me using Pathways via this link!

non-SSOE students-- send me an email and we'll set up a time to meet!

 

Application Instructions: 

You must first be nominated by the Swanson School of Engineering International Initiatives Office, then you will be directed to apply to Global E3. A formal nomination from SSoE Engineering International Initiatives is required for Pitt students to be recognized as an exchange student. Therefore, Pitt students must complete all necessary Pitt steps in addition to  the Global E3 universities' requirements. In other words, acceptance by Pitt Engineering International Initiatives does not guarantee acceptance by the exchange university.  
Prior to being accepted, please visit the Global E3 website and read the application instructions and application deadlines. (In the past, Global E3 application deadlines have been October 1st for spring semester programs and March 1st for fall semester programs.) 
Each university might have an additional application.  Please refer to the Global E site for details.   
Minimum Requirements: 

  • SSoE student in good standing 
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA & be of sophomore standing or higher 
  • Please check the Global E3 site for additional requirements for this specific school

 

Additional Information: 

Questions about funding? Check out our funding pages and note that SSoE has funding specifically for engineering students! There are many other national funding sources you can review. One place to search is the Institute of International Education website. 

 

Language Requirements: Most courses are taught in Spanish, but readings can be in English.

 

 

Insurance Requirements: 

The University of Pittsburgh provides comprehensive health insurance as a part of studying abroad. More information about the type of insurance and coverage will be provided to you by the Engineering International Initiatives office.  However, you may need to purchase additional insurance if the school you will attend requires you to purchase a specific health insurance per their regulations. It is your responsibility to ensure you know the cost of that insurance prior to committing to the program.

Visa Requirements: 

In order to study as a student in specific countries, a visa is required. A visa is formal endorsement by the host country to grant permission for an individual to enter, live or stay in that country for a specific purpose and period. In addition to a visa, some host countries may require a residency permit upon arrival. 

For those without the host country’s nationality, students may need to obtain a student visa to study on this exchange. Pitt students should also research the visa and/or permit process through the specified country consulate website.  
 

In general visa application requirements may include but are not limited to the following requirements:  

  • Visa application 
  • Valid Passport 
  • Verification of acceptance from sponsoring university (exchange university) 
  • Financial Documents, such as bank statements, tax documents or pay statements.   
  • Passport photos 
  • Application fee 
  • Medical/physical examination (likely to require a doctor's appointment so plan accordingly)