Study Abroad in Uruguay

Semester Programs

While in Uruguay, you will live with a carefully selected host family and attend a local high school. When you study in Uruguay for a semester, you’re sure to make lifelong friends!

School

As a student, you will choose a track of study such as biology, science, humanities, or liberal arts. Courses within the tracks are generally compulsory. School placement in a private school is possible, and students may be required to wear a uniform. The expectations of students are high, so it will be very important for students to take their studies seriously.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory  National Pre-Departure Orientation which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring departure). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

To kick off the program, students attend a 4-day arrival orientation  and an intensive Spanish language course, from which they receive a certificate of completion from YFU and a final grade. Students will also participate in a three-day re-entry orientation to reflect on their experiences and prepare for reverse culture shock.

Extracurriculars

Uruguayan schools rarely offer extracurricular activities. However, YFU students are encouraged to get involved in their communities by joining local clubs, teams, art institutes, and other activities in their towns.

Optional Excursions

Fall Semester program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost. More information about all of these optional cultural expeditions will be offered at the arrival orientation in Uruguay.

December: A 5-day YFU summer camp in La Paloma, visiting seaside nature resorts, touring a castle and lighthouse, and enjoying the spectacular beaches.

Spring Semester program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost. More information about all of these optional cultural expeditions will be offered at a later time.

May: A 5-day trip to Colonia and Buenos Aires, with guided city tours, museum visits, and historical sightseeing. Take a ferry between the two cities and stay in a hotel.

Language

Spanish. Previous language study is not required. All students will attend an intensive 2-week language course after arrival in Montevideo. With 80 hours of language training, this is especially helpful for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish. All students will take a Spanish as a Second Language course, consisting of up to 40 hours of lessons throughout the exchange experience, included in the program tuition. Students will be placed at an appropriate level based on a language test before arrival. At the end of the program, students can take a final exam in Spanish designed by a certified language academy.

Trimester Programs

During your time in Argentina, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:

School

As a student, you will choose a track of study such as biology, science, humanities, or liberal arts. Courses within the tracks are generally compulsory. School placement in a private school is possible, and students may be required to wear a uniform. The expectations of students are high, so it will be very important for students to take their studies seriously.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory National Pre-Departure Orientation which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

To kick off the program, students attend a 4-day arrival orientation in Uruguay. Students will also complete an intensive Spanish language course, from which they receive a certificate of completion from YFU and a final grade. Year students participate in a mid-year orientation, and all students will participate in a three-day re-entry orientation to reflect on their experiences and prepare for reverse culture shock.

Extracurriculars

Uruguayan schools rarely offer extracurricular activities. However, YFU students are encouraged to get involved in their communities by joining local clubs, teams, art institutes, and other activities in their towns.

Optional Excursions

Year program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost. More information about all of these optional cultural expeditions will be offered at the arrival orientation in Uruguay.

December: A 6-day YFU summer camp in La Paloma, visiting seaside nature resorts, touring a castle and lighthouse, and enjoying the spectacular beaches.

May: A 5-day trip to Colonia and Buenos Aires, with guided city tours, museum visits, and historical sightseeing. Take a ferry between the two cities and stay in a hotel.

Language

Spanish. Previous language study is not required. All students will attend an intensive 2-week language course after arrival in Montevideo. With 80 hours of language training, this is especially helpful for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish. All students will take a Spanish as a Second Language course, consisting of up to 40 hours of lessons throughout the exchange experience, included in the program tuition. Students will be placed at an appropriate level based on a language test before arrival. At the end of the program, students can take a final exam in Spanish designed by a certified language academy.

Summer Programs

Summer Program students will be placed with families in the greater Montevideo area.

Discover Uruguay

On this summer program (which is winter in Uruguay), students live with a local volunteer host family in metropolitan Montevideo and immerse themselves in Uruguay’s unique culture. After an arrival orientation, students are enrolled in a Spanish language course according to their level at Academia Uruguay for 5 weeks. During the final week, students will get a chance to put their Spanish to the test by visiting a local high school in Montevideo. YFU Uruguay also organizes optional cultural activities for an additional fee that includes visiting a traditional ranch, attending carnivals and football matches, and experiencing all that Uruguayan culture has to offer!

Language

Spanish. Previous language study is not required. Summer Program students will attend a 5 week Spanish as a second language course with 100 hours of class and have the option to receive a certificate.  All students are placed with host families who speak Spanish.