The main time of the year is coming for students to apply for exchanges and academic programs in universities abroad in the academic period corresponding to the second semester; therefore, the invitation is to take note of suggestions and tips that contribute to making the process more agile and successful.

1. Attend a private counseling session at the IRO to learn about your options

Initially, you should schedule a virtual or face-to-face meeting at the international relations office – IRO, to learn about the different internationalization programs and academic cooperation agreements that apply to your undergraduate or graduate program, as well as the costs and requirements to submit your application.

Send an e-mail to info.ori@usa.edu.co or click here.

2. Choose your university of study

Once you have the pertinent information, take some time to analyze your interests, necessities, the program or agreement that fits your life project, and your time and budget.

This selection is crucial to choose the study plan, as well as the location of the university, requirements of the application, essential economic resources, and family situation, among others. At this point, the good thing is that you can choose one or two universities to apply for admission and begin the process with the IRO.

3. Decide in which semester of the academic year you want to do your exchange program.

Academic calendars of foreign universities are different from those in Colombia, so it is necessary to evaluate which semester or time of the year is the best time to consider an international exchange. Remember that to start any internationalization process you must organize yourself with a minimum of six months in advance to fulfill the required procedures.

4. Contact your school about the academic process and ask for the proper authorization to carry out your exchange program.

Agreement of accreditation: this point includes the creation of the homologation agreement, in which the general data of your academic process at the Sergio Arboleda University is condensed, as well as the proposed courses to be taken at the university abroad, which will be homologated upon your return.

5. To apply

Consult with the IRO about the steps to follow to apply to the university of your interest. It is necessary that you follow the procedures, according to the indications and established times, to fill out the necessary documents correctly and on time.

Remember that each university has different application procedures; some require a nomination by the IRO and others accept the direct application of the candidate on their platform.

Check the list of documents and requirements sent by the office and ask the necessary questions on time. Remember to review each form in detail and validate the information with your school and the IRO.

6. Check how to apply for your student visa

While you receive your letter of admission, you should investigate the requirements to apply for your visa. Some foreign governments require additional supporting documents to the letter of admission, especially those that support the economic resources to cover the period of studies , in addition to apostille, legalizations, or medical insurance certificates.

Therefore, you should request the documents on time to each entity, get them ready and complete them before requesting the student’s visa in order to receive it before the beginning of the academic period, purchase tickets and coordinate the logistics of the trip.

7. Notify ori of admission

Each university takes different times to inform the results of admission to the exchange programs in their faculties. Therefore, upon receipt of this document, you must notify the IRO about the results of your admission and if you will indeed continue with the process, coordinate with the faculty the procedures to follow.

8. Prepare the logistics of your trip in advance

Once you have the letter of admission and the study visa approved, you will be able to coordinate aspects such as the purchase of tickets, accommodation reservations, and other details. Plan everything as far in advance as possible to save costs.

9. Inform the ORI and the school about the development of your process.

Adapting to a new culture and a different educational system can be complicated at the beginning; however, throughout your process, you will have the constant support of the ORI and your school.

Do not forget to inform us about your arrival at the host university, your academic process, and your requirements. Feedback is key at this time for the exchange program to be successful.

We invite you to be always in contact with the international office. Follow this small guide that will facilitate the understanding of your exchange program and, most importantly, will be your orientation when you decide to study abroad.

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