College of Arts and Humanities > World Languages and Cultures > Study Abroad > Study Abroad in Barranquilla, Colombia –

Study Abroad in Barranquilla, Colombia –

Location

Study Abroad Links

Spanish Links

The Country: Colombia

Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a sovereign state largely situated in the northwest of South America, with territories in Central America. Colombia is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse countries in the world, and thereby possesses a rich cultural heritage. In Colombia’s modern culture there is a wide range of influence including Native American, African, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern. Ecologically, it is also one of the world’s 17 mega diverse countries, ranking first in bird species and having between 40,000 and 45000 plant species.

The City: Barranquilla

Barranquilla, the capital of Colombia’s Atlántico Department, is a bustling seaport flanked by the Magdalena River. Barranquilla is the largest city and port in the northern Caribbean Coast region of Colombia, with a population of 1,228,300 (as of 2017). The city is known for its enormous Carnival, which brings together brilliantly costumed performers, elaborate floats and cumbia music.

Classes

You will be enrolled in six (6) credit hours of lower or upper division courses and will do a series of assignments, both orally and in writing, for your Georgia Southern professor. Graduate students will earn three (3) credit hours. Additionally, as part of your immersion experience, each morning, Monday-Friday, in small groups, you will spend four hours practicing your language skills with native speakers who are trained in teaching their language to foreigners.

Partner Language School

Universidad del Norte is an innovative university, recognized as the most outstanding institution of higher learning in the Caribbean Region of Colombia. The Language Institute at Universidad del Norte has been offering Spanish as a foreign language courses since 1994. The university offers between three and six weeks of study and cultural immersion, with six different levels based upon language proficiency.

Cultural Activities and Excursions

Colombian dancing
Culinary lessons
Barranquilla tours and field trips
Cartagena and Barú Island
Usiacurí, Santa Marta, Taganga
Other locations

Program Cost and Eligibility

Program Cost: $3,360

Includes:

4 weeks of intensive language training
Housing with a family
Three meals a day, (breakfast and dinner at home. Lunch on campus)
Excursions (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Usiacurí)
Transportation to and from airport
Off-campus residence to campus transportation
International health insurance (required by Georgia Southern). Additional student health insurance provided by Universidad del Norte
Student ID card

Does Not Include:

Georgia Southern Tuition and Fees ($1,094.16) For a comprehensive costs and affordability analysis, please visit https://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid/costs-affordability/
Airfare (approx. $850)
Snacks (approx. $150)
Incidental expenses (public transportation, etc.)
Souvenirs

Payment Schedule

Application and Deposit: $500 Non-Refundable Fee due by February 15, 2023. (This amount will apply to the Program Costs. If application is accepted, deposit is non-refundable; if application is rejected, deposit will be refunded to student.)
1st Installment: $1,430 Due March 1, 2023
2nd Installment: $1,388.40 Due March 22, 2023
Insurance Payment (Required): $41.60 Due March 22, 2023

Refund Policy

The $500 application fee is non-refundable. 80% of the remaining funds are refundable up to 40 days before the program start date, since program services are contracted in advance and must be paid whether or not the student is able to continue with the program.

Academic Eligibility

2.0 Cumulative GPA
Commitment to speak Spanish during the program

Financial Aid

Many forms of financial aid can be applied to the study abroad program costs; please note that the Hope scholarship applies to your Georgia Southern summer tuition, although it cannot be used to pay the program costs themselves. Georgia Southern students who intend to pay all or part of the study abroad program cost with financial aid should meet with their academic and financial aid advisor as soon as possible and should apply for summer financial aid no later than March 1, 2023. Students from other University System of Georgia schools should contact their academic advisor and financial aid office at their home institution for instructions.

Travel Documents

All participants need a valid passport to enter Colombia. Please secure the passport as soon as possible. Medical and liability documents will be provided by the Study Abroad Office for each participant to complete prior to departure. International health insurance is included in the program fees and is required by Georgia Southern.

Transient Students

Students from other accredited universities are invited to enroll in our Study Abroad programs. In order to receive credit at their home institutions, however, they must enroll as transient students at Georgia Southern for the summer. Apply here for acceptance to Georgia Southern for summer study as Transient Student.

Have Any Questions? Please Contact Us!

Dr. Eric Kartchner
Associate Professor of Spanish
Interdisciplinary Academic Building #2053
Email: ekartchner@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: 912-478-5303

Last updated: 10/10/2024