Overview
Founded in 1989, the Universidad de San Andrés is a small, private university that quickly earned national and international recognition for its academic excellence. The modern, 15-acre campus has five main buildings, each housing academic departments, offices and classrooms. The central administration offices and university library are adjacent to the main building, and next to a small student cafeteria. The library has open stacks and ample study space, and wifi facilities available for student use. Athletic facilities, located at an adjacent private high school, are also available to students. San Andrés has an undergraduate population of 800, of a total 1,600 students.
The director of the Foreign Studies Office and staff conduct an academic and cultural orientation at the beginning of each semester. The two-day orientation program is designed to aid students with their adjustment to Argentina, facilitates, cultural understanding on an academic and social level, and provides practical information. Throughout the semester, the Foreign Studies Office organizes excursions to sites in and around the capital. It is highly recommended that students arrive about a week before classes begin to allow time for adjustment.
Academics
Major areas of study
Business administration, Economics, Economic history, International business, International relations, Law, Management, Political science, Spanish language, Hispanic studies
Student Life
At San Andrés, the Student Association (CEUdeSA) is the first instrument through which students can make collective decisions and gain experience in institutional management. The Association is a dialogue channel between students and university authorities. Its commissions are annually elected by the student community, carries out activities such as a university magazine, language courses, discussion forums, musical and sporting events, community service, and lunches with various university authorities and professors.
The University has done a great deal to encourage sports and physical activities amongst its students. It believes that sports do not only provide physical benefits but also contribute to social development. Over the last years, the Association of University Amateur Sports (ADAU, according to its Spanish acronym) gave San Andrés teachers and students awards for the best fair play on sports fields and for the best volleyball, hockey and swimming coaches. Sport clubs include swimming, volleyball, hockey and football, and San Andrés holds numerous university tournaments throughout the year.
Housing
Students live with an Argentine family selected by the international programs staff at the Universidad de San Andrés. Living in a private home is the best way to learn the language, customs and culture of Argentina, and participants have found this arrangement to be invaluable in terms of cultural insight and understanding. Students can opt to live with a family in Victoria, near the university, or in Buenos Aires, a 40-minute train commute.
Location
The Universidad de San Andrés is located in Victoria, a northwestern suburb along the banks of the Río de la Plata in the province of Buenos Aires. Students at San Andrés enjoy the tranquility of Victoria yet often take advantage of the close proximity to Buenos Aires, approximately 45 minutes by car or commuter. Buenos Aires is one of the largest cities in the world with over eleven million people living both within the city limits and in the surrounding areas.
It is considered one of South America's most elegant cities and is, by far, its busiest. In spite of its modern constructions and dynamic activity, it has managed to preserve old traditions and charming corners. Visitors are fascinated by its environment, the individuality of each of its neighborhoods, the cordiality of its people, and its wide selection of cultural and commercial opportunities. Buenos Aires, surrounded by Argentina's splendid countryside, is the great cosmopolitan doorway to South America.
From the mid to late 19th century and continuing today, Buenos Aires has attracted immigrants in great numbers from Europe and Asia. In addition to the original Spanish settlers, there are large Italian, German, Jewish, and Asian populations. The city's music, theater, and dance are unsurpassed in Latin America, and it rivals other major world capitals in the cultural activities available to its residents. Buenos Aires offers an abundance of activities such as folk music and dances, symphonies, plays, jazz concerts, museums and the famous Tango.
