weitere Erfahrungsberichte für Uruguay
Land:
Uruguay
Universität:
Univeridad Católica del Uruguay
Semester und Studiengang:
4. Semester Bachelor International Tourism Management / Health & Medical Tourism
Aufenthalt:
summersemester 2017
Über die Universität:
The private Universidad Católica del Uruguay (UCU) is one of the best universities in Montevideo, Uruguay. The University is comparatively small, but in relation to the European Campus in Pfarrkirchen big.
The UCU composes of one main building with a lot of classrooms, computer rooms, the library, a room to print, the cafeteria and all the offices (also the International Office) and a side building, also with classrooms. The terrace of the UCU is not very big but a nice place to eat lunch and meet other students.
The course work is structured differently. Classes are rather small (15-30 people). The semester is split into two Bimesters (8 weeks each). Therefore, the planning of the courses was a little bit more complicated, but not impossible. Depending on the semester, different courses are offered, which is why I had to make changes in my course selection. This is something almost everyone has to do to avoid overlapping of courses. The IO at the UCU is very helpful and solutions were found.
We had lectures almost every day, except Wednesdays (and weekends), which can be stressful sometimes, because attendance is mandatory. Another difference to Germany is the grading and exam system (which will be explained by the staff of the UCU during the orientation days). Participation, attendance, presentations (group work) and exams are being graded and build one final course result. Depending on the course and the professor, smaller tests are been written weekly and/or two “bigger” tests called parciales have to be taken. I had presentations in every of my classes but don’t worry, presentations are always in a small group of 3-5 people and the other students support you definitely!
In addition to the normal courses, extra courses are offered only for exchange students, e.g. Spanish or Cultura Uruguaya which I can recommend.
Betreuung vor Ort:
The support of the UCU staff was very good. A few months before the semester starts, you get an email with all the necessary information about courses, important dates and accommodation. The course list includes all courses offered by the UCU and the course description. However, this does not mean, that all courses are offered. With this list you can create the Learning Agreement (LA).
A few days before the orientation week you will get the exact timetables of the individual courses, so you can compare, whether the course is offered, or whether there is overlap. After the arrival in Uruguay you will get an introduction in the first few days, which will give you a detailed explanation of the course selection and other useful tips for your life in Montevideo. Additionally you get a folder with all important information.
I could always contact the staff of the International Office, they supported me as best as they could.
As to the accommodation: We got a contact list from the IO, for you have to find an accommodation by yourself. The prices differ and depend on the district. It also depends on whether you are sharing a room or looking for a single room. There are no dormitories. The standard is not comparable with German apartments, but compared to other countries in South America very good.
I already had my accommodation before I came to Uruguay, but it is also possible to search when you are already in Montevideo. I recommend to look in Facebook, there are many different groups that offer housing opportunities.
Tipps:
Extremes in temperature are rare, but it doesn’t matter, if you go to Uruguay in the winter or in a summer semester, at some point it will always be cold. Therefore, take warm shoes and a jacket with you, you will need it. Compared to Germany it is not too cold but the houses and also the university have barely any isolation (and most of the buildings are without heating), which means it can also be cold inside of the building.
Food: Generally spoken everything is very expensive in Uruguay. The food prices are even above the German price level. In the supermarkets you can find everything you need, but consumers would have a smaller choice. Cheap fruit and vegetables can be found at the street markets, which can be found in every district. Uruguayans love their own food, which is a mixture of the European cuisine and other South American countries, so you will find almost no foreign restaurants in Montevideo. Uruguay has the world’s best meat, so you definitely have to try the Asado here!
Language, people and security: Due to the considerable number of Italian immigrants, Urugayans have a complete different accent than any other Spanish speakers. Uruguay is different and has ist own charm, the people are generally kind, friendly and helpful. It doesn't matter whom I asked and where, I always got support from everyone. Uruguay is one of the safest countries in South America and I have always felt very safe. Just make sure that you take a Taxi or Uber at night, if you are alone.
Public transport: Uruguay has no trains, but a well developed bus network that is a little complicated at first, but you will get used to it. I highly recommend the App Moovit, it shows you when the next bus arrives and where and when you have to get off.
Uruguay is a very beautiful country and I recommend to travel as much as you can within the country, for example weekend trips to the coast. There are so many beautiful places that can be experienced!
If you have any further questions, please contact me!