Frequently Asked Questions about studying at the USAL

1. I would like to study at USAL for one semester, what should I do?

You can study at USAL as an exchange (when your university has an agreement with us) or independent student for one or two semesters. Visit our web site to see which category you fall in and follow the application instructions:

http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/opii_int_english_admission.htm.

When filling out all the forms, it is very important to send all the necessary documents in order to avoid delays while processing your application.

2. What is the required level of Spanish? Which are the requirements needed to study at USAL?

In order to study at USAL you need an Intermediate level of Spanish. Please see the descriptors(link)

You can find the general requirements needed to study at USAL in our web site:

http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/opii_int_english_admission.htm

3. I want to study at USAL but my Spanish is not very good. Are there any courses taught in English?

The language of instruction at USAL is Spanish. If you do not qualify for a regular semester with local students, there are other options you may consider to improve your Spanish: the Spanish Intensive Course or the Spanish Intensive Program (go to: http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/cie.htm)

USAL does not offer courses in English.

4. What are the dates of your academic calendar?

Our academic year starts in March and finishes in November. It is divided into two semesters: first semester, from second week of March to first week of July and the second semester, from second week of July to first week of November.

5. I am choosing my courses and I cannot find their description or outline in the web site, can you send them to me?

You can find the course descriptions in our web site (they are divided by School -Facultad):

 http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/opii_int_descripcion_cursos.htm

There is also a list of suggested courses, these are most popular among international students.

http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/opii_int_cursos_sugeridos.htm

For Spanish as a second language semester courses, go to:

http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/opii_int_cursos_sugeridos.htm#ESPAÑOL_PARA_EXTRANJEROS_

6. If I plan to study at USAL from July to November, can I take year-long courses?

Yes, all accepted exchange students can take year-long courses (courses that started in March) or semester-long courses during a semester. Students who take a year-long course for one semester are graded for the period attended.

There are exceptions though; the School of Mass media does not allow students in the second term to take year long courses.

For more academic information, please check:

http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/opii_int_english_orientacion_academica.htm

7. My university told me that I was accepted at USAL. When should I be there?

You must be there for the International Student Orientation.

Once you have been confirmed by USAL, you will receive a package with the letter of acceptance and pre-departure instructions by postal mail, including information about arrival. You can check the semester calendar in our web site:

http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/Calendario_12.htm(Academic Calendar). There you will find the official arrival date. From that day onwards, international students start taking part of the mandatory academic activities.

Please note that in order to study at the USAL you have to be confirmed by USAL first.

8.  Do I need to take part in the Orientation?

YES. It is mandatory. During International Student Orientation, USAL staff goes over the most important issues of your exchange: migrations, course selection and registration, health insurance and emergencies.

9. When are the dates for the final exams?

International Student assessment takes place during class period. You can find these dates in the academic calendar in our web site:

http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/Calendario_12.htm

Please, take note on the “finalización de clases”

10. Do I need to apply for a Visa to study at USAL?

According to the current Argentine legislation, depending on nationality, students must apply for a Visa before entering the country or for a Transitory Residence once in Argentine.

In order to know if you need to apply for a Visa before coming to Argentina, you should read the information at:

For more information write to: acasaret@salvador.edu.ar

11. Do I need any special documents to apply for the Transitory Residence in Argentina?

Students who were born in countries members of the MERCOSUR or those staying for more than 6 months must bring a report of good conduct from their country of origin, with the Apostille of The Hague. You can find more information at:

http://www.salvador.edu.ar/vrid/dcii/opii_int_visa_english.htm