Embark on a study abroad journey to the Rio de la Plata in South America and live in the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo. Living in Montevideo, you’ll experience a laid back lifestyle surrounded by beaches, music, theatre, arts, and social activities. Known as “The Switzerland of South America” for its peaceful culture, Uruguay is nestled between South America’s two titans, Argentina and Brazil. This is an ideal location for students who are looking to live in an up and coming city in South America that offers charm, culture, and lots of activity. Plus, with its close proximity to Argentina, it will feel like you’re getting two study abroad locations in one!

A USAC student walks through a typical day studying abroad in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Academic Focus

Spanish Language, Latin American/Gender Studies, Agribusiness/Viticulture

Host University
Universidad ORT

The Universidad ORT is an international non-denominational university. It is the first and largest private university in Uruguay. The USAC program resides on ORT’s Pocitos campus. The suburb of Pocitos is a middle-class neighborhood in a safe part of town. The campus itself is newer, modern, green, and quite nice. You will have access to a gymnasium just behind the campus, and there are many general stores and cafeterias in the area.

Interesting fact about the city

Montevideo has consistently been rated as having the highest quality of life of any city in Latin America

Best weekend travel destinations

The easiest weekend destination is right across the Rio de la Plata into Buenos Aires. A short ferry ride will have you there in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. For a memorable day trip head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sacramento, a small town full of charm and riverside restaurants and bars. Uruguay is also home to several hundred wineries so you can spend your weekends exploring and touring vineyards around the country. If you’re looking to see more of South America, Brazil and Chile are short flights away.

Field trips (vary by term)

Piriapolis and Punta del Este
Piriapolis is the country’s earliest beach resort. Walk along the waterfront promenade and take the chairlift to Cerro San Antonio, a hill with a small whitewashed chapel and lookout point. Visit the Castillo de Piria, house of the founder, and discover the local flora and fauna at the nature reserve. From the oldest resort to the most glamorous, Punta del Este boasts many beaches, elegant seaside homes, and celebrity sightings.

Sierra de Minas
The city of Minas is located between the hills of Minas and Carapé. The area is characterized by a landscape of rolling hills and rich flora and fauna; creating an idyllic environment for physical and spiritual enjoyment. Visit Salto del Penitente for trekking and horseback riding, as well as Villa Serrana, an eco-community, to discover the main wealth of the area through local farm production.

Punta del Diablo, Rocha
Explore the sand dunes and national park of Cabo Polonio, a village inaccessible by roads. Then have lunch in Punta del Diablo, a small fishing village of brightly-painted cabins. The town sits on a gentle rise overlooking the ocean with long stretches of sand and fresh sea air. The Fortress of Santa Teresa sits atop the hill. Started by the Portuguese to keep watch, it was later captured and built up by the Spanish.

Buenos Aires, Argentina and Colonia, Uruguay
Known as the “Paris of South America”, Buenos Aires is a tango between European heritage and Latin American passion. Explore the city’s rich cultural life, soaring architecture, and perfectly grilled steaks. Head on to Colonia, a UNESCO World Heritage site with large squares and narrow cobblestone streets. Founded by Portugal and later conquered by the Spanish, the city fuses Portuguese, Spanish, and post-colonial styles.

Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia is a UNESCO World Heritage site with large squares and narrow cobblestone streets. Founded by Portugal and later conquered by the Spanish, this picturesque city fuses Portuguese, Spanish, and post-colonial styles. The surrounding areas include Rio de la Plata beaches and farms where the locals produce cheese and wine.

Iguaçu Falls
Visit one of the greatest destinations in South America – Iguaçu Falls, the largest waterfalls system in the world. The falls sit on the border of Brazil and Argentina, with 80% of the falls on the Argentina side. We’ll be exploring the falls from Argentina where you can experience the noise and mist of the rushing water.