2018 INTERNATIONAL COORDINATOR HANDBOOK
Dirección de Cooperacion Internacional Universidad del Salvador
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OFFICE 3
ABOUT USAL 4
ACADEMIC CALENDAR (TENTATIVE) 5
APPLICATION – REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE 6
STUDENT VISA 7
AT UNIVERSIDAD DEL SALVADOR (Arrival, Orientation, Course selection, Academic 7 System, Academic Offer)
GENERAL INFORMATION – HEALTH, HOUSING AND MEALS, SAFETY 10
APPENDIX I (Intermediate Spanish level descriptors for USAL) 14
APPENDIX II (Intensive Spanish Program) 15
2 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OFFICE
STAFF
DIRECTOR María Soloeta [email protected]
INCOMING MOBILITY COORDINATOR Flavio Virgara [email protected]
ACADEMIC ADVISOR Emilce Longo [email protected]
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Pablo Milano [email protected] Natalia Cuadra [email protected]
OUTGOING MOBILITY COORDINATOR María Soloeta [email protected]
ADEMIC ADVISORS Ricardo Bolzan [email protected] Franco Vestuti [email protected]
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT María Eugenia Ríos [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION COORDINATOR Juan Manuel Godoy [email protected]
ACADEMIC ADVISORS Maria Paula Guaqueta Ramirez [email protected] Jimena Alcaraz [email protected]
We can be reached at: [email protected] Phone/Fax: (54 11) 4372 – 3016 Tucumán 1699 ‐ Buenos Aires, Argentina C1050 AAG
Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
For emergency matters outside of business hours, please call: (+549) 115 669 3567
3 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
ABOUT UNIVERSIDAD DEL SALVADOR
Universidad del Salvador is a private university founded in 1956 by the Society of Jesus. It is an urban university with more than fifteen buildings within walking distance from each other. The University also has a suburban campus in the city of Pilar (just over 50 km from the city of Buenos Aires). Students in Pilar can study any program offered in the downtown area. The programs of Architecture, Art Theatre, Veterinary Medicine and Agronomy are only offered in that location. There is a third option for students: The Gobernador Virasoro campus. It is located in the province of Corrientes and it exclusively offers to Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Medicine.
Universidad del Salvador has over 18,000 students, 3,000 of which are international students. Every year the university welcomes over 500 exchange students from partner universities worldwide. Our regular exchange program is ideal for independent and resourceful students. It offers higher level of academic immersion through direct enrolment with local Argentine students.
USAL has a wide and varied academic offer. Intensive Spanish Program (CIE), a four‐week language and culture program offered prior to the beginning of each semester. For more information please see Appendix II Regular semester program: students with an advanced level of Spanish take classes with local students. The language of instruction is Spanish although more than 10 courses are taught in English each semester. It is expected that this offer will increase every year. Faculty led programs on language, culture and politics, etc are hosted year round
The university offers 72 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs, in 15 schools. The most popular among international students are our: School of Social Sciences School of History, Geography and Tourism School of Philosophy, Literature and Asian Studies School of Economy and Business Management School of Education and Social Communication
Universidad del Salvador works actively towards internationalization. We have signed over 300 agreements with institutions in 54 countries. – USAL has been a member of ISEP since 1986. The university is involved in programs of student mobility, faculty mobility, international research collaboration and internationalization of the curriculum. USAL offers double undergraduate degrees with France, Italy and Germany. At the graduate level the University offers a dual degree with the Universidad de Deusto. In 2016 the University started offering regular courses in English in several of the Schools. 4 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2018 (tentative)
Regular Exchange – First Semester 2018
February 28th – Official Arrival Day March 1st and 2nd – Arrival Orientation March 5th – Semester begins June 29th – Semester ends June 30th – Last day of benefits
Regular Exchange – Second Semester 2018
July 25th – Official Arrival Day July 26th and 27th – Arrival Orientation July 30th – Semester begins November 16th – Semester ends November 17th – Last day of benefits
5 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
APPLICATION – REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE
HOW TO APPLY Exchange students http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/en/dcii/exchange‐students
Step 1: Coordinators must nominate their students by e‐mail to [email protected], indicating full name, period of exchange and major/minor.
Step 2: Once students are nominated, they must complete the online application form on our website.
Step 3: Students have to send to [email protected] the following supporting materials (*): ‐ Valid passport (it must be valid for at least 8 months after the end of the exchange) ‐ Copy of Academic Transcript ‐ Letter of intent in Spanish (250 words) ‐ Tentative list of courses ‐ Spanish Level Report: an intermediate level is required (please check our language indicators at Intermediate level ‐ Medical form: completed and signed by student (*) Files must be send as PDF or JPG.
We recommend students have all the listed documents before starting the online application. USAL will not accept incomplete applications.
Application deadlines: First semester (March – July): October 15th. Second semester (July – November): April 15th.
ACCEPTANCE Our office sends the official acceptance letter by e‐mail.
EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF EXCHANGE Students who wish to apply for a second semester at USAL once in Buenos Aires, must contact our office and submit the Extension of Application form before the end of the semester. We will contact their home university regarding the existing balance and make a final decision upon revision of all documents.
6 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR COORDINATORS Spanish proficiency requirement: all students who wish to take regular courses in Spanish will need proof of five semesters of college Spanish level (High Intermediate Spanish – B2) or its equivalent. To see the descriptor of the language level, go to appendix I.
Academic Transcript: USAL will send out a digital Official Academic Transcript via e‐ mail, whithin two months after the end of the semester.
STUDENT VISA
Argentine Immigration (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones de Argentina) regulates the entrance of foreign students through the law (Disposición) 20.699/06. Based on this law, students according to their citizenship: (1) may be eligible to enter the country on a tourist visa and change their migratory status once in Buenos Aires or (2) will have to apply for a student visa at their country of residence.
If students have any questions about this process, they may contact the Argentine Consulate at their country of residence: https://www.mrecic.gov.ar/en/representaciones In order to check the immigration requirements, please go to: http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/dcii/requisitos‐migratorios‐visa
Please note that students who change their immigration status in Buenos Aires will need to bring a number of documents according to their country of origin and period of stay in Argentina. Students who do not comply with Argentina’s migratory legislation will have to be dismissed from the program and will not receive an academic transcript. USAL will notify the National Migrations Department and the home university. We appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing the compliance to this requirement.
AT UNIVERSIDAD DEL SALVADOR
ARRIVAL AT USAL International students who arrive at Ezeiza International Airport on the official arrival date can benefit from a complimentary pick‐up service, provided they inform USAL of their arrival details (flight number, etc) at least two weeks before the official arrival date. 7 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
STUDENT ORIENTATION Upon arrival at the Universidad del Salvador, international students attend a mandatory Arrival Orientation. The course is structured in the following way:
A two‐day orientation meeting where we present them with information about personal safety in Buenos Aires, health matters and emergency procedures, transportation system, academic system, selection of courses and registration.
Spanish level exam: during the first week, students interested in taking Spanish classes will need to take this placement exam.
Migratory requirement meetings: mandatory meetings about the procedures and documents required to apply for the student resident permit or visa (Residencia transitoria).
COURSE SELECTION AND REGISTRATION During the application process, students are required to make a Tentative list of courses they would like to take at USAL.
1‐ Student orientation: after the Arrival Orientation, our Academic Advisors will help students update their selection of courses – according to the academic calendar, course schedule, course contents, etc. They will also provide information on registration dates and procedure.
2‐ Beginning of Classes: International students will have a trial period during which they may attend the courses they have pre‐selected.
3‐ Registration: Official registration is during the third week of classes. Students register on line. Please be reminded that the minimum course load per semester is 5 classes.
IMPORTANT: International students who do not comply with USAL course requirements will be dismissed from the program.
ACADEMIC SYSTEM The University’s academic structure is made of Facultades and Escuelas (Schools) where one or more undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are offered.
Our academic system is based on a mandatory curriculum; our degree‐seeking students are given a structured study plan every year of their degree. Argentine students take all their courses with the same group of classmates. The main language of instruction is Spanish. 8 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
The Academic Year consists of two semesters: First semester: March –July Second semester: August –November
Classes:
There are semester‐long courses and year‐long courses. International students may register in either, but they need to be authorized by the Academic Advisor of the School to take a year‐long course for only one semester. International students can choose almost any subject offered in any major according to their interests, academic background and Spanish proficiency. International students should register in a minimum of 5 courses. If they wish to take less than 5, they need to be authorized by their home University. The teaching method varies according to the professor: lecture type classes, small group courses with active interaction between faculty and students and classes specially designed for international students. Courses meet once or twice per week. Class attendance is mandatory. Students must have at least 75% attendance rate to be able to pass their courses. Student assessment varies: midterm exams, final exams, research work, term papers, etc. Examinations can be oral or written. International students take their exams within the semester and before classes end. Our grading system is from 0 to 10. 10 is the highest grade. 4 is the lowest passing grade and anything below it is a Fail. The main language of instruction is Spanish.
ACADEMIC OFFER ‐ Regular Courses in Spanish: see academic offer at http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/dcii/cursos‐ regulares‐espanol
‐ Spanish as a Second Language (placement exam needed) Low Intermediate High Intermediate Argentine Myths and Legends (High level) Tango: Listening, Writing, Reading and Speaking Workshop (High level) Literature Workshop: Borges and Cortázar (Advanced level)
‐ Regular Courses in English in the following areas At the School of Social Sciences Social Service (with supervised field work) International Relations (Latin America, Europe, China) Argentine History and Politics Compared Latin American Political Systems 9 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
At the School of History, Geography and Tourism History of Art in Argentina and Latin America Tourist Geography
At the School of Management and Economics Accounting Coaching Economy in Argentina and Latin America
At the School of Education and Communication Science Journalism Public Relations Marketing
At the School of Modern Languages (courses are taught entirely or partially in English) English and North‐American Culture and Literature Linguistics Translation and Interpretation Comparative Structures (English and Spanish)
At the School of Philosophy, Literature and Eastern Studies Contemporary Latin American Literature
At the School of Engineering Systems of Information
At the School of Psychology Processes of analysis
School of Design Marketing
GENERAL INFORMATION – HEALTH, HOUSING AND MEALS, SAFETY
HEALTH MATTERS All international students admitted to Universidad del Salvador will need a health insurance coverage for the term of their exchange. It must include Medical Evacuation 10 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/ and Repatriation of remains. As part of the acceptance process, once confirmed by USAL students need to send us proof of health insurance coverage.
Students who take medication on a regular basis should bring enough medication for the whole exchange period as well as their medical history (indicating diagnosis, drug prescribed and dosage) signed by their doctor. Students must contact the Argentine Consulate prior to travelling, in order to be informed of the documents required to enter the country with the prescribed medication.
HOUSING AND MEALS Universidad del Salvador provides housing and/or meals only to North Park, The University of Siena, College of the Holy Cross and ISEP students.
Exchange programs with no housing and meal benefits: Options available in Buenos Aires to international students are: homestay, private student residencies or apartment rentals. Once accepted, USAL may provide updated information about these options upon request. Please note that it is the student who makes their housing arrangements and payments directly to the provider.
Exchange programs with housing and/or meal benefits (North Park, The University of Siena, College of the Holy Cross and ISEP students)
Students will be placed in either student residencies or homestay during the period of benefits (see academic calendar). The housing assingment will be done upon availability. Should a student need housing before or after the period of benefits, they must make their own arrangements.
Meals (for ISEP and North Park Students only) USAL will give students a stipend to cover all meals that are not provided at their accommodation. The specific amount and forms of payment will be informed during Student Orientation. Detailed information on housing will be given to students once they are accepted.
For more information contact: [email protected]
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, PERSONAL SAFETY AND TRAVELLING During orientation, International students are given information as to how to proceed in case of a medical emergency: Contact our staff at any time. Go to the nearest hospital if necessary.
11 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
DURING OFFICE HOURS OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS (Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.) 4372‐3034 4372‐3016 15 5669 3567 4372‐2758
TRAVELLING For safety reasons, we ask students to inform us if they will be travelling within or out of the country.
PERSONAL SAFETY In the Streets: Unfortunately, foreigners and tourists are the main targets for street crime. The best precaution is to avoid drawing attention to yourself. We recommend taking a very small amount of money on you, and leave your original passport at home (a copy of it is sufficient fory everyda life). If you are confronted on the street in a robbery situation do not resist. Your physical and personal safety is top priority at all times.
Protests and Demonstrations: During your stay in Buenos Aires you will encounter many protests and demonstrations in different parts of the city. The most common concentration areas are: Plaza de Mayo, Congreso (Congress) and the Ministry of Education (100 metres from USAL’s International office). If you find yourself in a place where a protest or a demonstration is taking place we strongly recommend staying away. Sometimes police intervene and take cautionary action.
Robberies and street crime: In Buenos Aires, as in any big city, non‐violent robberies in public places are quite common. The most common type of street crime is the “arrebato”, in which the thief snatches your bag and runs away with your personal belongings (bag, cell phone, or cameras). Sometimes the offender may drive past on a motorbike and make a quick getaway. Valuable technology items such as iPhones are very expensive and not easily available in Argentina. You need to have special care with them. At subways or trains do not stand close to the doors as the offender may snatch your bag and then quickly jump on or off the train. In public transport, where many people are together in a small space, be aware of the “carteristas” or “chorros”. If you are going to carry your phone or your bag with you, make sure that they are held close to you at all times. If you are carrying a backpack or a handbag, carry it on the front so that you may keep an eye on it. Do not leave items unattended, even at your study or work place. Always pay attention to people who are standing too close to you or ask you questions as this may be a diversion when two people are “working” together.
12 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
Parks and remote areas: We strongly recommend that you avoid walking through parks particularly at night. If you are going to a remote area, ask a local friend or an advisor at our International office about it first. This does not mean that it is not possible to walk around Buenos Aires freely, but you need to take the necessary precautions. In Buenos Aires, the safest areas and the most insecure ones are located close to one another. The safest neighborhoods are Belgrano, Recoleta, Barrio Norte and Palermo.
Taxis: It is not always safe to hail taxis on the street. We strongly recommend that you use only radio taxis. We also suggest that you make a phone reservation through one of these companies: ALO 4855‐5555 or CITYTAX 4585‐5544.
ATM – Bank Teller Machines: You need to exercise a lot of caution when you withdraw money from al ATM or a bank teller machine as someone may be watching from the outside expecting you to go out and rob you. We strongly recommend that you use the ATM in the street Rodriguez Peña 714, since it is inside a USAL building.
Police Stations and Consulates: If you have been victim of a felony you may ask for assistance at the Tourist Police Station where the staff speak various languages: Address: Av. Corrientes 436 CABA Buenos Aires Phone number: 011‐4346‐5748. If you require any Consular Assistance (if your Passport has been stolen or if you are missing any important document from your home country) do not hesitate to contact your Consulate. If you need to know its address or phone number please check it at: http://mrecic.gov.ar/quia_representacionces/consulados
Medical Emergencies: Before leaving your home country, make sure you are well aware of how your medical insurance works. If you require medical assistance in Buenos Aires and your insurance allows you to use any hospital, we recommend that you go to: ‐ Hospital Alemán in Avenida Pueyrredón 1640. Phone number: 4827‐7000 ‐Instituto Argentino de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento in Marcelo T. de Alvear 2346. Phone number: 4965‐6500.
Life in Buenos Aires Transport: To travel by all means of public transportation in Buenos Aires, you are required to purchase a SUBE top‐up card. We suggest you to charge it with a maximum of 50 pesos as each bus or metro ride costs between 6 and 7 pesos. You might find detailed information regarding the Centers where you can buy or charge the SUBE in: http://www.sube.gob.ar/CentrosSUBE.aspx Mobile phone: If you wish to hire a mobile phone provider in Buenos Aires you can task for a pre‐paid plan. The most popular providers are: Movistar, Personal and Claro. Some applications that might be useful for you to use are: BA Subte; BA EcoBici; Plataforma 10; BA Cultural; BA Wifi.
13 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
APPENDIX I Intermediate Spanish level descriptors for USAL . Comprensión y producción oral: Tiene conciencia de registro formal e informal y comprende a hablantes nativos de una variedad conocida en situaciones cotidianas, pero puede manifestar dificultades para expresarse especialmente en el registro formal. Es capaz de expresar opiniones sobre temas abstractos y culturales de forma limitada, ofrecer consejos sobre un área conocida, y comprender instrucciones o anuncios públicos, y matices en los significados y opiniones. Puede describir experiencias pasadas y actuales, acontecimientos, deseos, y planes futuros. Puede expresar con estructuras simples y básicas hipótesis, eventualidades presentes, pasadas y futuras. Puede opinar y fundamentar su opinión. Puede argumentar con estructuras simples. Sabe desenvolverse en la mayor parte de las situaciones que pueden surgir durante un viaje por países que hablan español. Puede tomar y transmitir todo tipo de mensajes. Vacila con frecuencia buscando las palabras adecuadas para comunicarse. Realiza pausas para organizar su discurso, y depende en cierta medida de la colaboración de su interlocutor para mantener la fluidez de la conversación. Puede manifestar muletillas de su lengua materna. Conoce el léxico correspondiente a áreas temáticas generales. Presenta restricción en el uso de sinónimos. (El conocimiento y uso de los componentes gramaticales se detallan en el punto de Producción Escrita.) Puede presentar alguna dificultad en la producción de sonidos característicos del español, y su entonación puede presentar marcas fuertes de la lengua materna (en la mayoría de los casos no afecta la comprensión).
. Lectocomprensión: Es capaz de comprender el significado general y puntos principales de textos claros en lengua estándar, sobre temas desconocidos y teóricos dentro de un contexto conocido. Puede diferenciar entre información principal y secundaria. Puede requerir la ayuda del diccionario Puede comprender artículos periodísticos que traten sobre hechos reales, cartas informativas sobre un tema que conoce y con una estructura convencional, textos de opinión simples y textos instructivos. De textos más complejos solo comprende la idea general, siempre va a necesitar el diccionario para leer textos académicos. Incluso con su ayuda puede tener dificultades para comprenderlo.
. Producción Escrita:
14 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/
Es capaz de producir textos sencillos y coherentes sobre temas familiares o que le interesen particularmente, de manera precisa. Puede escribir cartas personales y correos electrónicos que describan experiencias y reacciones, organicen planes futuros, hagan pedidos, etc.; puede producir textos narrativos (respetando la concordancia verbal), descriptivos, argumentativos básicos e instructivos. Puede expresar su opinión con un lenguaje predecible y limitado. Puede tomar apuntes generales, si se trata de temas conocidos. Utiliza los tiempos verbales del Indicativo (con excepción del Futuro Perfecto y Condicional Compuesto) e Imperativo. Presenta dificultades con ciertos usos del Condicional Simple y con los valores modales del Futuro Imperfecto. Subsisten algunas dificultades con el manejo aspectual de los verbos, pero puede hacer uso adecuado de los diferentes pretéritos. Presenta errores morfológicos en la conjugación de algunos verbos irregulares Utiliza sin mayores dificultades el régimen preposicional básico y la sustitución pronominal, inclusive la de OD y OI, aunque no realiza todos los reemplazos pertinentes. Subsisten algunos errores en la utilización de los artículos. Utiliza generalmente una sintaxis simple que incluye proposiciones coordinadas y subordinadas básicas; por momentos utiliza proposiciones subordinadas más complejas y puede cometer errores. La progresión temática de sus ideas es simple. Su léxico es adecuado pero limitado, no recurre a sinónimos.
APPENDIX II Intensive Spanish Program The CIE is a four‐week paid program that we offer twice a year, in February and in June. It is designed for students to learn the language as they explore the Argentine culture and history. Classes are designed to allow a high degree of teacher‐student interaction and student participation. Course materials include famous works by Argentine authors as well as grammatical exercises for developing communication skills. In‐class academic work is complemented by field trips commented in Spanish by a professional tour guide. The CIE totals 100 hours. Groups meet twenty‐five hours per week, from Monday to Friday, during four weeks.
Language Levels – The CIE is made of two levels: Low intermediate and high intermediate. Students are assigned to different levels based on the results of a placement test taken before the beginning of the session.
Course certificate – Certificates are awarded upon completion of the course. Students must attend 75% of their classes and pass the final exam in order to receive their certificates.
15 Universidad del Salvador Tucumán 1699 CP 1050 Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel/Fax: 54-11. 4372 3016, 54-11 4372 2758 http://dcii.usal.edu.ar/