Youth For Understanding USA

Uruguay offers picturesque scenery of beaches, dunes, and large lagoons. Experience the intimate beauty of Uruguay, where the people are warm and the land is welcoming. You'll enjoy getting to know the people of this small but unique country!
Learn more about Uruguay.

Summer Program

Discover Uruguay: Spanish Language Course 

On this summer program (which is actually winter in Uruguay), students live with a local volunteer host family in metropolitan Montevideo and immerse themselves in Uruguay's unique culture.  After a 2 day arrival orientation, students are enrolled in a Spanish language course according to their level at Academia Uruguay for 5 weeks.  During the final week, students will get a chance to put their Spanish to the test by visiting to a local high school in Montevideo. YFU Uruguay also organizes optional cultural activities that have included visiting a traditional ranch, attending carnivals and football matches, and experiencing all that Uruguayan culture has to offer!

Academic Year and Semester Programs

While in Uruguay you will live with a carefully selected host family and attend a local high school. Whether you stay for a year or semester, you're sure to make life long friends! Part of your experience will be:

School: As a student, you will choose a track of studies such as biology, science, humanities, or liberal arts. Courses within the tracks are generally compulsory. School placement in a private school is possible, and students may be required to wear a uniform. Expectations of students it high, so it will be very important for students to take studies seriously.

Language Courses: All students will attend an intensive 2 week language course after arrival in Montevideo.  With 80 hours of language training, this is especially helpful for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish.  All students will take a Spanish as a Second Language course, consisting of up to 40 hours of lessons throughout the exchange experience, included in the program tuition.  Students will be placed in an appropriate level based on a language test prior to arrival.  At the end of the program, students can take a final exam in Spanish designed by a certified language academy. 

Orientations: All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. Upon arrival, students attend a four-day orientation where they learn more about life in Uruguay and work on their language skills. To kick off the program, students also attend an intensive Spanish language course, from which they receive a certificate of completion from YFU and a final grade. Year students participate in a mid-year orientation, and all students will participate in a three-day re-entry orientation in order to reflect on their experiences and prepare for reverse culture shock.

Extracurriculars: Uruguayan schools rarely offer extracurricular activities. However, YFU students are encouraged to get involved in their communities by joining local clubs, teams, art institutes, and other activities in their towns.

Optional Excursions: In addition to regional cultural activities and events, YFU Uruguay offers plenty of rich opportunities for you to experience South America through optional trips organized by YFU volunteers and available at an additional cost. These options include:

October: A weekend visit to Crows' Creek to enjoy nature and bird watching in the park, with organized recreational activities.  

November: A 3-day weekend to the hot springs in Salto, with organized recreational activities and stays in cabins.

December: A 6-day YFU summer camp in La Paloma, visiting seaside nature resorts, touring a castle and lighthouse, and enjoying the spectacular beaches.  

February: A 6-day trip to Iguaçu Falls, one of the world wonders on the border with Argentina and Brazil.  Participate in eco-adventure activities like rappelling, hiking, bird-watching, and canoeing or experience a dinner show and attend a festival. 

February: A 6-day trip to Córdoba Highlands with an outdoor adventure camp and activities. 

May: A 5-day trip to Colonia and Buenos Aires, with guided city tours, museum visits, and historical sightseeing. Take a ferry between the two cities and stay in a hotel. 

More information about all of these optional cultural expeditions will be offered at the arrival orientation in Uruguay.

Gap Year Abroad

The traditional Academic programs are also available as Gap Year Abroad options. Learn more about other gap year programs.

Tuition Includes

-Placement with a host family

-Spanish course 
-Enrollment in a local Uruguayan high school
-Airport transfers
-Domestic and international travel
-All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
-Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
-Support from a YFU Uruguay Area Representative while on program
-Comprehensive insurance

Additional Information: 

Visa Information:  Information regarding residence permits, visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.  Note: Optional trips to Argentina will also require a visa. 

Additional Costs: Program tuition does not include personal spending money or funds for textbooks, uniforms, extracurricular activities, or transportation to and from school.