Uruguay

Uruguay offers you picturesque scenery—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.

Most Uruguayan families live simple, uncluttered lives. As in most Latin American countries, family ties are strong and parents tend to be protective of their children and concerned about their lives. Uruguayans generally don't go out for the evening until around 10 p.m., when young people often go out as a group to the theater, concerts, and lectures.

Academic Programs

As a student, you will choose a track of studies, such as biology, science, humanities, or liberal arts, and courses within the tracks are generally compulsory. Uruguayan schools focus strictly on academics so you won't find extracurricular activities, but you may be able to participate in your favorite activities through private clubs. You may also wear a uniform since you might attend a private school.

Year and semester students will attend a three day orientation upon arrival, where they will learn more about life in Uruguay and start to develop their language skills. A mid-year orientation will ensure that students are gaining all the benefits of their exchange experience, and a re-entry orientation held by YFU-Uruguay at the end of the program ensures that each step of the exchange experience goes smoothly.

Included in the tuition is a seven day trip to Iguaçu Falls and other locations in the Southern Cone of South America.  A four day trip to Buenos Aires is included for Semester students and is optional for year students at an additional fee. YFU offers various optional cultural trips to cities throughout Uruguay for an additional fee.

Gap Year Abroad
The traditional Academic programs are also available as Gap Year Abroad options. Learn more about other 13th Year Abroad Programs.

Summer Program

Discover Uruguay
On this six-week YFU summer program, students find the same benefits and experiences as year and semester students in Uruguay. Living with a host family, students are able to open themselves to the country's culture and family life while enrolling in a local high school to develop strong language skills and meet fellow teenagers. During your stay in Uruguay you will visit the countryside to experience and learn about a traditional Uruguayan ranch through activities such as horseback riding and a barbecue.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Age requirement for year and semester students:

January arrivals: born between January 1, 1991 and December 1, 1993

August arrivals: born between March 1, 1991 and July 31, 1994

Online Resources

To learn more about Uruguay, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Spanish language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Uruguay Ministry of Tourism web site

"Listen to YFU. Everything you hear about exchange is true. You'll have the best time of your life." - Sarah Leyrer

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 24, 2007