Once part of the Incan Empire, Bolivia is an amazingly diverse nation. Located in the heart of South America, Bolivia’s rich culture, which derives from various indigenous groups, former Spanish rule, and influences from the five neighboring countries, is the perfect environment for a true Latin America experience. The diverse geographies of Bolivia provide ISEP students the opportunity to explore both Amazonian and Andean landscapes. From the highest capital city in the world, La Paz (known as the “city that touches the sky”), to the largest salt flats in the world, Salar de Uyuni, and the highest and deepest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, and everything in between, you will be left breathless.
This program is best for a student that is independent. A student must be comfortable with advocating for themselves on campus and comfortable with the local language to thrive in this location. Please be aware that there may not be the same access to internet or amenities to which you may be accustomed. Student services and especially class registration may not be at all similar to what is done at the College and may be difficult for some students to adjust.
Learn more about Universidad Privada Boliviana here! Read the ISEP Country Handbook to learn more about visa requirements, educational system, and culture.
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To be eligible to participate in this program, students must meet the following requirements:
Students applying to ISEP must apply for an Exchange option (in any country) as a first choice but may apply to a Direct option as a back-up. Direct options may have an additional cost (see a financial section for more information). |
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UPB has two Campuses; the first campus is located in the city of La Paz, one of the highest cities in the world with an altitude of 3.649 meters (about 12,000 feet) above sea level and a population of 790,353 inhabitants. La Paz is in the North East part of the Country, surrounded by multi-colored mountains with the moon like formations. The climate is dry with no humidity and has a mild summer and a unique sunny winter with clear blue skies and a temperature that can vary from 35.6 to 75.2 degrees. Nearby attractions include Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, Tiahuanaco, an ancient archeological city that has been around since 1500 B.C., and the tropics with a warm and humid climate all year around. The second campus is located in the city of Cochabamba.Cochabamba is a city in central Bolivia, located in a valley bearing the same name in the Andean Mountain Range. It is the capital of the Cochabamba Department and it is the fourth largest city in Bolivia with an approximate population of 1,938,401. The name derives from a compound of the Quechua words “qucha,” meaning lake, and “pampa ” meaning open plain. Residents of the city and surrounding areas are commonly referred to as “Cochalas.” Cochabamba is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” and “The Garden City” due to its year round spring-like temperatures. It is also known as “La Llajta,” or “town” in Quechua. |
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UPB was created by the Bolivian business community to generate entrepreneurs and fulfill the need of private firms for skilled management and technical professionals with the following Vision: To be the best university in Bolivia and a reference for quality in education in Latin America. Academic Environment and Teaching Style Please understand that the academic system is quite different. Classes are usually lecture-based, instead of discussion or group work. Classes are often much larger than those found at Lake Forest College. Grades are based heavily, at times almost entirely, on one end-of-term exam, though some courses will also offer a midterm. Professors are often more formal than those in the United States. Academic Environment and Teaching Style Please understand that the academic system is quite different. Classes are usually lecture-based, instead of discussion or group work. Classes are often much larger than those found at Lake Forest College. Grades are based heavily, at times almost entirely, on one end-of-term exam, though some courses will also offer a midterm. Professors are often more formal than those in the United States. All courses/modules may have prerequisites. Some departments may have limitations on numbers of courses that can be taken within or outside it. Be aware of these limitations. Coursework All courses/modules may have prerequisites. Some departments may have limitations on numbers of courses that can be taken within or outside it. Be aware of these limitations.
Intermediate and Advanced Spanish language courses are offered in addition to regular classes during the semester (included in ISEP Benefits) Contact hours per course/week: 20
To view courses on the Cochabamba campus, click here. Please review the ISEP country handbook for more information on the education system, grades, class hours, and classroom etiquette. |
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ORIENTATION
Orientation program covers academic advice, health, housing emergencies safety and general information. Students also have the opportunity to go on a city tour and on a campus tour. Students arriving on the Official Arrival Date will be met at the airport if given notice at least two weeks before the Official Arrival Date.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES ISEP students will have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities such as theater, choir, academic clubs (film, photography, dance), diverse sports activities (such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, racquetball, and soccer), cultural exchange activities, social activities, and travel. I-Pal program is also available. |
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| Volunteering and Service Learning opportunities are available for ISEP students through our Social Responsibility program. One of the program´s goals is to engage with local communities to build their institutions, train its government officials, and promote social integration. Since both of UPB’s campuses are located at the edge of major urban areas, they have been able to develop a number of programs with the surrounding rural communities, giving students the opportunity to actively participate in social learning and volunteering work. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Students are housed in host families off campus with all meals provided by the family. |
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| Financial Information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Lake Forest College tuition plus a program fee. The program fee for a semester with the ISEP Exchange program includes orientation, on-site director, college fees, housing and a stipend to cover the equivalent of 19/meals per week. Here is an estimated budget for the Fall 2018/Spring 2019 programs:
Tuition rates and program fees are subject to change each year, but this information was up-to-date as of February 2018. We will notify applicants, and update this page if the program fee or other estimates change. You can discuss with Financial Aid your specific aid package and your expected family contribution. Keep in mind that you may spend more or less in certain areas like personal expenses, travel, meals, or airfare, depending on exchange rates and your own spending habits. Classroom or lab fees are not included in this estimate and will depend on your course registration choices. Don’t forget to apply for scholarships! A great listing can be found here. |
Program Dates
Fall: Early August to Late December
Spring: Early February to Late June
All dates are tentative and may change. ISEP will alert all accepted students of final dates.
Program Type
Exchange
ISEP Exchange chance of placement for US students is generally Excellent.
Languages of Instruction
Spanish