Relevant information and frequently asked questions

In this section, you will find the most frequently asked questions and relevant information about mobility processes.

In addition, you can click here to download a Spanish version Brochure about the city, the School, and our hospitals. You can also download the English version by clicking here.

Is there any support for students who visit our School?

Parcero Program

Parcero program provides support and assistance to foreign students, faculty members, or administrative staff performing a mobility experience in our university in order to contribute to foreigners have a successful experience in the institution, the region, and the country. Parcero program is led by Colombian volunteer students under the supervision of the Directorate of International Relations..

Scholarships for international students

Some Colombian and international entities offer scholarships and financial aid to foreigners who want to study in Colombia. Universidad de Antioquia offers some of these aids for foreigners.

What is it like to live in Medellin?

Medellin is the second most important city in Colombia, an attractive place not only because of its commercial and industrial activity, but also because of its people, culture, and nightlife.

To obtain information about places to go, places to stay, and transportation, it is recommended to visit Medellin.Travel web page, this web page contains the official guide to get around and enjoy the city.

Accommodation

Colombia does not have an accommodation system for students. However, several options of lodging offer various services and can fit any budget.

Estimated costs:

• Apartment rent: starting from $170 USD

• Homestay room (room + laundry + Wi-Fi + TV): starting from $200 USD

• Shared apartment (two or three roommates, includes utilities): starting from $150 USD

• Furnished apartment rent: starting from $350 USD

• Hotels: starting from $20 USD

• Hostels: starting from $10 USD

Cost of living

A good idea for planning your trip is to check the cost of living of the country you want to travel to. Here you will find a basic list of some of the most common expenses in Medellin.

• Breakfast in hotels: starting from $7 USD

• Restaurants: starting from $10 USD

• Lunches: starting from $3 USD

• Fast food: starting from $3 USD

• Supermarket shopping for one person: about $15 USD per week

• Bus ticket: about $70 cents. Click here to see the maps of buses routes.

• Minibus: about $80 cents

• Taxi: starting from $2 USD

For further information visit https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living. Here you can compare the costs of living of Medellin and other cities around the world.

Transportation in the City and Metropolitan Area

The Integrated Transport System of the Aburra Valley (SITVA, by its Spanish acronym) is a transport system that connects the entire Metropolitan Area, which is  composed of nine cities. SITVA is made up of Metro, Metro cable, Metro plus, SIT Routes, and Public Bicycle System (ENCICLA, by its Spanish acronym). The nearest Metro station to the School of Medicine is Hospital station. Universidad station is located next to the main campus of Universidad de Antioquia. For further information about Metro, tickets, and CIVICA card, which is necessary to access the transport system and you can take out free the first time, click here.

How to get to Medellin?

You can get to Medellin by air or land. The city has two airports and two bus terminals.

Airports: Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport for domestic flights and Jose Maria Cordova Airport for international flights.

Bus terminals: Terminal del Sur and Terminal del Norte. Click here for further information: http://www.terminalesmedellin.com/

In case of emergency call from any phone to the 123 helpline.

What is the currency? What forms of payment are there?

The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP, by its Spanish initials), issued by Banco de la República. Cash movements in and out in this denomination or any other are limited and must be declared at the arrival or departure of the country. All prices at stores and restaurants already include taxes.

The exchange of foreign currency must be done by presenting the passport at exchange houses, which offer a generally more attractive price than airports, hotels, and banks. The main exchange houses in Medellin are located in shopping malls.

What is the National Courier service?

There are two types of post offices available to send mail: the 4-72 State Delivery Service and some private entities. It is also possible to send mail from some shopping malls, supermarkets, and travel agencies. Stamps are not used on the envelope because there are no mailboxes available on the street. Be sure to provide the recipient's full address and contact number. In addition, you should always include the sender's address.

4-72 Colombia Shipping Service | Servientrega | TCC | DHL | Fedex

Mail Reception: Calle 70 No. 52 - 21

Post office box: 1226

Address: Calle 67 No. 53 - 108

Switchboard: (57+4) 219 8332

Toll-free helpline for citizens: 018000 416384

Fax: (57+4) 263 8282

NIT 890980040-8

What touristic guides are recommended?

Colombia

www.colombia.travel | www.colombiaespasion.com | www.colombia.com/turismo/sitio

www.viajaporcolombia.com | www.turiscolombia.com | www.colombianparadise.com

Cities and departments

www.antioquiaturistica.com | www.bogotaturismo.gov.co | www.laguiadecali.com

www.turismocartagenadeindias.com | www.cartagenacaribe.com | www.cartagenainfo.com

www.ciudadeje.com | www.turismoejecafetero.info | www.turismoensantamarta.com

www.popayantourism.com | www.amazonascolombia.com | www.bucaramangacity.com

Health measures and medical insurance

What measures should be taken to avoid health problems?

All foreign students must have an international health insurance that covers medical services, hospitalization, accidents, and life expenses. Foreign visitors should contact a company offering the service in their country of origin to identify the best option according to their needs. We recommend using Assist Card.

Is any kind of special vaccination required to visit the School of Medicine?

No vaccination is required to visit Colombia. Nevertheless, to travel to jungle regions or natural parks far from large cities, it is recommended to protect yourself from yellow fever (at least 15 days in advance), hepatitis, and tetanus. Due to its geographical location, the most frequent conditions in Colombia are Acute Mountain Sickness (MAM, by its Spanish acronym), stomach problems, malaria, and yellow fever in some jungle areas. Keep in mind that minimum vaccinations are necessary in order to rotate in Medellin hospitals that are within the requirements.

Can I eat any food? Is the water drinkable?

If you have food allergies or health problems relating to some food, you should ask about the ingredients of what you are going to eat. Colombian cuisine is very varied and uses many different ingredients. Although Medellin's water is completely drinkable, it is recommended that people whose organisms are more susceptible to changes drink bottled water during the first days.

Is it required to have a health insurance to do a rotation?

Foreign students who are accepted for doing a rotation in Universidad de Antioquia must purchase an international medical insurance with coverage in Colombia. It must be presented upon arrival at the institution and before the registration. The medical insurance, in all cases, must include repatriation and biological risks.

How to carry out the validation process of training courses and accreditation of degree?

The validation process is the recognition made by Colombian Government of a higher education degree granted by a foreign institution.

Foreign institutions must be legally recognized by the competent authority in the respective country to issue university degrees. To carry out the validation process, it is necessary to have an academic evaluation of the degree in order to determine the equivalence in Colombia.