UDLA Exchange

We have two application rounds per year. 

Semester 10 Application Call: Classes abroad take place between September and January. 

• Application start date: October 22 
• Application deadline: February 15 

Semester 20 Application Call: Classes abroad take place between March and July 

• Application start date: May 1 
• Application deadline: July 31 

Review the international academic opportunities available for your program and choose two universities to begin your application process. 

View Programs Available by Major

Check the courses for your semester and verify them in the international university’s course catalog. 

Remember that not all courses are offered year-round; many are only available during specific terms such as even/odd semesters or fall/spring. Before making your selection, make sure your courses are available during your exchange dates. 

You will only be eligible for two semesters of exchange if your apply to begin your studies in the first semester at the foreign university, in any of the three groups.  
 

The international office at your host university will guide you through the course registration process. In some cases, students register for courses and receive their schedules before traveling, but most universities complete this process during the week before classes begin. 

We recommend choosing a few backup courses in case of schedule conflicts or limited availability in the classes you originally planned to take. 

 UDLA requires exchange students to enroll in a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 transferable courses, previously approved by their coordinator/director through the learning agreement. However, some host universities may have their own minimum or maximum credit or course requirements that must also be followed. 

You can participate in an exchange program for a maximum duration of a year. If you initially applied to study for one semester and wish to extend your stay to complete your academic year abroad, you should request an extension during the initial application process. 

If you decide the extension while already abroad, you can do so by contacting the International Center up until the second month of your exchange; however, approval will depend on the availability of spots at the host university, so we cannot guarantee that the extension will be authorized. 

Describe your motivation for participating in the exchange program with the universities, using the official language of the country to which you are applying. (máximum 2 pages) 
 

View the format here 

Your Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your return from the exchange program. If you do not have a Passport, you must provide proof that you have an appointment at the Civil Registry to process the document. 

If you do not yet have work experience, focus on highlighting your academic background, achievements, and participation in clubs or extracurricular activities. 

View the format here
 

List the courses you plan to transfer for each of your destination options. It is essential that you accept the document conditions and validate it with your Academic Coordinator’s signature. Please note that UDLA requires an academic load of 3 to 6 courses per university. 

View the format here

Check our course transfer history as a reference when selecting your courses. Please note that this information is only intended as a guide, and all courses must be reviewed and approved by your Academic Coordinator. 

If you would like to transfer a course that is not included in the list, you must provide the course syllabus and request its review directly with your Academic Coordinator. 

 If the course syllabus is not publicly available, send us an email indicating the university and the specific courses (maximum of 6), so we can request the information from the institution. 

 Access the course transfer history here

Before your trip, the International Center will hold a pre-departure orientation session. Here you will be required to sign a letter of commitment regarding your academic performance and conduct, as well as a liability waiver on behalf of UDLA.

You’ll have the opportunity to meet students who have already completed their exchange experience to clarify any specific questions you may have about the host university and the exchange-related processes. 

International health and travel insurance is mandatory. Your insurance policy must include coverage for accidents, hospitalization, emergencies, and repatriation. 

Important: Be sure to verify the specific insurance requirements established by the government of your destination country.

Once you receive your acceptance letter from the host university, begin your student visa application process. Please remember that a tourist visa is not valid for academic exchange programs. 

Since this is a personal and non-transferable process, we recommend checking requirements and timelines directly with the corresponding embassy or consulate. 

Keep logistics in mind: If the destination country does not have an embassy or consulate in Ecuador, you will need to process your visa abroad (in a neighboring country). Please note that passport processing and return times may take between two and four weeks. 

Finding accommodation for your stay in the host country during your exchange is an important task. We recommend exploring the housing options offered by the host university.  

Accommodation options may include the following: 

1. Host family 
2. Dormitory at the host university 
3. Off-campus housing 
4. Private of shared apartment 
5. Hostel / Hotel

We recommend arriving at least one week before the start of academic activities (orientation, classes, etc.) and informing both the UDLA International Center and the International Office of your host university about your arrival. Participation in the host university’s orientation sessions is mandatory. 

Once you arrive in your destination country, it is important to complete your consular registration at the nearest Ecuadorian embassy or consulate. This provides benefits such as being able to vote in elections abroad and maintaining contact in case of natural disasters, political or social emergencies, among others. 

You must send a copy of your tuition payment receipt or invoice for the corresponding UDLA semester to the following email: internacional@udla.edu.ec  

If the payment is not completed, the International Center will not be able to maintain your exchange status with the host university. Payment must be completed no later than one month after the start of your semester abroad. 

At the end of the exchange period, students must request that the International Office of the host university send their Transcript of Records to the UDLA International Center.

The course transfer process begins once the UDLA International Center receives your Transcript of Records with the courses completed during your exchange period. 

To begin the process, you must complete the final exchange evaluation, which will be sent to each student’s institutional email address. 

If you completed courses different from those previously approved, you would need to submit a new learning agreement. 

The International Center will review your course transfer request with your Program Director/Coordinator and send all supporting documentation to the corresponding department for registration in your academic record. 

The International Center will notify you once your course transfer process has been completed. 

Become part of the Embajadores UDLA program. All students who have participated in UDLA academic exchange programs can join this initiative, which aims to coordinate, promote, and support internationalization-at-home activities within the university. 

In addition, mentors can share their academic and personal experiences through testimonials, photos, and videos with other students interested in participating in UDLA mobility programs. To join this program, contact the International Center.