Cali, Colombia: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Spotlight: This is the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana – Gain useful insights, facts, and insider-information about our partner university in Cali
Credit: zur Verfügung gestellt von PUJ
Credit: zur Verfügung gestellt von PUJ
Credit: zur Verfügung gestellt von PUJ
Credit: zur Verfügung gestellt von PUJ
Credit: zur Verfügung gestellt von PUJ
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ) is a private university in Cali, Colombia. Cali is not only Colombia’s third largest city but also known as the “salsa capital of the world”. The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana offers a wide range of interesting courses. In 2018, PUJ even received an award as the region’s best private university in the field of research for the third time in a row.
Currently, more than 24,000 students are enrolled at PUJ, including international students from more than 40 countries. The language of instruction is Spanish. This is why students have to provide proof of language proficiency by submitting a Language Certificate of the University of Mannheim. The International Office of the PUJ provides international students with advice and support, especially in finding accommodation, for example by providing a list of Colombian host families.
Cali has earned a worldwide reputation as “salsa capital of the world”. With nearly 2.4 million inhabitants, Cali is Colombia’s third largest city. The city center boasts a number of beautiful monuments and buildings worth visiting. Apart from that, travelers can enjoy numerous music and salsa festivals throughout the year.
Being close to the equator, the climate in Cali is tropical, with an average temperature of 27 degrees! The Pacific coast can be reached within two and a half hours and the Farallones de Cali National Park is right on the city’s doorstep.
Students may not only attend courses at the university but also participate in a number of great leisure activities: they can either go to the gym, go for a swim in the pool, or take part in one of the many yoga, dance, and theater classes offered.
Students of the bachelor’s programs in Romance Studies, German Studies, History, Philosophy, and Media and Communication Studies are eligible to participate in the exchange program.
The application deadline is 30 April!
More information about the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana can be found here.
Click here to view the official Javeriana University informational video.
Experiences with the study abroad program:
Semestre Académico Internacional en Javeriana Cali – Video
Although there are fewer students at PUJ than in Mannheim, the PUJ campus is larger and provides wide green spaces. Besides, there are free-range animals such as peacocks, ducks and giant iguanas. We were only about 25 exchange students, most of them Latinos. For this reason, Spanish was our main language of communication. In my opinion, this was a major advantage. At this point, I would like to dispel a myth: Cali is said to be one of the most dangerous cities in Colombia. However, I never felt unsafe during my stay, and there were always people telling me where to go and where not to go. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is also known as “la sucursal del cielo” (the branch of heaven). There are so many clubs and bars as well as some fantastic festivals where you can dance the night away. Spending a semester in Cali was the best experience I could get. Colombia is a beautiful country with a rich culture, most various landscapes, great food and very open-minded and friendly people. Just see it for yourself!