CURRICULAR

Programs

Mujer joven con cabello castaño y mechones teñidos de rosa, vestida con camiseta blanca, señalando hacia arriba con una sonrisa.

The Foreign Language Curricular Program is a set of courses designed to develop communicative skills in a language other than the student’s native tongue, and to fulfill the graduation requirement for degree completion. These courses are intended for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in on-campus programs.

Undergraduate Programs

According to the agreements of the Academic Council of the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), guidelines are established for mandatory courses that all students enrolled in on-campus programs must complete, with the exception of teacher training degrees. A key component is proficiency in at least one foreign language, which is considered essential for navigating a globalized world. In this regard, undergraduate students must complete 160 hours of foreign language instruction, achieving at least the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as a graduation requirement.

Through Agreement 023 of 2022, the UIS introduces new curricular guidelines that promote the development of plurilingual and intercultural competencies within academic programs. These guidelines aim to strengthen internationalization processes while respecting cultural diversity and preparing professionals capable of understanding global dynamics. English is established as the first foreign language due to its central role in global scientific communication; however, linguistic and cultural diversity is valued in the development of these competencies.

The guidelines for the development of plurilingual and intercultural competencies are based on principles such as relevance, flexibility, internationalization, and transformative pedagogy. These principles guide the comprehensive education of students and align with the university’s institutional projects and policies. To ensure progress in foreign language learning, students are required to take a placement test at the beginning of their studies to determine their initial proficiency level and to establish a learning path tailored to their needs.

Program Features

  • Icono 4 créditos

    Credits

    4
  • Icono de Hora

    Hours per Semester

    80
  • Icono acompañamiento docente

    Hours per Week

    5 hours with instructor support.
  • Icono de seguir instrucciones

    Independent Work

    It is recommended to study at least 7 hours per week.
  • Icono de nivel

    Proficiency Level

    A1 is required for graduation. However, students reach an A2+ level in English and an A2 level in Portuguese and French.
  • Icono de evaluación

    Evaluation

    Through 3 midterm exams, short assessments, and work on a virtual platform.
  • Icono de nota aprobatoria

    Passing Grade

    3,0
  • Icono de homologación.

    Proficiency Exam

    Extension Courses, Institutional Competency Exam, or International Exam (TEFL). A minimum grade of 3.5 is required to qualify for exemption.

In the case of English, the university offers English I (23424) and English II (23425) as an option to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Code:  23424        Level:    A1 – English I

Code:  23425        Level:    A1  – English II

Required Courses

The mandatory Curricular Program for students of the various undergraduate programs at UIS includes Levels I and II of the following languages: Portuguese, French, and Italian.

Code:  25773        Level:    A1  – Portuguese LE I

Code:  25774        Level:    A1  – Portuguese LE II

Code:  25769        Level:    A1  – French LE I

Code:  25770        Level:    A1  – French LE II

Code:  25771        Level:    A1  – Italian LE I

New Program

The university determines the initial level of foreign language proficiency based on the student’s academic program. All students must take a placement test in English before starting their first semester, which helps define the appropriate learning path. Those who reach A1 level or provide valid certification may directly enter the institutional pathway for the development of plurilingual and intercultural competencies.

Students who do not reach A1 level have until their third semester to take a remedial, self-managed, non-credit course offered by the Language Institute. Enrollment in the course must be completed according to the official schedule. If the student does not take the placement exam on time, fails to register, or does not take the course, they must reach A1 level on their own and provide certification in order to continue with the next levels.

Students who do not take or do not pass the remedial course must also certify A1 level independently. This certification must be officially recognized (validated) before the end of the third semester by the Language Institute, the School of Languages, or the School of Education, as applicable.
25772 – Level: A1 – Italian LE II – (optional).

Code:  27990       Level:  A1 – French I – Elective

Code:  27991       Level:  A1 – French II – Elective

Code:  00000       Level:  A2  – French LE 3

Code:  00000       Level:  A2  – French LE 4

Code:  00000       Level:  A1  – Italian I – Elective

Code:  00000       Level:  A1  – Italian II -Elective

Elective Courses

Code:  23426       Level:    A2 – English III

Code:  23057       Level:    A2  – English IV

Code:  23058       Level:   A2+  – English V

Code:  27613       Level:    A1  – Portuguese I – Elective

Code:  27985       Level:    A1  – Portuguese II – Elective

Code:  00000       Level:   A2  – Portuguese LE 3 – Elective

Code:  00000       Level:  A2  – Portuguese LE 4

Note: Courses may be taken at the Main Campus or in Cabecera, either in an intensive or semi-intensive format.

Cupo UIS

According to Agreement 219 of 2007, the Universidad Industrial de Santander offers undergraduate students a benefit through which three levels of the extension course (B1.3, B1.4, and B1.5) are subsidized to complete the B1 stage, provided that the following requirements are met:

  • Icono aprobado

    Successful completion of English V

    Equivalent to levels B1.1 and B1.2, with a grade equal to or higher than 4.0.
  • Icono nivel socioeconómico

    Socioeconomic Strata

    Be classified under socioeconomic strata 1, 2, or 3.
  • Icono de estar matriculado

    Be enrolled

    Be enrolled in a university program at the time the benefit is requested.
  • Icono de niveles

    The levels must be taken consecutively

    In other words, after completing the English V course, students must apply for the Cupo UIS in the immediately following extension course cycle.
  • Icono de precio

    Enrollment Fee

    This benefit does not cover the enrollment fee.
  • Icono de formato

    Request the Enrollment Form

    Send an email to iladult@uis.edu.co to request the corresponding form, fill it out, and submit it at least 3 days before the start date of the academic cycle for which it applies.
  • Icono de disponibilidad

    Seat Availability

    The granting of the Cupo UIS depends on the availability of seats in the requested academic cycle, campus, and schedule.
  • Icono de proceso de pago

    Payment

    Make the corresponding payment to complete the enrollment process.

Proficiency Exam

Go to Exams

Schedule of Activities

The activities of the UIS Language Institute are organized according to the university’s official schedule, ensuring that courses and programs are aligned with the established timelines for efficient coordination of academic resources and activities.

Go to Academic Calendars
Ilustración de una lista de verificación con marcas de verificación, un reloj y un bolígrafo sobre un fondo colorido.

Graduate Programs

Courses – Doctoral Programs

Code: 3117       Level:    B1 – English I

Code:  3118      Level:    B1  – English II

Code:  3119      Level:    B1  – English III

About the Program

According to the Graduate General Regulations, Agreement 075 of 2013, students enrolled in Research Master’s programs, Medical-Surgical Specializations, and Doctoral programs may fulfill their foreign language graduation requirement by completing and passing the courses offered here.

Courses – Master’s Programs

Code:  3115      Level:    A2 – English I

Code:  3116      Level:    A2  – English II

  • Icono 4 créditos

    Credits

    NA
  • Icono de Hora

    Hours per Semester

    80
  • Icono de Hora

    Semester Hours – Doctorate III

    40
  • Icono acompañamiento docente

    Hours per Week

    5 hours with instructor support
  • Icono de seguir instrucciones

    Independent Work

    It is recommended to study at least 7 hours per week
  • Icono de nivel

    Proficiency Level

    To meet the graduation requirement, A2 level is developed in Research Master's programs and Medical-Surgical Specializations. In the case of Doctoral programs, B1 level is developed as a graduation requirement.
  • Icono de evaluación

    Evaluation

    Through three midterm exams, short assessments, and work on a virtual platform.
  • Icono aprobado

    Passing Grade

    3,2
  • Icono de homologación.

    Profiency Exam

    Extension Courses, Institutional Proficiency Exam, International Exam (TEFL). The minimum grade required for course exemption is 3.5 or higher.

Schedule of Activities

The activities of the UIS Language Institute are organized according to the university’s official schedule, ensuring that courses and programs align with the established timelines for efficient coordination of resources and academic activities.

Go to Academic Calendars
Ilustración de una persona mostrando un reloj, con un calendario, una lista de verificación y elementos gráficos adicionales en un fondo colorido.
Logo Instituto de Lenguas UIS