Universidad ICESI

Universidad ICESI in Cali, Colombia, is a private, non-profit institution founded in 1979 by local business leaders. It is recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to regional economic and social well-being. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Colombia.

Academics

ICESI boasts five faculties: Administrative and Economic Sciences, Engineering, Law and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Health Sciences, alongside a School of Education. The university emphasizes an active learning model and a curriculum focused on developing competencies in various fields. Notable programs include Business Administration with an emphasis in International Business, Systems Engineering, Law, and Medicine, many of which hold national and international accreditations such as AACSB for its Business School and ABET for several engineering degrees. The university also has 14 research groups, with several classified in the highest categories by Colciencias, contributing to new knowledge and innovation.

International Students

The International Relations Office at ICESI provides support to international students, including assistance with finding accommodation. While most classes are taught in Spanish, the university offers a selection of English-taught courses, particularly within the AACSB-accredited School of Business and Economic Sciences and the ABET-accredited School of Engineering, Design, and Applied Sciences. A free, non-mandatory Spanish course is also available for non-native speakers. International students can engage in various extracurricular activities through the University Wellbeing Team, covering culture, sports, recreation, and social projects. The university also has a "buddy system" to help international students integrate into life in Cali.

Campus & Location

The ICESI campus is situated in the Pance area, south of Cali, offering a modern environment with extensive green areas and sports facilities across its 141,334 square meters. Cali, known as the "salsa capital of the world," offers a vibrant city life where music and dance are integral to the culture. The campus is located in the safe and prosperous Barrio Pance, a residential neighborhood with restaurants, shopping centers, and other universities nearby. Public transportation, including the "Universidades" station, connects the campus to various parts of the city. Nearby attractions include shopping centers like Jardin Plaza and Holguines Trade Center, as well as natural spaces like the Pance River.

Career Outcomes

ICESI maintains strong connections with the business sector, which contributes to its initiatives and provides support for student employment. The university's Professional Development Center assists students with professional internships and acts as a link between students and potential employers. ICESI also has an exclusive employability platform called "Tu IcesiJobs" to enhance graduates' professional development and expand their job prospects. The university fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, with its Center for the Development of Entrepreneurial Spirit (CDEE) having supported numerous startups, many of which have significantly increased their sales. Notable alumni include figures in politics and business, demonstrating the university's impact on leadership.