Universidad Surcolombiana

Universidad Surcolombiana (USCO) is a public, national higher education institution located in Neiva, Huila, Colombia. Founded in 1976, USCO is recognized for its commitment to comprehensive, humanistic, and critical training of professionals and researchers. It plays a significant role in the development of the southern region of Colombia, focusing on interdisciplinary knowledge and multicultural processes.

Academics

USCO offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including Exact and Natural Sciences, Juridical and Political Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Economics and Administration, Education, Engineering, and Health. The university emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, fostering critical thinking and research. Notable programs include Medicine, Nursing, Public Accounting, and Petroleum Engineering, many of which have received high-quality accreditation. The university also has a strong focus on teacher training, with programs like the Bachelor's in English Language Teaching.

International Students

Universidad Surcolombiana welcomes international students, offering support through its Office of National and International Relations (ORNI). ORNI facilitates academic and cultural exchange programs, promoting scientific collaboration and student mobility. While specific diversity statistics are not readily available, the university actively participates in programs like the Latin American Exchange Program (PILA), hosting students from various countries, including Mexico and the United Kingdom. The Institute of Foreign Languages (ILEUSCO), administratively attached to the Faculty of Education, offers programs and activities related to foreign language teaching and learning, including English courses.

Campus & Location

The main campus of Universidad Surcolombiana is situated in an urban setting in Neiva, the capital of the Huila department. Neiva offers a vibrant city life with a population ranging from 250,000 to 499,999 inhabitants. The university has several facilities across Neiva, including the main campus on Avenida Pastrana Borrero, a postgraduate tower, and a Health Faculty campus. USCO also has regional campuses in Pitalito, Garzón, and La Plata. The university provides transportation support for academic and cultural activities with a fleet of buses.

Career Outcomes

Universidad Surcolombiana aims to equip its graduates with the skills for successful professional performance, emphasizing civic and ethical education, multicultural dialogue, and environmental awareness. The university has a Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation which promotes entrepreneurship and innovation within the community, supporting the creation and strengthening of entrepreneurial initiatives. This center also fosters connections with regional and national entrepreneurship networks. Graduates from programs like Business Administration are prepared for managerial and administrative roles, capable of creating and managing organizations.