<p>I'm currently an undergrad in the college of Architecture & Environmental Design at Cal Poly SLO (not majoring in Architecture though). </p>
<p>I still have a couple years to graduate, however, I'm expecting to graduate with a 3.6 (out of 4.0). I'm already getting involved in competitions to enhance my portfolio (since my major does not really encourage or expect a portfolio), and doing work outside of class. </p>
<p>My understanding is with a 3.6 and a respectable score on the GRE I stand a shot of getting into Harvard or Columbia. </p>
<p>That being said, if I decided not to continue my studies in the United States, I would love to get a masters in Architecture in a spanish-speaking country. I haven't had any luck finding international rankings for the equivalent of US M.Arch I programs.</p>
<p>The countries that I wouldn't mind studying in are: Spain, Argentina, or Uruguay. I would consider Mexico, but the current political / social turmoil that is going on makes it quite unappealing.</p>
<p>Also, I'm aware that the M. Arch I programs have less focus on architectural / structural engineering than one would get through a B. Arch + M. Arch II series -- however, I should be able to compensate for that with my minor in architectural / structural engineering.</p>
<p>Enrique; where do you want to practice when you graduate? If you want to practice in Argentina or Uruguay, then study there. If you want to practice in Europe or the US, then I would look into Spain or another European program. I do see some graduates from schools in South America, but they usually have graduate degrees from schools in the US. Take a look at the reciprocity agreements between the US and other countries to see where your degree will be recognized.</p>
<p>Thank you. I’m not sure where I want to work yet. I have a feeling that schools in Spain are much more recognized in South America than vice-versa. What are some of the more well-respected architecture programs in Spain? </p>
<p>I’m still trying to weigh the value of getting my masters at a school in the U.S. (such as Harvard or Columbia, as mentioned above). Obviously these schools will be recognized world-wide, whereas listing a degree from UDELAR (Universidad De La Republica – Uruguay) on my C.V. would probably elicit a question like “Where did you study?” anywhere outside of South America.</p>
<p>Enrique, let me go back and look at my recent El Croquis periodicals to see what schools the prominent Spanish architects are teaching at or have graduated from. I one school I hear a lot about is the ETH in Zurich, this is where many prominent European architects have gone (Calatrava, Herzog, deMeuron, etc.).</p>