The educational system of Colombia is described, and placement recommendations concerning Colombian students who want to study in the United States are presented. After describing preschool and primary education, secondary school and nonformal/vocational education are described. Attention is directed to current secondary school curricula and the current grading system, as well as curricula and grading prior to 1974. Undergraduate admissions, credits, transfer practices, grading/examinations, and degrees and diplomas are discussed. The following levels of college studies are examined: intermediate professional studies, technological studies, university studies, specialist programs, master's programs, and doctoral programs. Guidelines and placement recommendations are presented as they pertain to Colombian degrees and diplomas, military and police training, and transfer of credits from Colombian institutions. A list of higher education institutions that offer different levels of programs is appended. The list provides: the name of the institution; addresses and telephone (when available); 1981-1982 enrollment figures; the date of founding; the length of the programs; and the diploma, degree, or title awarded. Also appended are a list of courses for different programs of study and a list of secondary school courses by grade. (SW)