Description

Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaiso boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Nicknamed "The Jewel of the Pacific", Valparaíso was declared a UNESCO world heritage site based upon its improvised urban design and unique architecture. Founded in 1536, Valparaiso is not only one of Chile's most important port cities, it is also its third largest city. Valparaiso remains a source of inspiration for artists of all types, including the well-known Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda. Students can visit Neruda's seaside home in Valparaiso, as well as the Chilean Congress. Offering strikingly beautiful views from the top of its numerous hills, it is reminiscent of San Francisco. Valparaiso, or Valpo for short, is a city where students can amble away an afternoon exploring its steep and winding streets, peppered with colored houses and electric lines, and admire the sparkling Pacific Ocean below. It is also only a two-hour bus ride away from Chile's capital city, Santiago.

Highlights

The history of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso began in 1924, though its doors did not open to the Chilean community until 1928. The fourth university to be established in Chile, it is recognized as the leading university in the region of Valparaiso and attracts Chilean students with top scores on the national university entrance exam. It enrolls approximately 14,000 students and has 100 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Housing its academic departments throughout the picturesque city of Valparaiso, students will enjoy the urban landscape and the opportunity to attend a university that is integrated into city life. Visiting students enjoy taking Spanish courses at all levels, as well as Chilean culture courses. Advanced Spanish speakers are encouraged to take coursework with Chilean students. Summer programs are also available.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• Spanish

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• Spanish

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please see API website.

Program Fees Include:

PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES
Advising, @api Online Resources, Orientation Materials and Support, Mobile Phone, Peer Mentors, Social Networking, and Scholarships.

ON-SITE SERVICES
Airport Reception, Resident Directors and Staff, On-Site Orientation, Housing (Including Meals and Laundry with Some Options), Tuition, Tutoring, Language and Culture Tools, Medical and Life Insurance, Excursions (Overnight, Day and International in some locations), Social and Cultural Activities, Welcome and Farewell Group Meals, and Volunteer Opportunities.

RE-ENTRY SERVICES
Re-Entry Materials and Support, Post-Program Evaluation, Transcript, Alumni-Network, and Development Opportunities.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

yes

Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

Please see API website.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Academic Programs International (API)'s Mission Statement

Academic Programs International, API, is an educational organization dedicated to providing challenging and enriching study abroad programs for our students. The experience of living, interacting and learning in an international environment presents invaluable opportunities for each student's academic and personal development. All of our academic and extracurricular offerings are selected with the goal of helping students to grow more self-aware and culturally sensitive. We envision each student evolving from a tourist to a resident to a global citizen, and API is dedicated to supporting this lifelong process. API is committed to providing the best comprehensive study abroad experience possible with personal attention available to our students throughout his or her program, and to working closely with home universities to offer support before, during and after the education abroad experience.

Year Founded

1997