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", Valparaiso 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 Valparaíso, 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

Founded in 1926 under the auspices and vision of the Chilean entrepreneur, Don Federico Santa Maria Carrera, the University was designed to provide opportunities for academically-gifted Chilean students to study science and technology, regardless of their social class. Today, the University is recognized as one of the best universities in Chile for science, engineering and technology. Visiting international students complete an intensive Spanish course prior to the start of the regular academic semester, during which they complete coursework in Spanish alongside their Chilean peers. Visiting students may study the humanities and social science with Chilean students or complete business, science and engineering courses with local students at more advanced levels.

The Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria main campus is comparable to a campus in the U.S. Academic, athletic and social buildings are all in the same area, so international students have a great deal of interaction with their Chilean counterparts. On a hill overlooking the city and shoreline, USM features both classical and modern architecture and is surrounded by grassy areas where students can relax and socialize. There are top-notch athletic facilities, including an outdoor pool, soccer fields and hiking trails.

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 advanced/superior Spanish speakers.

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 the API website.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• 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