Description

The Liberal Arts study abroad program in Valparaiso, Chile is designed for students from all academic disciplines who have at least three years of college-level Spanish or the equivalent in advanced Spanish. It is designed for relatively independent students who seek to matriculate in regular university courses at the Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso and who have a keen interest in contemporary Chilean coastal city life and society. This program is most appropriate for students who want to take courses in literature, history, environmental studies, oceanography and psychology, although other majors are also offered.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Chile began welcoming participants in 1997. It is an attractive option for several reasons, including the academic offerings available at PUCV, as well as the studentfriendly nature of both Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. The program is intended for students who have at least six semesters of collegelevel Spanish or the equivalent, and are looking for a program that permits direct enrollment with Chilean university students. It provides personalized instruction and support through both academic and non-academic activities. Given the array of disciplines and courses available to participants, the program is suitable for undergraduate students with strong Spanish language skills from a variety of majors. All courses are taught in Spanish.

Academic Culture
Average class size is 20 to 30 students, and CIEE participants might find themselves to be the only international students in some of their classes. The teaching style tends to be lecture format, with emphasis placed on memorization and note-taking. It can take a while to learn how to study effectively in the Chilean system, especially in terms of acquiring reading material and knowing what the professor expects. Chilean classmates are often an excellent source of help.

University life is quite different in Chile compared to the United States, since the Chilean university is primarily a professional school. While CIEE students have the opportunity to study in almost every department, this is not the case for Chilean students, who study in one discipline area exclusively.

The academic year program includes two semesters of study and can begin either during the North American fall or spring semester. Academic year students who begin their studies during the North American fall semester have a nearly three-month break between semesters during which they are encouraged to travel or study elsewhere in the region. There is a break of about two weeks between the (North American) spring and fall semesters.

Highlights

• Gain an understanding of Chile through CIEE courses that focus on Chilean heritage, identity, literature, art, and history; work with a language partner
  
• Take advantage of community service and volunteer opportunities, including working in local schools, shelters, and nongovernmental organizations
  
• Participate in weekend educational field trips to Pucon, where you will experience the Mapuche indigenous community and outdoor activities, as well as in cultural and educational activities, including city tours, concerts, museums, theater performances, soccer matches, and a visit to a rural farming community

In addition, there are two weekend excursions each semester. Last year, students visited Pucon, an eco-tourism center on Lake Villarica in the south of Chile, where they visited and participated in the daily life of a local indigenous community and took advantage of the many outdoor activities for which the region is known. The second excursion varies due to seasonal weather factors and available current attractions. In the past, students have participated in guided tours in Santiago, a walking tour of the historical part of the capital of Chile, and guided visits to the Fine Arts Museum, and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, among other educational and cultural activities

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, meals, an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, immersion activities including language partners and volunteer opportunities, a comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, scheduled activities, field trips, host institution identity card, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 6 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent
• Spanish language course within the past year recommended

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947