Description

The Universidad Austral de Chile is located in Valdivia, which is the center of culture and industry in the Los Lagos region of southern Chile. With a population of 150,000 people, Valdivia is known for its flourishing artistic and cultural life with numerous museums, concerts, and an International Film Festival. Bordered by the Andes Mountains and Argentina to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, this region offers a striking blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and contemporary culture. Located a short walk from the city center, the university has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and offers programs in over 40 undergraduate majors. The university's facilities include libraries, computer labs, Wi-Fi internet access, sports centers, and a 27-acre botanical garden.

Highlights

As the only U.S.-sponsored study abroad program at the Universidad Austral de Chile, and in an area with few English speaking visitors, Valdivia is ideal for students who wish to perfect their Spanish language skills and gain a greater understanding of Chilean culture. Taught entirely in Spanish, students must have completed at least 6 semesters (9 quarters) of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent prior to beginning the program. Classes meet four days per week and are available in Spanish composition and conversation, Chilean and Latin American culture, history, international relations, literature, and cinema. Students typically enroll in four classes per term and earn 16 semester (24 quarter) credits.

Students who enroll in the Calendar Year Program may take a combination of courses from the language program and regular university courses with Chilean students during the second semester of the program.

Students are housed in local homestays in a private or shared room in middle-class households and receive three meals per day from the host family. Homes are typically located in nearby residential areas and are within walking distance or a short bus ride to campus.

The program offers many opportunities for students to immerse themselves in Chilean life. These opportunities include three overnight program excursions to cultural and historical sites in and around Valdivia, a peer advisor program offered through the Chilean university, and extra-curricular on-campus activities, which include joining university clubs or learning to salsa dance with Chilean students. Students have the opportunity to partake in many outdoor activities. Students also have volunteer opportunities available to them which include assisting students at the college level with their and helping to build houses for those in need during the spring semester.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

• Latin American Studies
• Spanish
• Spanish Literature

Cost in US$:

USD 8,324

Program Fees Include:

Pre-departure advising, tuition at host school, administrative fees, official U.S. transcript, on-site support and orientation, airport pick-up service, homestay with three meals per day, course materials, excursions and cultural activities, and medical insurance.

Experience Required

yes

Students must have completed at least two years of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent prior to departure and a 2.5 GPA.

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

USD 500 NSCA scholarship. Ask for details upon applying to the program.

Application Process Involves

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS)'s Mission Statement

The College Consortium for International Studies, a partnership of colleges and universities -- two and four year, large and small, public and private, domestic and foreign -- encompasses the broad spectrum of international higher education. CCIS members sponsor a variety of programs, notably study abroad programs and professional development seminars for faculty and administrators, which are designed to enhance international/intercultural perspectives within the academic community. Recognizing the value of such experiences in fostering global understanding and peaceful cooperation among nations in an increasingly interdependent and rapidly changing world, CCIS is committed to developing international dimensions as an integral part of collegiate education. CCIS works to build collaborative arrangements among institutions who share this commitment, and to facilitate linkages between member institutions and international partners. In all of its programs and activities, CCIS strives for a high level of academic excellence.

Year Founded

1974