Spanish Language & Latin American Studies

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar, Chile
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Program Overview

Program Overview

  • Popular Subject Areas

    Spanish Language & Latin American Studies

  • Location

    Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

  • Host University

    Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

    Located on the outer edge of the eclectic city of Valparaíso, blocks away from the local port, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) is a traditional catholic university that offers everything a student needs for complete Spanish immersion. ISA students at the PUCV will take courses through the International Program’s Office (PIIE), which offers courses in Spanish language and culture. Students who possess an advanced Spanish proficiency level are eligible to enroll in courses with local Chileans in a variety of subjects. The vast majority of courses are taught within one main building, known as the Casa Central, while a select number of courses may be taught in campuses outside of Valparaíso. The PUCV is accredited by the Chilean National Commission of Accreditation (CNAP) and recognized by the Chilean Ministry of Education (Mineduc) and Superior Education Council (Consejo Superior de Educación).

  • Term

    Summer 1 2025

  • Program Dates

    May 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025

  • Program Length

    Summer

  • Application Deadline

    Mar 25, 2025

  • Forms and Payment Deadline

    Apr 10, 2025

  • Credit

    90 Contact Hours

  • Eligibility

    2.50 Minimum GPA*

  • Cost

    $6,550

  • Apply Now

Study Abroad Program Description

Created with international students in mind, this academic program is run by the International Programs Office at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and offers you the opportunity to enroll in Spanish language and culture courses, but please note that no Spanish language experience is required. All courses are taught at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso by local university professors. You will take classes alongside other international students.

Service-Learning in Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
In addition to your academic courses, Study + Service-Learning programs allow you to serve alongside a local organization and engage in reflective assignments. Service-learning will develop your intercultural competency skills and increase your understanding of social issues in your host community. Visit the ISA Service-Learning website to see placement opportunities in Valparaíso & Viña del Mar and for more information about how to receive academic credit.

 

Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex

We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.

*Eligibility

MINIMUM GPA

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES

There is no language prerequisite for this program.

 

What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

24-Hour Emergency

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Airport Reception

Visa Support

Tuition at the Host University

Housing

Meals and Laundry Service

Bridging Cultures Orientation

Full-Time Resident Staff

On-Site ISA Offices

Internet Access

ISA Discovery Model

Excursions

Cultural Activities

Insurance

Official Transcript from the Host University

Professional Development Toolbox

Scholarship Opportunities

Academics

Credits

Contact Hours

90

Recommended U.S. Semester Credits

6

Recommended U.S. Quarter Units

9

Academic Information

Course Selection

  • Students must enroll in 90 contact hours during their five-week summer program. This program is open to students at the beginning, intermediate and advanced Spanish proficiency level.

  • Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Chile Program Manager.

Course Credit

  • Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students’ home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

  • Per the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, 45 contact hours is equivalent to 3 U.S. semester credits / 4 quarter units. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student's home university.

  • The contact hour at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso is 45 minutes. The ISA Cover Letter that will accompany your transcript upon completion of your program will reflect the adjusted U.S. 50-minute contact hour and updated transfer credit recommendations. Please discuss credit transfer with your home university prior to departure. 

Language Placement and Recommendation

  • Enrollment in Spanish courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you've already completed at your home university. We strongly suggest that students who are trying to place into any level of language beyond true beginning prepare for the language placement exam by reviewing previous coursework.

  • It is recommended that students who have not completed one semester/quarter of college-level Spanish or the equivalent elect to take a language course through this program.

Transcript Information

  • The transcript from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso will reflect contact hours for each course listed below. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.

Online Courses

  • ISA does not recommend that students sign up for online courses through their host university. If enrolling in an online course is necessary for you to meet your degree requirements, you may only enroll in one online class. It is your responsibility to confirm with your home university that you will receive credit for online courses taken through your host university.

Courses

Filter by Language Level

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Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
International Students
Beginning
45 Contact Hours
45 Contact Hours
Intermediate
45 Contact Hours
60 Contact Hours
Advanced
45 Contact Hours
45 Contact Hours
45 Contact Hours
45 Contact Hours
45 Contact Hours
Course Disclaimer
  • Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Support & Funding

ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.

SUPPORT TEAM

Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.

Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.

U.S. Team

Michelle McRaney

Program Manager, Chile

VALPARAÍSO & VIÑA DEL MAR TEAM

Lorna Arredondo

Student Services, Chile

Lizette Arredondo Castillo

Director of ISA Chile Programs, Chile

Identity Resources

Accessibility & Accommodations

With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.

Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.

Destination Information

Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.

Identity Blog

ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.

Funding

All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!

If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.

Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org

Housing

Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Chilean lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Chile. With an open-mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.

We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations; however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.

Homestay

Host families are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week and laundry service once a week. You will typically have your own bedroom but will likely have another ISA student of the same gender as a housemate.

Independent Housing

You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.

Excursions

THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA

Santiago

A perfect introduction to ISA and Chile, you will begin your program on a three-night/four-day excursion in the capital city of Santiago. You will get to visit landmarks, such as La Moneda, Cerro Santa Lucía, the Plaza de Armas & Catedral de Santiago, and the Central Market & Los Domínicos.

Playas del Norte

Horcón is a small fishing village just north of Viña del Mar and is often times considered an artisan's colony. On this day trip, you will find crafts of all types and also have the opportunity to sample delicious seafood empanadas. After an afternoon of treasure hunting, you will then have a chance to relax on the beautiful beaches of Zapallar.

Cultural Activities in Chile

The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Valparaiso. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Valparaiso special.

These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included historical tours, language exchanges with local students, tours of Neruda's Valparaiso home and the art museum, Mueso Fonck.

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