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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Program Name
Spanish Language & Latin American Studies
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Location
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
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Host University
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
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Term
Summer 1SL 2020
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Program Dates
Mid May, 2020 - Mid Jul, 2020
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Mar 25, 2020
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Credit
90 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
TBA
- Apply Now
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 history, political science, and culture courses instructed in English. If you’re interested in learning Spanish, then you will also have the option of enrolling 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.
You can combine the Spring + Fall, Fall + Spring, Summer + Summer sessions at a discounted price. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA Chile Program Manager.
Semester Programs
What is the difference between the A and B programs?
- The A program includes a month-long intensive Spanish program. Fall students who choose this option will enroll in two 45 contact hour Spanish courses.
- The B program does not include the month-long intensive Spanish program. You will be taking normally scheduled semester-long courses.
*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
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Site Specialist will assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to book your flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Site Specialist will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service
Meals and Laundry Service
The amount of meals and possibility of laundry services vary per location. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Program
Bridging Cultures Program
The Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) encompasses the ISA on-site orientation which will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. The BCP is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
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 the first five-weeks of their summer program. This program is open to students at the beginning, intermediate and advanced Spanish proficiency level.
- Students will focus on academics for the first portion of the program, followed by their Service-Learning placement during the second portion of their program.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Chile Site Specialist.
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.
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
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Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Madeline Hume
Program Manager, Chile & Peru
Originally from rural Minnesota, Madeline earned her B.A in Political Science and Spanish Language from Kalamazoo “K” College in 2016. During her time at K, she first studied abroad in Santiago, Chile for a semester, then returned to write her thesis on youth political engagement in post-dictatorial Chile, solidifying her love for the region. When not thinking about Latin America, Madeline enjoys cooking, camping with her husband and two pups, and practicing yoga. Madeline believes in the importance of global travel and learning abroad because it broadens our horizons, and make us more passionate and empathetic humans.
VALPARAÍSO & VIÑA DEL MAR TEAM
Carolina Alarcon
Coordinator, UAI Programs, Chile
Carolina Alarcon
Coordinator, UAI Programs
Carolina was born in Valparaíso, but currently lives in the neighboring city of Quilpué. She studied Graphic Design at the Catholic University in Viña del Mar. She has applied her Graphic Designer eye towards materials for ISA programs since 2007, and in addition to this, is our Coordinator for our UAI programs. Carolina also works on freelance projects outside of ISA, by contributing to the audiovisual team at her church where she and her husband help set up Sunday services.
Lorna Arredondo
Student Services, Chile
Lorna Arredondo
Student Services
Lorna is a true local, born and raised in Quilpué, Chile, a suburb of Valparaíso. She studied Hotel and Restaurant Management at the Universidad de Valparaíso. Lorna got her first taste of international education while participating in a multicultural exchange with the organization "Youth With a Mission" in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She joined the ISA Chile team in 2006 and has found tremendous gratification working with international students. Lorna enjoys sharing the Chilean culture and language with others, as well as learning from others regarding their own culture and personal experiences. Lorna's hobbies include music, especially singing, and watching movies.
Lizette Arredondo Castillo
Director of ISA Chile Programs, Chile
Lizette Arredondo Castillo
Director of ISA Chile Programs
Paula Calderon Munoz
Service-Learning Coordinator, Chile
Paula Calderon Munoz
Service-Learning Coordinator
Paula was born in Viña del Mar, Valparaíso's neighboring city. She studied English Interpretation and Translation at Universidad de Playa Ancha in Valparaíso. Prior to joining ISA, she worked for the International Exchange Program at the Universidad Católica de Valparaíso as an assistant. She enjoys working with international students and helping them with anything they need.
Vanessa Cabello
Student Services, Chile
Vanessa Cabello
Student Services
Vanessa was born in Requinoa, and eventually moved to Valparaíso where she studied to be an English teacher at the Universidad de Viña del Mar. Her first opportunity working with international students was at the International Office at the UVM where she supported students during orientation week. This was when Vanessa discovered how amazing it was to collaborate with students from all over the world. Vanessa is excited to share her knowledge of her beloved country with ISA students and hopes that every student will have a memorable experience abroad. She loves to read, go camping, and spend time with her partner and her two beautiful cats. In the future, Vanessa hopes to continue traveling throughout Chile and the rest of the world!
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Scholarships and Grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
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.
Pension
While similar to a homestay, pensiones are larger homes that provide housing to multiple students, international and local students alike. This option includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week and laundry service once per week. This is a great option should you be seeking a more independent experience and would prefer to not live with a nuclear family.
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
Cajón del Maipo
On this day excursion, you will enjoy the amazing landscapes of the Cajón del Maipo. Located in close proximity to the Maipo River, nestled between beautiful mountains and forests, you will find the Cajón del Maipo and Touristic Center and Sanctuary of Nature Cascada las Animas. This paradise is composed of 360,000 acres worth of mountain ranges, valleys, slopes and waterfalls that you'll greatly enjoy!
Cajón del Maipo
On this day excursion, you will enjoy the amazing landscapes of the Cajón del Maipo. Located in close proximity to the Maipo River, nestled between beautiful mountains and forests, you will find the Cajón del Maipo and Touristic Center and Sanctuary of Nature Cascada las Animas. This paradise is composed of 360,000 acres worth of mountain ranges, valleys, slopes and waterfalls that you'll greatly enjoy!
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.
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.
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.
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.