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
May 12, 2020 - Jul 18, 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
$7,150
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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

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 Program

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 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 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.
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
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!

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.