Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
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
Spring 1A 2025
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Program Dates
Jan 26, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Nov 01, 2024
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Nov 15, 2024
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Credit
270 - 330 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$17,950
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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 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.
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
270 - 330
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
18 - 22
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
27 - 33
Academic Information
Course Selection
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Students must enroll in 270 - 330 contact hours per semester. This program is open to students at the beginning, intermediate and advanced Spanish proficiency level.
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Students who possess a high intermediate, advanced or higher level of Spanish language are eligible to choose among the PUCV's 38-hour general elective courses instructed in Spanish with local Chilean students. It is important to mention that these general elective courses are not to be confused with "Regular" courses with Chilean students.
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Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Chile Program Manager.
Course Credit
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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.
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The courses with locals are a 35-minute contact hour and the courses with International Students (PIIE) are 45-minute contact hours. ISA will recommend 1 U.S. semester credit for every 15 hours, or 3 U.S. credits for every 45 contact hours, after they have been adjusted. Credit Transfer is ultimately determined by the student's home university.
Language Placement and Recommendation
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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.
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
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.
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.
Historical Tour in Santiago
You will return to the capital of Santiago to discover captivating details of Chile's history before, during, and after the Military Coup of 1973. You will take this opportunity to engage and learn about Chile's political trials that has left such an important mark in their overall identity. During this excursion you will visit the Cementerio General, Villa Grimaldi, and Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos.
Pucón * Optional
As a result of its natural beauty, Pucón is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and a perfect place for peaceful relaxation. During this optional weekend excursion, ISA will coordinate fun activities and tour of this authentic city. You will have an abundance of activities to choose from, including river rafting, visiting a volcano, mountain biking, taking a dip in some hot springs, and much more.