Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Introduction
Come explore the language and culture of Chile. Your journey begins in Valparaíso, a city on the sea, and includes excursions to Santiago and Isla Negra. The country and its people act as a living classroom where no matter your level of Spanish, you will find yourself enriched by the language and vibrancy all around you.
Cultural Immersion
Students at all levels experience the excitement of being immersed in Chilean culture. Accommodations are with a Chilean family, thus allowing you to "live like a local" and enjoy home-cooked meals on a daily basis. Classes are conducted at the Pontifical University of Chile Valparaiso, where you are immersed in the campus culture and are introduced to other university students. At the same time, your courses are intended specifically for study abroad students, with the goal of more fully introducing you to Chilean culture.
You will also work directly with Chilean people and issues through a unique community engagement project hosted by a local non-profit organization. The organization engages low-income school children through a special after-school program, and Catholic University students collaborate on the program in a a variety of ways, from the construction of playground equipment to workshops and other activities working directly with local children. Throughout the program, a PUCV staff member is on-site to serve as your liaison and assist with communication or other tasks as necessary.
Academics
Students on this program enroll in two courses for a total of 6 credits. For language credit, students should select the appropriate pair of courses at their level:
- Equivalent to CatholicU's SPAN 112:
- Equivalent to CatholicU's SPAN 113:
- Equivalent to CatholicU's SPAN 203-204:
Alternatively, students may enroll in two 3-credit area studies courses taught by the Pontifical University of Chile Valparaíso. Courses are available in both English and Spanish. Spanish-taught courses may transfer back to Catholic University as a 300-level language elective, and any courses (English or Spanish) may transfer back to Catholic University as an elective in the appropriate department (for example, History or English/Literature). All course equivalencies are confirmed by the Transfer Credit Coordinator during the application process.
Available course offerings can be viewed here.
Accommodation & Meals
In order to make the most of a summer abroad, the program has arranged for each participant to have a host family. This allows students to practice their Spanish in a low-key, natural setting every day, as well as immerse themselves in Chilean culture. Host families provide students with three meals a day, which encourages both impromptu conversation and lessons in Chilean cuisine. Rooms are singles and have wireless internet. Accommodations include one load of laundry per week.
Scholarships
