Valparaíso, Chile

Overview

Valparaíso is a city of 300,000 inhabitants and is Chile's largest and most active port. It is also the seat of the national congress. Students’ home base is the International Studies Abroad (ISA) office across the street from the main building of Pontífica Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUVC). The program begins in Santiago with excursions in and around the nation's capital. Other excursions include trips to one of Pablo Neruda's beautiful and unique homes, La Serena, and the fertile Valle del Elqui.

Academics

Students can choose from a variety of courses to take with Chilean students at “Católica.” Spanish language courses for non-native speakers are also an option. Literature, History, Art, Music, Geography, Business and Economics, Psychology, Education, Religious Studies and Science classes are available. Please see link to the left for sample course information. Internships or community service projects for credit are also a possibility. All courses are taught in Spanish. Students are encouraged to participate in an “intercambio” or language exchange with Chilean students. Find course information on ISA's website.

Housing

Students live with host families in either Valparaíso or Viña del Mar, a near-by suburb.

Dates

The Valparaíso program is available during either the fall or spring semester. Fall semester is from mid July to mid December; spring semester runs from mid February to mid July.

Cost

The program cost is WU tuition plus a program fee equivalent to Willamette’s Room and Board Plan B. The fee includes room and board, planned excursions and on-site support.

Other Information

Five semesters of college level Spanish or equivalent study are preferred for spring semester program.

International Education