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Spanish Language & Latin American Studies
Valparaíso, Chile
About the Program
Explore Latin American culture and learn about this geographically diverse country while improving your Spanish language skills in Chile! Whether you’re a beginning Spanish speaker, speak at an advanced proficiency level, or are somewhere in between, you’ll take language courses that’ll boost your fluency. During the semester, courses taught in English or Spanish provide you with insight into Latin American and Chilean culture, history, and society.
Requirements
Overview
Valparaíso
6/22/25 - 12/13/25
$17,995
18 - 22
Deadlines
4/1/25
5/1/25
Requirements
Eligibility
High School Graduate
All Levels
2.5
Where You'll Study
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Established in 1928, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) is a private institution of higher education recognized by the Chilean Ministry of Education. ...
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Established in 1928, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) is a private institution of higher education recognized by the Chilean Ministry of Education.
Ranking in the top 30 of Latin American Universities, PUCV is recognized for its academic prestige and research within the fields of science, engineering, humanities and the arts offering more than 100 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Today the university enrolls more than 14,000 students, attracting students from different areas of Chile, as well as exchange students from Europe, North American and various countries from South America.
PUCV is an urban campus with the main campus centrally located in downtown Valparaíso a few blocks from the Chilean Congress, the Metro and the Pacific Ocean. Additional campuses are located throughout the city as well as Viña del Mar, Quilpué, and Quillota.
Credit Transfer Information
CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations are based on the following conversion: 15 contact hours equals 1 U.S. credit. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Transcript Information
Students receive a transcript from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects semester credit hours.
Accreditation
The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso is a private institution of higher education recognized by the Chilean Ministry of Education as a degree-granting institution of higher learning. The university was bestowed the title of Pontifica by the Holy See in 2003. The school holds accreditation from AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System).
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
- Chilean or other Latin American faculty teach Spanish language courses and electives.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
- Class attendance is generally mandatory and monitored by professors.
- Teaching styles in Chile may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- Class size ranges between 5 and 15 students for Spanish language and Elective courses.
- You may attend class with other CEA CAPA students, other international students and local students.
Amenities
Student Lounge
Study Area
Counseling Services
Travel Books & Resources
University Library
Computer Lab
Printing Facilities
Printing Services
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Language Exchange with Local Students
Fitness Facilities
Student Sports Teams
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
Free Campus Shuttle
Banks & Post Office
Museum & Art Galleries
18-22
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
Enroll in 1-4 Spanish language courses appropriate to your level and choose 1-4 elective courses, taught in English or Spanish. Language courses meet for 60-90 contact hours/4-6 credits. Elective courses meet for 38-76 hours/2-4 credits.
You may earn a total of 13-21 credits (up to 336 contact hours) per semester pending your language level. If you chose the Early Start Option, you may earn an additional 6 credits/90 contact hours.
Classes meet Monday-Thursday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled on Fridays.
Prior to departure, you will indicate your preferred courses and approximate language level. Once in Valparaiso, you'll finalize your course enrollment, as well as take a language placement test and be enrolled in the appropriate language course based on the results of your exam. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Chile. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Beginner Level Course Structure
Available Levels
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chilean Winemaking | 400 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Rights in Latin America | 400 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conversation & Chilean Culture - Beginner Level | 100 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Spanish Grammar - Beginner Level | 100 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Grammar & Vocabulary - Beginner Level | 100 | Sp | 90 | 6 |
| Spanish Oral Comprehension & Oral Production - Beginner Level | 100 | Sp | 90 | 6 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance, Appropriation and Sustainability: Cross-Cultural Encounters with the Native Mapuche People | 400 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socio-environmental history of Latin America | 400 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Rights in Chile & Latin America * | 400 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Political & Social Change in Chile & Latin America | 400 | En | 60 | 4 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Read More
Homestay
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Engage in Valparíso vibrant culture firsthand when you live in a homestay with a Chilean family. For the culture-seeking type whose study abroad goals include improving Spanish language skills and cultural understanding, homestays provide the opportunity to dive headfirst into the daily lives of Chilean locals.
Typical Commute
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso: 20-30 minutes by bus from Viña / 20-30 minutes walking fromValparaíso
Meals Included
3 meals per day (M-Sun)
Roommates
Unit Amenities
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Valparaíso. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Student Clubs & Organizations
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
June 22
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Students must arrive at the SCL Airport on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing. |
|
June 23
|
Orientation
Mandatory PUCV Orientation Day for Early Start students will be held. |
|
June 24
|
Classes Begin
PUCV University Early Start Classes begin on this day. |
|
July 28 - August 01
|
Orientation
Mandatory PUCV Orientation for Fall students will be held. |
|
August 04
|
Classes Begin
PUCV classes for all students begin at PUCV on this day. |
|
August 06
|
Classes Begin
PIIE classes (for international students) begin at PUCV on this day. |
|
September 15 - 19
|
School Break
Chilean Independence day Break. No PIIE classes will be held during the week, but PUCV classes will be normal. |
|
November 21
|
Classes End
This is the last day of PIIE classes at PUCV. |
|
November 28
|
Classes End
This is the last day of PUCV classes at PUCV. |
|
December 01 - 12
|
Final Exams
Final exams will be held at PUCV. |
|
December 13
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.