Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile – Valparaiso

Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

Bilateral Exchange Program – Valparaiso, Chile [CLOSED – OUTBOUND] 

Discover the warmth of Chile with the welcoming people and beautiful beaches. From the Atacama Desert in the North, the coastal region to the West, the Andes mountains to the East, and glaciers, fjords and lakes in the South, this land of “Fire and Ice” has some of the most diverse landscapes in the world. Enjoy the finest vineyards while eating an amazing array of fresh seafood in Latin America’s most economically and politically stable country. See political history in the making as the first female President takes office, read world famous literature by Pablo Neruda and Isabel Allende, and perfect your Spanish – all while soaking up the beauty of Chile!

Since its foundation in 1928, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso has established itself as one of the most prestigious institutions of the Chilean higher educational system. Its alumni body is characterized by the institutional seal: excellent academic and professional education, solid human values and strong commitment to public service.


Top 3 Reasons to Study Here:

  1. Improve your Spanish language skills and cultural understanding while living with a local Chilean family.
  2. Take advantage of a wide and diverse course offering taught in Spanish, according to your entry level.
  3. Immerse yourself in one of the most important and attractive cities in Chile and Latin America.
 Quick Facts

Location: Valparaíso, Chile (population: 253,580)

University: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) (students: 14,000)

Terms available: Fall (mid-July to early November) & Spring (early February to mid-June)

Minimum application requirements: 2.75 GPA and Sophomore status

Application deadlines: November 15 for Fall and April 15 for Spring

When coming to PUCV you can choose from wide, diverse and flexible, academic options that are aimed at giving you a study experience regardless of your Spanish entry level. This program would be suitable for students that are ready to be abroad, but would still like some of the academic services that a U.S. college provides.  However, due to the nature of relationships with professors, students will have to be used to advocating for themselves and communicating in class rather than expecting office hours. Options are not programs but sets of courses from which you can choose from in order to fulfill your home university requirements. You can take one option exclusively or mix them according to your Spanish entry level which will be assessed during the Orientation Week.

Spanish Language Learning Programs (PIIE)

In recent years, Chile has become one of the most preferred destinations for those who wish to learn Spanish. To this effect, PUCV offers different Spanish learning programs that vary according to the Spanish level of the student, the time available, and the number of students. Spanish courses include:  All MC students, whether advanced or beginners, can enroll in Spanish language courses as part of their exchange experience at PUCV. Students may choose from the following courses:

  • – Spanish oral comprehension and oral production, beginner level

    – Communicative Spanish and Chilean culture – Intermediate

    – Communicative Spanish and Chilean culture – Advanced

    – Spanish Reading comprehension and oral production, beginner level

    – Written Intermediate Spanish

    – Written Advanced Spanish

    – Creative Writing in Spanish

    – Spanish Grammar and Vocabulary, beginner level

    – Grammar for Foreigners 1

    – Grammar for Foreigners 2

    – Grammar for Foreigners 3

    – Spanish language phonetics and phonology

 Regular University Classes (in Spanish)
  • Disciplines Taught at PUCV:

    -Agronomy and Food Engineering

    – Architecture, Urbanism, Graphic and Industrial Design and Arts

    – Economics and Management (accounting/ auditing, business administration, social work, journalism)

    – Law

    – Philosophy and Education (elementary education, early childhood education, special education, physical education, history, geography, English interpretation, English Translation, music, philosophy, psychology, Spanish)

    – Engineering (biochemical, bioprocesses, chemical, computer sciences, construction, electrical, electronic, industrial, mechanical, extractive metallurgy, transportation)

    – Natural Resources (fishing engineering, geography, oceanography)

    – Religious Sciences

  • NOTES

    Upon arrival, a preliminary Spanish proficiency test, consisting of two parts (written and oral), is given.

    Pre-session: A 4-week pre-session, intensive Spanish language course is offered before both semesters for an additional fee for any student wanting to take it.

    Access to Psychology courses is limited to students with appropriate background in the field.

    Some classes from the following departments are offered on a full year basis only (March to December): Law, Philosophy, Music, and Special Education. International Students can take these courses only if they are attending PUCV for the full academic year (March to December), otherwise, no credit will be awarded.

  • Courses in English (PIIE)
  • This program is specially designed for international students with a beginner level of Spanish who want to experience, under a total immersion context, Latin American and Chilean culture. Apart from beginner level courses in grammar, reading and communication, students choose from a section of courses taught in English in order to complete their course load.  Disciplines: History, Literature, International Relations, Economics, TESL, Sociology.

At PUCV, you’ll find a total immersion context with bilingual and bicultural professors teaching courses which complement classroom work with community experience. In addition, your homestay experience will continue to enforce this value of immersion and cultural interaction.

PUCV also offers ways for exchange students to engage in university life, from music and concerts to sports and recreation as well as religious assistance services, cultural outreach, a cinema library, and PUCV Television, Radio, and University Press.

Experiential Opportunities

PUC Valparaiso works with 6 volunteer organizations within the Valparaiso region. Every semester, the university holds a Volunteer Job Fair in which the international students can speak with representatives from the volunteer organizations to obtain more information. If students decide they want to volunteer at one of these organizations, the student can then speak with the International Office. Visit the Volunteer in Valparaíso page for more information.

Student Life

The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV), founded in 1928, has established itself as one of the most prestigious, traditional higher educational institutions in Chile. The student body numbers over 14,000 students. The PUCV facilities include a modern library system, sport centers, specialized laboratories, and recreational centers. The university runs a television channel, radio station, and film storehouse.

ORIENTATION

During Orientation, students are advised about courses, student visa status, university life, Chilean culture, the city of Valparaíso, volunteer opportunities offered by the university, etc.

ARRIVAL DETAILS

Students arriving on the Official Arrival Date will be picked up at the Santiago Airport, Aeropuerto Arturo Merino Benítez.

Housing and Meals

All students are housed with host families and receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the host family. PUCV works with families with diverse profiles including family size, location, and dietary restrictions. The homestay service includes a single bedroom, 3 meals per day, and laundry.

Normally this program operates on an exchange basis – meaning that students pay MC tuition, premium room and gold meal plan, and do not pay those fees at the host institution.  MC merit scholarships and FAFSA aid may be used.

For 2019-20, this program is CLOSED to outbound students.

The university is distributed in different campuses and university centers located in the main cities of the Valparaíso region. The region combines beautiful weather, wonderful beaches and the splendid Cordillera de Los Andes. With a population of more than one million, the region has a multicultural flavor. The city of Valparaíso is the cultural and legislative capital, and the main commercial harbor, of Chile. Seventy miles from the capital city of Chile, Santiago, Valparaíso fascinates visitors with its history, geography, and architecture.

The city of Valparaíso is rich in history and architecture and is the former main port in Latin America. It has received international recognition by being nominated “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO. It is known as an important gate to the Pacific Ocean and for being the Country’s Parliament headquarters. It sits only 2 hours from the Chilean capital, Santiago, and is a short bus ride away from Viña del Mar and its renowned beaches.

The area is characterized by the magnificent architecture of its buildings, the natural amphitheatre, formed by the surrounding hills looking at the Pacific Ocean and numerous funiculars, winding roads, and eclectic culture.