Claim up to $500 in flight credits!
Get up to $500 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by January 01, 2025. See our Official Rules for full details.
Advanced Chilean Immersion
Valparaíso, Chile
About the Program
Enjoy student life in one of South America's most beautiful cities as you take your Spanish language skills to the next level. Attend classes alongside Chilean students and choose from a wide range of courses taught in Spanish. Flexible course options allow you to earn credits toward your major or fulfill additional graduation requirements. You’ll hone your Spanish language skills through interaction with your classmates, professors, and locals, on campus and off, progressing through the language immersion experience.
Requirements
Overview
Valparaíso
7/27/25 - 12/13/25
$14,395
13 - 20
Deadlines
4/1/25
5/1/25
Requirements
Eligibility
High School Graduate
High Intermediate And Above
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
13-20
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
Enroll in 1 PUCV Spanish language course and 4-5 PUCV elective courses from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso's regular course listings. Language courses meet for 60-90 contact hours/3-6 credits, while elective courses meet for 38-76 contact hours/2-5 credits.
You may earn a total of 12-22 credits (up to 390 contact hours) per semester. If you chose the Early Start Option, you may earn an additional 6 credits/90 contact hours. Class days and times vary.
You'll register for courses and take a language placement exam after you arrive in Valparaíso. 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.
Intermediate And Advanced Level Course Structure
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing - Advanced Level | 300 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| Communicational Spanish & Chilean Culture - Advanced Level | 300 | Sp | 90 | 6 |
| Communicational Spanish & Chilean Culture - Intermediate Level | 200 | Sp | 90 | 6 |
| Creative Writing - Advanced Level | 300 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| Spanish Grammar for Foreigners - Advanced Level | 300 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| Spanish Grammar for Foreigners - Intermediate Level | 200 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| Spanish Grammar for Foreigners - Superior Level | 400 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| Written Spanish - Advanced Level | 300 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| Written Spanish - Intermediate Level | 200 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
- Agronomy
- Art
- Biochemical engineering
- Biology
- Business
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Food Engineering
- Geography
- History
- Industrial Engineering
- Journalism
- Kinesiology
- Law
- Linguistics and Literature
- Marine Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Technician
- Music
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Science
- Social Work
- Statistics
- Theological Canon
- Trade and Economy
- Transportation Engineering
Navigating the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Website for Courses
Click here to view Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso courses and syllabi. Expand on each school you are interested in to see which courses are available. Please refer to the degree plan for each school (Malla Curricular) to see the year and semester each course is offered.
Some courses may have pre-requisites requiring students to have already completed specific courses or equivalents at a lower level. As a study abroad student, you are not expected to have taken the specific pre-requisite courses, but you must have studied a relevant or similar course/module in your home country/institution.
If no pre-requisites are specified, then modules should be open to all students. However, you should take previous academic experience into account when making course choices.
Upon arrival in Valparaíso, you will submit a course registration form and take a language placement exam. You will go through an orientation and registration period with the International Office at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Your course schedule will be finalized at that point.
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 |
|---|---|
|
July 27
|
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. |
|
July 28 - August 01
|
Orientation
Mandatory PUCV Orientation Week will be held. |
|
August 04
|
Classes Begin
PUCV University classes begin at 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. |
|
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.