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Study abroad in
Valparaíso, Chile

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Bursting with color and old-world charm thanks to its brightly painted buildings, Valparaiso is the second largest metropolitan area in the country. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known as the cultural capital of Chile, the city is spontaneous, cheerful, and just a little bit gritty: a perfect introduction to Latin life. When you study abroad in Valparaiso, visit La Sebastiana, the home-turned-museum of great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Improve your Spanish language skills through courses at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and get a grasp of Latin American culture in Valparaíso, “the jewel of the Pacific.”

CEA CAPA Related Links
Programs to love in Valparaíso

Programs to love in Valparaíso

Spanish Language & Latin American Studies

Spanish Language & Latin American Studies

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

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.

See Details

  • ST
  • SU
  • SE
  • YR
  • Starting at $4,895
Advanced Chilean Immersion

Advanced Chilean Immersion

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

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.

See Details

  • ST
  • SU
  • SE
  • YR
  • Starting at $14,395
What's Included in your Program'

What's Included in your Program

From housing to excursions, our inclusions make studying abroad easy!
  • 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)

Caleta Horcon

Pablo Neruda’s House & Museum in Isla Negra

Tour of Casablanca Wineries & Grape Harvest

Visit to Mapuche Ruca

One of the benefits of studying abroad is the chance to explore outside your host city. Excursions are offered for all semester, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You will receive a calendar of excursions during orientation. Here are some of the day trips and weekend trips we’ve offered in the past:

Day Trip to San Pedro de Quillota

A common activity for the city dwellers of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso is to sneak away to the Chilean countryside to experience the everyday pleasures of life. Spend the day visiting historic sites, including a National Railroad Monument, and learn about one of the agricultural regions that feeds the country.

Visit to Mapuche Ruca

The Mapuche are indigenous to Chile, and their history is as rich as it is dramatic. Learn the story from the Mapuche themselves as you engage with this unique culture in a traditional Mapuche ruca, or hut. You will also have the opportunity to experience Mapuche dances, rituals, and a traditional meal.

Tour of Casablanca Wineries & Grape Harvest

Chile’s booming wine industry harvests grapes from mid-March until the end of April. Experience the harvesting and wine-making process first-hand at a Casablanca winery. Sampling local wines and indulging in an appetizing Chilean meal completes the day in delightful way.

Pablo Neruda’s House & Museum in Isla Negra

Named by the famous Chilean writer, Pablo Neruda, Isla Negra or “Black Island” was Neruda’s home for 34 years. Today, it’s a museum; here you can see the house where Neruda’s poetry was penned in green ink and learn about the poet-turned-politician’s life. The isle and area surrounding it are still a haven for artists and writers today.

Caleta Horcon

Horcón is a small fishing village an hour north of Viña del Mar. In this lovely, rustic place, you’ll find fishermen, artisans, and artists living in peaceful harmony. Enjoy the local food, scenic walks, and wait for the boats to arrive with their fish every morning. This little spot is truly a magical place for a weekend excursion.

Make the most of your study abroad experience by immersion in the local culture. CEA CAPA offer ways you can get involved through activities that fit your interests. Learn about our range of extracurricular immersion activities.

Food Tasting and Port of Valparíso Tour

The Port of Valparíso, the largest in Chile is known for its colorful boats, beautiful views of the bay, lazy sea lions, and packed markets. Whet your appetite with new seafood and dishes loved by locals while experiencing the magic of the port around you.

Traditional Chilean Café

Food and fellowship are at the heart of Chilean culture. Whether you choose the Pastel de Choclo or Cazuela, you’ll get a taste of the Chilean culture with a traditional meal at a local café. Spend time with your peers, learn about the food culture of Chile, and give your tastebuds a treat!

Local Brewery Visit

The craft brewery trend isn’t unique to just the U.S. With more than 250 craft breweries within the country, you’ll experience a local brewery just outside of Viña del Mar. Learn about the local beer scene, taste some local favorites, and get to know your peers in a casual environment.

Pablo Neruda's House & Museum in La Sebastiana

Pablo Neruda, the famous Chilean writer was a man of many homes- three to be exact. Explore his most artistic house and take in a stunning view of the port of Valparaíso while perusing his many corners and nooks filled with old maps and paintings.

Tour of Valparaíso

See the main attractions of Valparaíso, one of Chile’s most important cities, while learning about the rich cultural and historical background of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Once known as “the Jewel of the Pacific.”

Valparaíso was an important stop for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Straits of Magellan. Take a boat ride across the bay, a tour through the historic center, and gaze at the sweeping port from the hills that stretch above the city.

National Congress of Chile

As you will undoubtedly discover for yourself, Chile’s political structures have changed dramatically in recent history. Although not the capital, Valparaiso is the seat of government in Chile. On this trip, you’ll tour the legislature buildings and learn about Chilean political systems.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer a few hours per week to aid in social work activities. You can volunteer at a local animal shelter, assist in teaching English in a school or community center, assist at a local community daycare, or provide necessities and visit with the local homeless population. Through volunteer work, you will not only make many new and exciting acquaintances, but also may have potentially life-changing experiences.

Content Creator Program

Want to build your digital portfolio while you study abroad? Join the Content Creator program! You’ll blog, photograph, and video your experience abroad, then share them on social media.

Alumni Ambassador Program

Your study abroad adventure doesn’t have to end when your program is over. Keep sharing your study abroad love on your home campus…become an Alumni Ambassador! This internship allows you to help other students on their study abroad journeys while gaining work experience and growing your professional network.

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Valparaíso Housing

Valparaíso - Viña del Mar Housing

*Housing options may change term over term 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.

Available:

Semester
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

  • 1 student per room
  • 1-2 students per Homestay
  • Unit Amenities

  • Access to kitchen
  • Shared bathroom
  • Bed linens included
  • Internet access
  • Telephone access available
  • Washer only
  • Homestay Photo #1
    Homestay Photo #2
    Homestay Photo #3
    Homestay Photo #4

    Download Overview

    While CEA CAPA highly recommends that you choose one of our Valparaiso housing options provided, you also have the option to arrange independent housing. If your ideal housing scenario includes living in a particular neighborhood, having specific amenities or living with a specific person as your roommate, then independent housing could be just the ticket for you.

    Use the online housing application form to request permission for this option no later than the application closure date. If your request is approved, you will receive a rebate for your housing payment, however CEA CAPA will not provide you with any assistance setting up independent housing. Keep in mind, rebates are not granted to students who move out of their CEA CAPA housing or choose to pursue independent living arrangements after the application closure date.

    Typical Commute

    N/A

    Meals Included

    N/A

    Roommates

    N/A

    Unit Amenities

    N/A

    Institutions

    Institutions

    Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
    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.

    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

    The Chilean grading system is based on a scale of 7, as opposed to 100 in the U.S. system; however, it would be inaccurate to merely multiply a Chilean grade by 7 to find its U.S. equivalent. Grading varies from subject to subject. For example, a student may receive a 7 for completing all the problems correctly on a math exam, whereas in the humanities, a 5 on an essay is an acceptable grade. Grading in Chile is rather severe; depending on the subject, 6 may be considered an excellent grade. In yet other circumstances, a 5 is considered exceptional. Grades of 6 and above are quite rare, although grading in Spanish language courses may be a bit less stringent.

    Chilean Number Grade

    US Percentage

    US Letter Grade

    6.7 - 7.0

    97-100%

    A+

    6.0-6.6

    94-96%

    A

    5.6-5.9

    90-93%

    A-

    5.3-5.5

    87-89%

    B+

    5.0-5.2

    84-86%

    B

    4.6-4.9

    80-83%

    B-

    4.4-4.5

    77-79%

    C+

    4.2-4.3

    74-76%

    C

    4.0-4.1

    70-73%

    C-

    3.7-3.9

    67-69%

    F

    Below 3.7

    -

    F

    Please note that this grading scale is recommended by CEA and the PUCV but that final credit and grade evaluation is ultimately determined by a student’s home university.

    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 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
    Say Hi

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    Say Hi

    Valparaíso Staff

    Claudia Luco

    Claudia Luco

    Program Director