Spanish Language & Latin American Studies
Spring 2025 January Intensive 4-Week Valparaíso

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.

Program Structure

Choose a 4-week program in January. You’ll enroll in 2 Spanish language and/or Latin American Studies courses appropriate to your level. Language & elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits each. You may choose to enroll in two consecutive 4-week sessions in the summer.

You may earn a total of 6 credits (up to 90 contact hours) per session pending your language level.

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.

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.

Caleta Horcon

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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.

Pablo Neruda’s House & Museum in Isla Negra

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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.

Tour of Casablanca Wineries & Grape Harvest

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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.

Visit to Mapuche Ruca

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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.