Spanish Language & Latin American Studies

Valparaíso, Chile
Spanish Language & Latin American Studies

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

Location:

Valparaíso

Dates:

5/18/25 - 6/21/25

Price:

$5,995

Credits:

6

Deadlines

Apply By:

3/1/25

Withdraw By:

4/1/25

Requirements

Complete Application
$95 Online Application Fee
Program Participation Agreement
Transcript - Unofficial

Eligibility

Foreign Language Proficiency:

All Levels

Education
Completed:

High School Graduate

Minimum
GPA:

2.5

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $750 when you apply with code* by October 17, 2024

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. ...

Student Lounge
Student Lounge
Study Area
Study Area
Counseling Services
Counseling Services
Travel Books & Resources
Travel Books & Resources
6

Credits

Program Structure & Courses

Choose a 4-week program in June or July. 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.

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

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.

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
May 18
Arrival/Program Begins

Official Program Start Date. 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.

May 19
Orientation

Mandatory CEA CAPA & PUCV Orientation will be held.

May 20
Classes Begin

Classes begin at PUCV on this day.

June 20
Classes End

This is the last day of classes at PUCV.

June 21
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.

Description Low-Cost High-Cost
Program Fee
Tuition and fees, registration, orientation, airport pickup, welcome and farewell receptions, housing, official transcript, cultural excursions/activities, student support services, CEA On-site Staff and administrative costs.
$5,995
$5,995
International Airfare & Transfers
Cost varies depending on time of purchase, point of origin and time of travel.
$900
$1,800
Immigration Requirements
Includes passport and additional requirements such as visa, entry and exit fees, French Carte de Séjour, French University Administrative Fee (if applicable), or Italian Permesso di Soggiorno.
$165
$165
Books, Materials and Supplies
Includes books, school supplies, art supplies, and course fees. Does not include fees or supplies for optional courses. This cost varies depending on the course choices of the student.
$20
$60
Meals
Includes the average expected cost for meals in housing option without a meal plan, such as daily groceries and eating out at restaurants. 
$69
$125
Personal Expenses
Includes telephone, laundry, local transportation, personal necessities and upfront payments for potential doctor visits. Please note, certain locations may require deposits to secure spots in CEA organized activities and excursions (deposits are returned at the end of the program if student attends activities/excursions or cancels participation before set deadlines). Some of these costs vary according to the spending habits of the student.
$38
$100
Travel Expenses
Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$313
$688
TOTAL EXPENSES $7,500 $8,933