Chile: Valdivia Semester

Universidad Austral de Chile in Valdivia

Founded in 1954, the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh) enrolls approximately 10,000 students in 40 undergraduate majors. Facilities available to students include libraries, computer labs, Wi-Fi, sports centers, and an 11-hectare botanical garden. Today UACH is recognized nation-wide for its academic achievements and enjoys a prominent and prestigious position among Chilean universities.

Valdivia is ideal for students who wish to perfect their Spanish language skills and gain a greater understanding of Chilean culture. Taught entirely in Spanish, students must have completed at least 4 semesters (6 quarters) of college-level Spanish or the equivalent, prior to beginning the program.

Classes meet four days per week and are available in Spanish composition and conversation, Chilean and Latin American culture, history, international relations, literature, and cinema. Students typically enroll in four classes per term and earn 16 semester (24 quarter) credits.

Course Offerings

The Language & Culture Program is ideal for students with an advanced level of Spanish proficiency who wish to further develop their language skills and gain a greater understanding of Latin American culture. This program offers a variety of advanced language and culture courses taught entirely in Spanish by Universidad Austral de Chile professors. Students enroll in four of the courses listed below and earn a total of 16 semester (24 quarter) credits. This program also includes excursions to historic sites, national parks, and indigenous communities.

Eligibility: Students must have completed at least two years of college level Spanish (or the equivalent) prior to departure.

Language & Culture Program (each class is worth 4 semester/6 quarter credits)

Advanced Spanish Grammar

Intermediate & Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation

Chilean Culture

History of Chile

 

International Relations between the U.S. & Latin America

 

Latin American Cinema

 

Survey of Latin American Literature

 

 

Advanced Program with Chilean Students (2nd Semester)

 

This program is designed for year-long students who successfully complete a semester of the Language & Culture Program and wish to enroll in regular courses with Chilean students. This program allows students to enroll in a combination of courses from UACh departments and the Language & Culture Program. Students typically enroll in four or five courses and earn a total of 12–16 semester (18–24 quarter) credits. Please visit the UACh website for a complete listing of the courses available.

 

Eligibility: Students must have successfully completed the Language & Culture Program.

 

 

Student Life

Upon arrival, students are connected with a small group of Chilean university students who are designated peer advisors. They help introduce program participants to Chilean university life, accompany students on excursions to cultural and historical sites in and around Valdivia, and serve as cultural resources throughout the semester. The peer advisors also encourage participation in extra-curricular activities such as university sports teams or salsa dancing lessons. The American Corner, a center for U.S. and Chilean cultural exchange, allows participants to meet local students who want to practice English and learn more about the United States.

Program participants can also interact with the local community through service and volunteer opportunities. Abre Puertas, sponsored by the Chilean Ministry of Education, connects university students with elementary schools in Valdivia to help teach beginning English lessons. Un Techo Para Chile is an organization that builds houses for those in need. Many past participants have enhanced their Chilean experience by offering their time to these organizations.

Valdivia is the perfect location for students who lead very active lifestyles. Program participants will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful region with a variety of outdoor activities including but not limited to hiking, biking, and camping, should they choose to do so.

Housing

Practicing language skills in an informal, supportive environment is the perfect complement to Spanish language study in the classroom-and that happens every day in a homestay. Students live with Chilean hosts (anfitriones) in a private or shared room, and eat three meals per day with their host family. Homes are located in convenient, safe residential areas and are either within walking distance or a short bus ride of campus. The families provide opportunities for students to learn about daily life in Chile-many have hosted students for a decade or more.

Alumni Feedback

“I made incredible friends both in and out of the program. Not to mention, I learned another language and had great experiences while doing it.”

- Danny Byrnes, Western Washington University

“The classes, people in the program, and various trips we took gave me a new appreciation for other cultures that may be overlooked.”

- Liz Sampson, University of Oregon

“Studying in Valdivia was exciting, challenging, and fun. I really learned a lot about living on my own and experiencing the Spanish language for what it was, as well as taking advantage of being a student. Traveling around the country was a phenomenal experience.”

- Natalie Ottenweller, University of Washington

 

Duration

Spring 2012: March 30 - July 21    Please note the change in dates.

Fall 2012: August 17 - December 8

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2012: January 6, 2012

Fall 2012: June 1, 2012

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum GPA - Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

Minimum Class Standing - Students must have completed at least one semester or quarter of college-level coursework at the time of application.

Foreign Language Proficiency - Students must have completed at least 2 years of college level Spanish (or the equivalent) prior to departure.

Judicial Standing - Students must be in good judicial standing at their current college or university with no major disciplinary violations in the past 12 months.

Language

Spanish

Costs

Spring 2012: $8,324

Fall 2012: $8,324

$500 program deposit is due upon acceptance

Costs Included

Tuition, pre-departure advising, official U.S. transcript, on-site support and orientation, homestay with three meals per day, course materials, excursions and cultural activities, airport pickup service, and medical insurance

Costs Not Included

Application fee ($75), passport ($140), visa/immigration fee ($250), airfare ($1,700), local transportation ($600), independent travel ($1,000) and personal expenses ($1,500)

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

 

CCIS Chile Application Checklist:

1. CCIS Application - Be sure to type your responses before printing this application.

2. Statement of Purpose - In a 300 to 500 word essay, introduce yourself and explain your objectives for studying abroad. Also, describe the personal benefits you expect to receive from the program, and how you plan to incorporate this experience abroad into your current and future academic and career goals.

3. Two (2) Confidential Reference Forms - The reference forms must be completed by two professors that you have had in the past or have currently.

4. Universidad Austral de Chile Application

5. Official Transcript(s) - Request an official transcript from each college or university you have attended and submit them, in signed and sealed envelopes, together with your other application materials. Be sure to request transcripts as early as possible.

6. Passport-sized photo - Guidelines for an acceptable photo can be found at: travel.state.gov.

7. Disciplinary Clearance Form - This form should be completed by the Judicial Affairs Officer, Study Abroad Advisor, or other university official that can verify your judicial standing at your college or university.

8. $75 Application Fee - This fee can be paid by check, money order, or cashier's check and is made payable to Central Washington University. Please note, once submitted the application fee is non-refundable.

Submit Application Materials To:

Ray Bates
Study Abroad & Exchange Programs
Central Washington University
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7407

rbates@cwu.edu
(509) 963-3617
(509) 963-1558 (Fax)

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.