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.

Course Offerings

Advanced Language and Culture Program
The Advanced Language and Culture Program is ideal for students who wish to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and gain a greater understanding of Chilean culture. Classes meet four days per week and include courses in Spanish composition and conversation, Chilean culture and history, international relations, literature, and Latin American cinema.

Note: Because this program is taught entirely in Spanish, students must have completed at least four semesters (six quarters) of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent, before departure. A language proficiency report submitted by a Spanish professor at the applicant's home institution weighs heavily in the acceptance decision. In order to place participants in the correct course level, UACh program staff administer a language placement exam during orientation.

Students typically enroll in four classes, earning up to 16 semester (24 quarter) credits.

•   Survey of Latin American Literature (4 semester/6 quarter credits)

Explore the concept of Latin American identity through literature from the pre-Hispanic epoch to the 20th century. Through discussion and analysis of a wide genre of literary works, this class examines the defining characteristics and issues of Latin American culture. Particular emphasis is given to contrasting images of pre- and post-Hispanic indigenous cultures and works of the 20th century.

• History of Chile (4 semester/6 quarter credits)

Examine the ideologies, problems, and political and economic realities of Chile from the past to the present. Study the history of the indigenous people of Chile prior to the arrival of the Spanish and develop a detailed understanding of the Spanish colonization process during the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries.

• Latin American Cinema (4 semester/6 quarter credits)

Study Latin American cinema through theory, discussion, and analysis. Develop an understanding of the aesthetics of Latin American cinema and explore the films as artistic constructions of social and cultural identity. Dr. Guido Mutis, instructor for the course, was Director of the 2007 International Film Festival in Valdivia.

• International Relations between the US & Latin America (4 semester/6 quarter credits)

This course allows students to become familiar with international relations between the United States and Latin America through historical, political, and economical perspectives. Critical analyses will help students to comprehend the extensive and complex relationships between the U.S. and Latin America.

• Chilean Culture Seminar (4 semester/6 quarter credits)

Discover contemporary Chilean culture as a reflection of historical, sociological, economic, artistic, political, and anthropological development. Examine the indigenous Mapuche culture of Valdivia and other ethnic groups of Chile.

• Advanced Spanish (4 semester/6 quarter credits)

Develop and perfect your practical language skills and expressive capabilities. Enhance your transition to life in Valdivia and gain better access to Chilean culture through language mastery.

• Spanish Composition and Conversation: Intermediate & Advanced (4 semester/6 quarter credits)

Increase your accuracy in both written and spoken Spanish language. Course offerings are subject to change depending on enrollment and availability.

 

 

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.

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

•  Fall 2010 Program: August 20-December 11, 2010
• Spring 2011 Program: March 25-July 16, 2011

Application Deadline(s)

• Fall 2010 Program: May 14, 2010
• Spring 2011 Program: November 5, 2011

Financial Aid

• Financial aid can generally be used to study abroad if the program has been approved for credit by your home institution. Contact your Financial Aid Office to learn more.
• CCIS offers scholarships to students from CCIS Member Institutions. Contact your Study Abroad Advisor for additional information about application procedures and deadlines.
• Additional scholarship opportunities may be found on the IIE Passport - Study Abroad Funding website.

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student
• Sophomore (2nd year) class standing
• Minimum GPA of 2.50
• Good judicial standing with no major disciplinary violations in the past 12 months
• Intermediate or Advanced Spanish (minimum 4 semester/6 quarters)

Language

Intermediate or Advanced Spanish (4 semesters/6 quarters)

Academic Levels

Undergraduate

Costs

• Fall 2010 Program: $6,407
• Spring 2011 Program: TBA in Fall 2010

 Note: Upon acceptance, participants will be required to pay a $300.00 deposit to Central Washington University in order to secure their placement in the program. This amount is then deducted from the final program fee.
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.

Costs Included

• Tuition
• Course materials
• Housing
• Three meals per day
• Excursions and cultural activities
• Health insurance
• On-site orientation
• On-site and U.S.-based staff support
• Airport pick-up

Costs Not Included

• CWU Non-Refundable Application Fee ($50)
• Airfare (estimated $1,400-$1,700)
• Local Transportation (estimated $150)
• Personal Expenses/Miscellaneous (estimated $800)
• Visa Fees (estimated $131)
• Passport (estimated $100)

Entry Requirements

• Participants must have a valid passport
• A student visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter Chile for this program
• Non-U.S. citizens should check with the Consulate of Chile for additional information on entry requirements

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.

 

Application Instructions:

1. Complete the CCIS/CWU Valdivia Program Application

To apply for the CCIS/CWU Valdivia Program, be sure to complete all of the following application requirements:

• CCIS Study Abroad Application
• Universidad Austral de Chile Application
• CWU Disciplinary Clearance Form (Non-CWU Students only)
• CWU $50 Non-Refundable Application Fee (check, money order, or cashier's check made payable to Central Washington University)
• 2" X 2" Photo

2. Mail your application materials to Central Washington University

 

Ray Bates
Program Coordinator

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

E-mail: batesr@cwu.edu
Tel: (509) 963-3621
Fax: (509) 963-1558

CWU Facebook Group for Universidad Austral de Chile

3. Secure your placement by paying the CWU Program Deposit

Upon acceptance, a $300 Program Deposit must be paid to secure your placement in the CCIS/CWU Valdivia Program. This deposit will then be deducted from your final program fee. Additional information about this requirement will be included in your Acceptance Packet from Central Washington University.

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.