Location:

Valparaiso, Chile

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Fall Semester, Spring Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

Course Load: 4-5 courses Credit Load: 15-18 credits Language of Instruction: Spanish Minimum Spanish Proficiency Required: High Intermediate. Students will complete a written proficiency test and 10-minute oral interview at the start of the program. Based on the results, they will be provided with a list of elective courses appropriate to their level of proficiency. Minimum GPA: 2.5/4.0 Prerequisites: At least five semesters of college-level Spanish are required. (Students with four semesters and previous experience in upper-division Latin American studies courses are also welcome to apply.) Transcript: Issued by PUCV BridgeVirtual Language Lessons As part of your program fee, you will receive three free BridgeVirtual language sessions for your use prior to your arrival on-site! Each session lasts 2 hours and includes both pre- and post-class online activities, as well as private, face-to-face time with a certified native speaking teacher. With BridgeVirtual, you’ll learn from practical assignments that incorporate videos, blogs, news articles, and a large variety of material, appropriate for all levels and interests. You will be assigned your own teacher, who is dedicated to guiding and motivating you through a completely personalized, one-to-one program, which makes learning fun, practical and effective. And most importantly, you’ll have the language tools you need to be successful in your program abroad.

Want to skip the Spanish language classes and immerse yourself directly in high-level courses with Chilean peers? If you’re confident in your Spanish skills and eager to study like a local, then Bridge’s Contemporary Latin American Studies program in Valparaíso, Chile is for you! Each spring semester, Bridge offers serious students the opportunity to perfect their Spanish as they complete high-level courses in Latin American studies. It’s a program guaranteed to bust the study-abroad bubble; you’ll enroll in elective classes alongside local college students and enjoy weekly conversation sessions with Chilean peers. Bridge’s Contemporary Latin American Studies program is based in Valparaíso, one of South America’s most unique and vibrant cities. Just an hour from the country’s capital, Santiago, and a 15-minute train trip from the beach resort of Viña del Mar, “Valpo” is just a stone’s throw from some of Chile’s top destinations, but it’s got a charm all its own. Situated on dramatic hills overlooking one of the Pacific’s most picturesque bays, Valparaíso’s enchanting mix of commercial activity and bohemian vibes gives the city an energy unlike any other. From airport pickup to housing and city tours, Bridge will guarantee you as smooth a start in Valparaíso as possible. Classes with Chilean peers and group activities will give you all the raw ingredients you need for an exceptional semester; the rest is up to you!

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Bridge’s Chilean partner institution is the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso (PUCV), one of Chile’s most prestigious universities. Founded in 1928, PUCV is celebrated for excellence in education and for its strong commitment to public service. The university offers a wide variety of academic programs in more than 50 fields, including business and economics, oceanographic and natural sciences, law, religion, education, the humanities, and engineering. PUCV has decades of experience welcoming international students from across the world, and it sets itself apart by providing exchange students with ample opportunities to interact with local students and participate in university activities. PUCV’s modern facilities are located throughout Valparaíso, Chile’s second largest city and largest port. Located on a dramatic bay where coastal mountains meet the Pacific, Valparaíso is a city awash in natural beauty and picturesque views. The city itself is a perfect complement to a PUCV education. Not so big as to be unmanageable, Valparaíso’s rich cultural life and urban energy ensure that learning will extend well beyond the classroom.

Setting Description:

What makes Valparaíso unique? Valparaíso’s head-spinning jumble of architectural styles makes wandering the city feel like a hunt for hidden gems. It’s also an introduction to the history and diversity of one of South America’s original melting pots. The Victorian-style “cottages” on Valparaíso’s cerros (the steep hills that surround the city center) and ornate Edwardian banks downtown hearken to the city’s 19th-century golden years, driven by maritime trade. The brightly painted wood-and-metal shacks hugging many colorful hillsides testify to the challenges that came as ships began to bypass the city through the Panama Canal. Incongruous and often stunning, these styles give the city a unique appeal.