Location:

Valparaiso, Chile

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Fall Semester, Spring Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

Course Load: Minimum of 4 courses Credit Load: 15-22 credits Language of Instruction: Spanish Minimum Spanish Proficiency Required: 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 four semesters of college-level Spanish are required. 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.

Spend a semester at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso (PUCV) in Valparaíso, Chile and you can build your Spanish fluency as you earn credit toward your degree—all while immersing yourself in the life and culture of one of South America’s most magical cities. Just an hour from Santiago and a 15-minute train ride from the beach resort of Viña del Mar, Valparaíso may be home to Chile’s Congress, but it feels a world apart. The city’s dramatic Pacific views and a bohemian vibe give “Valpo” an infectious energy unlike anywhere else. Perfect for intermediate- and advanced-level Spanish speakers, Bridge’s study abroad program includes specialized classes designed to perfect your language skills and introduce you to Chile’s history and culture. But don’t worry about getting trapped in the study-abroad bubble; advanced students can study with Chilean students by enrolling directly in elective courses at one of the country’s most prestigious universities, and students at all levels will enjoy weekly conversation sessions with Chilean peers. From airport pickup to housing and city tours, Bridge will handle all the logistics, leaving you to focus on what counts—growing academically and personally as you immerse yourself in a language and culture different from your own.

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 compliment 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 is spread across dozens of hills overlooking the Pacific, creating a distinctive geography. Each of the cerros towering above the waterfront downtown district sport its own unique neighborhood. Tying these hills together are nearly a dozen funicular railways—perhaps the best-known symbols of the city. Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these colorfully painted wooden cable cars continue to ferry residents and visitors up and down the city’s steep hillsides today. Some houses and apartment buildings even have their own private funiculars!