Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso: Chile
International Studies Abroad
Located on the coastline of Chile between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso offers hilltop vistas, beaches, and abundant cultural opportunities. Valparaíso serves as a major political base in Chile, though it retains memory of its colonial history. Between Chile’s northern desert region and its freezing southern tip, the city of Valparaíso lies in a mild climate, tempered by the nearby sea. At the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, students participate in a summer Spanish Language and Culture Program before experiencing fall semester courses with local Chilean students.
Program Advisor
Dr. Kim Yunez, Boyer 155, 717.766.2511 Ext. 2670
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Goals and Objectives
The ISA University of Valparaíso program provides language immersion for students of Spanish. An intensive language course prepares students to take semester classes taught in the Spanish language. By learning from Spanish professors and by studying with Spanish peers, students will rapidly improve their Spanish skills. Students enhance their Spanish language exposure by living in a homestays with Chilean families. The program includes excursions to exciting locations like Santiago, Isla Negra, and the National Stadium.
Requirements
Students must have completed one full year of college and have at least a 2.5 GPA to qualify for the program. Students must complete four semesters of college level Spanish. Recommendations from language faculty are a large part of the application process. Students are required to attend all Messiah-run pre-departure orientation sessions the semester before studying abroad as well as half-day reentry retreat upon returning to campus the following semester.
Credits
The credits earned may meet general education or major requirements for your field of study. Course disciplines include history, business, art, geography, literature, psychology, education, religious studies and sciences. All courses will come back on your transcript with a letter grade. Please refer to the grade conversion chart.
Students will meet their third language/cross-cultural requirement by participating in this program. Students will not earn 3 credits, rather the requirement will be waived.
Costs: 2013 - 2014 $19,455, plus $200 deposit
Fee covers tuition, housing, meals, *round-trip airfare, educational excursions, pre-departure, and re-entry orientation. Note: additional fees students may encounter include (but are not limited to) local transportation, visas, passports, immunizations, and course fees.
For comparison, a typical semester in Grantham for 2013-2014 is $19,655.
Note: *Once flights are booked, students are responsible for the cost of the flight if they cannot participate for any reason, including visa issues. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the jumping off point in the United States.
Visas: You may want to begin to explore obtaining your visa well in advance. Some countries requrie that students
apply in person and the location my not be in the same state. Follow this link to obtain information about the Chilean visa process: Chilean Consulate - US.
Application Deadlines
| A $200 application deposit must accompany your application. |
| Fall Semester: |
April 15 |
| Spring Semester: |
November 1 |
Note: Completed applications must be submitted by these deadlines; students who miss these deadlines may be required to pay additional fees for their flights. |
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“The most rewarding part of my experience was forming strong friendships with many Chileans. It was interesting to see Chile, college, church, homelife, etc. from their
perspective.”
~Shaina Gleisner
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