IFSA Chilean Universities Program, Valparaíso

We offer semester study on the IFSA Chilean Universities Program in beautiful Valparaíso and Viña del Mar for students with limited linguistic skills in Spanish (at least one semester of university Spanish) to advanced Spanish language experience. Here you can enroll in classes at a local university alongside local and international students, and take advantage of an IFSA class built around community engagement. This exclusive class, taught in English by local professors, is intended to provide you with an understanding of the events and issues that make Chile what it is today.

SIGNATURE IFSA CLASS
Communities in Action: Valparaíso
Language of Instruction: English
This optional class presents an overview of social, economic, and political dimensions of the local community groups and contemporary relevant issues influencing Chile today. Through reflexive instances, critical analysis and class discussion students will explore key concepts such as community and interculturality and its relationship within a community organization. This class will enable students to develop a contextualized reading of Chilean realities, gain a meaningful integration into these communities, and develop their own intervention process in a field of action from a specific organization or institution. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATÓLICA DE VALPARAÍSO
Select classes with local and international students at PUCV.

CHART Your Course
Find the classes you need fast with CHART. Our easy-to-use tool shows you classes recently taken by IFSA students.

Click here to view all programs offered in each department of PUCV. Click here to download a file containing links to class listings by semester in each of the programs.

1. Odd-numbered semesters refer to U.S. Spring and even-numbered semesters refer to U.S. Fall.
2. Not all classes have syllabi available. Contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor to obtain syllabi.

If a particular class you are looking for is not listed, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for more information. Class availability changes every semester.

Spanish Language Classes
The Programa Internacional de Intercambio Estudiantil (PIIE) at PUCV offers Spanish language classes at beginning through advanced levels as well as Chilean culture classes that are accessible to students without any Spanish language background. (3 U.S. semester credit hours).

Classes Taught in English
A limited number of English-taught classes are available at PUCV. Not all classes may be offered in a given term depending on enrollment and faculty availability. Check with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for more information on available classes taught in English. Featured classes include:

• Socio-Environmental Latin American History
• Human Rights in Latin America
• Political and Social Change in Chile and Latin America
• Gender-Based Violence
• Cross-Cultural Encounters with the Native Mapuche People
• Resistance, Appropriation and Sustainability: Cross-Cultural Encounters with the Native Mapuche People

Lab & Field Trip Fees
Please review syllabi and class materials when registering for direct-enroll classes. Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee disclosed in the syllabus or during the first meeting of the class. These fees are not included in your IFSA program fee. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.

Language Requirement
At least one semester of university-level Spanish or equivalent is required. Please visit our Language Requirements page for more details. If you have questions about whether you qualify, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.

Class Restrictions
Access may be restricted for classes in architecture, art, engineering, law, and music departments. Contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for more information.

Community-based Learning
As part of IFSA’s Communities in Action class, students will contribute to local community organizations in Valparaíso or Viña del Mar, supported by the IFSA instructor. Previous community activities examples include:

• Field visits
• Community life and experience in The Great Valparaíso
• Interviews and research about health access, education, living conditions, security, opportunities, and identities

New country, new way of learning!

Here’s what to expect at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso:

• Common to have a large lecture class complemented by a smaller tutorial/lab for introductory-level classes.
• More emphasis on independent learning. More self-directed learning outside of class. Coursework outside of the classroom can vary per host institution. You will receive finalized syllabi once on-site.
• The university follows strict policies and deadlines.
• Grades are often based on a single final exam or final paper, or on just a few assignments. Final exams are typically 30–35 percent of total grade.
• Grade inflation and curving are uncommon; fewer students get exceptional grades.
• Strong focus on critical analysis with supporting resources documented.
• Students cannot audit courses.
• Full access to the university’s robust academic support system and resources: libraries, IT support, orientations, medical emergencies, class assistants. IFSA local staff are also available for individual help.
• More information can be found in the IFSA Student Portal under Resources – Helpful Documents and Links and Academics.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
• You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
• You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
• Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

Language Requirement
No requirement.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your classwork converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.