Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Spanish Language & Chilean Culture
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Location
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
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Host University
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
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Term
J-Term 2024
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Program Dates
Early Jan, 2024 - Late Jan, 2024
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Program Length
J-Term
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Application Deadline
Oct 15, 2023
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Nov 01, 2023
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Credit
70 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
TBA
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Are you interested in taking a Spanish course during your winter break? This intensive language program is open to intermediate and advanced Spanish language speakers, and provides you the opportunity to obtain accelerated training in Spanish. You will enroll in a 70 contact hour Spanish course within a three week time-frame, your course is dependent on your proficiency level. All courses are taught at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso by local university professors. You will take classes alongside other ISA students.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
Students must have completed or tested out of a minimum of two semesters (three quarters) of college-level Spanish
What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

24-Hour Emergency

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Airport Reception

Visa Support

Tuition at the Host University

Housing

Meals and Laundry Service

Bridging Cultures Orientation

Internet Access

ISA Discovery Model

Cultural Activities

Insurance

Official Transcript from the Host University

Professional Development Toolbox

Full-Time Resident Staff

On-Site ISA Offices
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
70
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
4
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
7
Academic Information
Course Selection
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Students must enroll in 70 contact hours during their three week program. This program is open to students at the intermediate and advanced Spanish proficiency level. Students enroll in the following course based on their language level:
Intermediate: -
Communicative Grammar, Conversation and Chilean Culture
Advanced: -
Communicative Grammar, Conversation and Chilean Culture
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Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Chile Program Manager.
Course Credit
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Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students’ home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
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Per the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, 45 contact hours is equivalent to 3 U.S. semester credits / 4 quarter units. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student's home university.
Language Placement and Recommendation
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Enrollment in Spanish courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you've already completed at your home university.
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Please note that there are no beginning level Spanish courses offered in this program.
Transcript Information
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The transcript from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso will reflect contact hours for each course listed below. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
Online Courses
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ISA does not recommend that students sign up for online courses through their host university. If enrolling in an online course is necessary for you to meet your degree requirements, you may only enroll in one online class. It is your responsibility to confirm with your home university that you will receive credit for online courses taken through your host university.
Courses
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Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
Funding Your ISA Program
Wondering how you’ll fund your program? ISA’s got you covered! If you receive financial aid for your home university, you will likely be able to use those funds for study abroad too. The first step is usually speaking with your home university. Check out the steps for using financial aid here.
Need to know how much to budget for a term abroad? Take a look at the additional expenses you might expect, depending on your program.
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. We offer over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, visit the scholarships and grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Chilean lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Chile. With an open-mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations; however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.

Homestay
Host families are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week and laundry service once a week. You will typically have your own bedroom but will likely have another ISA student of the same gender as a housemate.

Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA

Cultural Activities in Chile
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Valparaiso. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Valparaiso special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included historical tours, language exchanges with local students, tours of Neruda's Valparaiso home and the art museum, Mueso Fonck.