Central Washington University - Study Abroad & Exchange Programs : CWU/CCIS/NCSA Universidad de Belgrano/Universidad Austral de Chile, Argentina/Chile

Discover the best of South America with this unique combination program! Spend winter quarter in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by spring semester in Valdivia, Chile, earning up to 45 Spanish credits. The Southern Cone has a lot to offer, and you can explore the region all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Argentina, the second largest country in South America, is multifaceted in its variety of people, land and climate. Situated on a vast estuary known as the Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires is the sprawling capital of Argentina. The population of greater Buenos Aires is estimated to be around 13 million. The city contains 46 barrios each with a distinctive flavor: downtown is a bustling area of historic buildings, government offices, commerce, restaurants, shops, theaters and cinemas; San Telmo, with its antique shops, flea markets and tango bars; la Boca, an Italian neighborhood full of brightly painted houses and cantinas; Belgrano, the refined district of education; with its wide boulevards and outdoor cafes, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is one of the great cities in the world.

Located approximately 500 miles south of Santiago, with 150,000 inhabitants Valdivia is considered a major city in Southern Chile. Picturesque beaches, lakes, and volcanoes surround Valdivia, the center of culture and industry for the region of Los Lagos. Valdivia is alive with the presence of the past, as seen in centuries-old Spanish fortresses that remain as a testimony of proud history. A land of extremes, this geologically diverse country boasts a desert wealthy in minerals to the north and a central region abundant with agricultural resources. Southern Chile is rich with innumerable forests, lakes, volcanoes, fjords, inlets, twisting peninsulas, and islands. Students can visit surrounding areas such as Puerto Montt, a nearby fishing town; Pucón, a lakeside resort town near an active volcano; and Isla Huapi, an island botanical preserve-there is much to see and do in Valdivia. As the only U.S.-sponsored program at the Universidad Austral de Chile, and in an area with few English-speaking visitors, Valdivia makes an excellent location for students wishing to perfect their Spanish language skills.

The Universidad de Belgrano is located in one of the most relaxing and distinguished residential areas of metropolitan Buenos Aires. Belgrano is only a few minutes from downtown where late-night life, good conversation over long, lingering dinners or at sidewalk cafes can be enjoyed in a safe city. The Universidad de Belgrano is a 40 year old private institution of proved reputation. Its solid tradition in higher education guarantees the quality of Spanish courses, which are taught by native teachers specially trained as second language instructors. Intensive practice in the classroom and the language lab, supported by abundant authentic materials as teaching aids, guarantee excellent results.

In Valdivia, students attend classes at the Centro de Idiomas on the Isla Teja campus of La Universidad Austral de Chile UACH (commonly known as "the Austral"). All courses taught are part of the CWU program and are offered through the Centro de Idiomas. The majority of university buildings are located on the Isla Teja campus, a ten-minute walk from downtown Valdivia. The Isla Teja is a fluvial island formed by three rivers that flow into the city of Valdivia.

This combination program offers students a cross-cultural learning experience that combines intensive Spanish language training with integrated academic courses, field study, and cultural excursions.

Cultural Studies	Film Studies	History	Latin American Studies
Literature	Spanish Language

The first component of this program, in Buenos Aires, provides Spanish language study. Winter quarter is made up of two 4-week intensive Spanish language sessions in which students will earn 20 quarter credits, or approximately 13 semester credits.

Several field trips in and around Buenos Aires will be arranged by program faculty. An International Club ("Club del Exterior") brings together international students with Universidad del Belgrano students who have returned from studying abroad. This also gives students the opportunity to participate in social activities. Tango lessons, an excellent acting and performing school, and an active choir are included among these activities.

The second component of this program is made up of language and culture courses in Valdivia. Spanish language training is offered at the intermediate and advanced levels each semester. The curriculum focuses on practical language skills and conversation in order to facilitate a quick transition to life in Valdivia and to gain better access into the Chilean culture. Courses emphasize intensive Spanish grammar, conversation, and reading and listening comprehension.

Excursions to cultural and historical sites of interest in and around Valdivia are an integral part of the course work. They are carefully planned to take advantage of the unique experiences found in and around the city. Excursions are included in the total cost of each program and are a great way to further explore Chile and its culture. Field trips may include visits to surrounding areas such as Puerto Montt, a nearby fishing town; Pucón, a lakeside resort town near an active volcano; and Isla Huapi, an island botanical preserve. The exact destinations vary from term to term and are determined at the beginning of each program.

Students wishing to remain in Valdivia for a second semester may choose to take direct enrollment courses, allowing them to select from a wide array of UACH course offerings, and place them in classes with their Chilean counterparts.

In Buenos Aires, the program will coordinate housing in homestays located near the University. Students in homestays have a single room and are provided with breakfast and dinner. The homestay cost is US$370 per month along with a US$200 refundable deposit, as of summer 2005, payable to the Homestay Coordinator. You may also make your own housing arrangements.

In Valdivia, all students will live in accommodations provided by the program, included in the program fee. Students will live with "anfitriones," or hosts, and will be provided with three meals a day.

Description	Argentina & Chile Combined Program
Program Fee	$8100
Application Fee	$50
Concurrent Enrollment Fee	$200
Additional Sponsor Fee	N/A
Room and/or Board	$1140
Books	$50
Local Transportation	$150
Airfare	$1600
Miscellaneous	$1200
Total	$12490

See our What Does It Cost page for more information on fees & deposits you may be responsible for.

Most forms of financial aid and scholarships apply to the cost of study abroad programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor at their home campus for specific information about awards and eligibility. You can also visit our What Does it Cost web page.

Before you begin your application, we highly recommend that you see a study abroad advisor to ensure that you have all the information you need about program logistics and eligibility. CWU students can call 963-3622 or drop by the International Center, Room 101 (across from L&L), to schedule an appointment.

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. Contact Study Abroad & Exchange Programs for more information.

CWU/CCIS/NCSA Universidad de Belgrano/Universidad Austral de Chile, Argentina/Chile - Academic Year Programs

CWU/CCIS/NCSA Universidad de Belgrano/Universidad Austral de Chile, Argentina/Chile - Academic Year Programs