Location | Academics | Housing | Dates/Deadlines | Program Costs | Eligibility/How To Apply

NCSA Valdivia, Chile - Academic Year Programs

" Things are going fantastically well so far. So much as happened, 99% good, that it has just flown by. Classes are quite the challenge, but only in a good way. The harder the better- you learn more that way. Who ever said easy was fun anyway? " ~ Leif Hanson, Valdivia, Chile and Guadalajara, Mexico

Location

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.

University Profile: CWU Chile Program

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"). The Centro teaches English to students in most career-track programs at the university. 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.

Central Washington University (CWU) has designed the Valdivia program specifically for students with intermediate and advanced Spanish language skills. It offers students a cross-cultural learning experience that combines intensive Spanish language training with integrated academic courses, field study, and cultural excursions.

A visiting faculty member from a NCSA institution teaches two courses. Program courses are taught in Spanish by La Universidad Austral de Chile (UACH) faculty and are offered through the Centro de Idiomas at UACH. Students usually enroll in a total of four classes for credit per semester, typically taking two Spanish classes and two content classes.

If a yearlong student moves beyond the advanced-level course offerings, and meets evaluation standards, he or she may be able to direct enroll for the second term of their stay. This would allow them to select from a wide array of UACH course offerings, and place them in classes with their Chilean counterparts.

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Academic Departments

Academic Program

Academic standards in Valdivia are consistent with those at the sponsoring NCSA institutions. Grades are based on examinations, assignments, class participation, and attendance.

Spanish Language Classes
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.

Multiple Term Options
Students may choose to participate in the Valdivia program during fall or spring semesters, the full academic year (with the approval of the student's enrolling institution, and the on-site director), or any combination of semesters and NCSA program locations they wish.

Excursions
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.

Academic Credit
Most courses provide 60 contact hours per term. Students may also take the visiting faculty course for an additional 50 hours. The enrolling institution determines the number of credits earned per course.

Classes Offered

Click here for a list of course offerings.

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Housing

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.

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Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: (August 22, 2008 - December 13, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: July 1
• Spring Semester: (March 28, 2008 - July 19, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: January 10

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Program Costs

Program Fees:

• The program fee for the NCSA program in Valdivia, Chile is $6400

Program fees include:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Meals
• On-site orientation
• On-site and U.S. based staff support
• Insurance
• Airport pick-up
• Cultural activities
• International student ID card
• Course Materials

Sample Program Budget

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

Financial Aid

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.

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Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
• Language Requirement: 2 years college
• Good academic standing
• No current disciplinary record
• An interview may be required

How to Apply

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.

• Apply Here

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More Information

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