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API: Experience Valparaíso, Chile (Scholarships Available)

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Location

Chile
- Valparaíso

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

Accounting Agriculture Architecture Biochemistry Biology Business Economics Education Engineering Environmental Studies Film Graphic Design Hispanic Studies History International Business Latin American Studies Law Literature Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Sciences Social Work +13

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

Bachelors

Housing

Host Family

Language

Spanish

Pricing

Price Details

Pre-Departure Services:
- Advising, @api Online Resources, Orientation Materials and Support, Peer Mentors, Social Networking, and Scholarships.

On-site Services:
- Airport Reception, Resident Director, API Center, On-Site Orientation, Housing (Including Meals and Laundry with Some Options), Tuition, Tutoring, Language and Culture Tools, Medical and Life Insurance, Excursions (Overnight, Day and International in some locations), Social and Cultural Activities, API Learning and Engagement Badge Program, Welcome and Farewell Group Meals, and Volunteer Opportunities.

Re-entry Services:
- Re-Entry Materials and Support, Post-Program Evaluation, Transcript, Alumni-Network, and Development Opportunities.

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Classes Some Meals Travel Insurance

Last Updated: May 06, 2024

Last Reviewed: Mar 13, 2013

Wish List

3 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Nicknamed “The Jewel of the Pacific”, Valparaíso was declared a UNESCO world heritage site based upon its improvised urban design and unique architecture. Founded in 1536, Valparaíso is not only one of Chile’s most important port cities, but it is also its third largest city. Valparaíso remains a source of inspiration for artists of all types, including the well-known Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda. Students can visit Neruda’s seaside home in Valparaíso, as well as the Chilean Congress. Offering strikingly beautiful views from the top of its numerous hills, it is reminiscent of San Francisco. Valparaíso is a city where students can amble away an afternoon exploring its steep and winding streets, peppered with colored houses and electric lines, and admire the sparkling Pacific Ocean below.

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Explore the capital city of Chile with API!

Study Abroad with API in the Heart of Santiago, Chile!

Program Highlights

A bustling port with beautiful Pacific views and a relaxed and Bohemian flair
40 “Cerros” or hills from which to witness the sparking ocean below
Vibrant and robust cultural scene, home to artists, street performers, and multiple festivals each year
Internships available in English and Spanish

Popular Programs

Spanish Language and Latin American Studies

API students studying at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) have the option of taking a Spanish language course at the beginning, intermediate or advanced level with other visiting international students, as well as elective coursework in English or Spanish. No minimum study of Spanish is required for Spanish language courses and English electives. Four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent is required for coursework in Spanish for study abroad students.

Business Internship for Advanced Spanish Speakers

Spend a remarkable summer in captivating Valparaíso, Chile, with API! This program invites advanced Spanish speakers to undertake a transformative business internship with a local organization in addition to coursework at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV). Elevate your resume, improve your language skills, expand your understanding of the Chilean economy and business culture and immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage city, known as "The Jewel of the Pacific."

Summer Chilean Culture and Spanish Language

We invite you to spend your summer with API in beautiful Chile at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. The seat of the Chilean National Congress, Valparaíso is also known for its relaxed and bohemian vibe. Study alongside students from around the world, improve your language skills, earn valuable academic credit. This program offers Spanish language classes at all levels in addition to courses focused on Chilean culture.

Program Reviews

4.00 Rating

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During the school year I knew I wanted to study abroad, as many graduates I have talked to along the way said that was the one thing they regret never doing. I was too far into my major, meaning if I went during the school year I'd have to push back graduation by a semester. Luckily, I found out API offers a fantastic summer program that could fulfill my wish.
I chose Chile over Espana and Europe because of expenses. I've also always been more attracted to the Latin culture due to their inviting, homey nature. I knew I wanted to improve my understanding and speaking of the Spanish language, as well as gain a strong sense of an outside culture. API sent me to PUCV in Valparaiso, and I was able to accomplish just that. The host family was fantastic. They were so welcoming, kind and caring. The location was great, very close proximity to not only the university, but also the downtown city, the beach, the malls and shops, the local sports stadium, etc.

Public transportation was great. I was a 2 minute walk from the metro. Taxis, buses, and 'colectivos' (taxis with predetermined routes, meaning much lower cost) literally passed by the doorstep. The highlight, however, is the university. While difficult at times, the classes were a necessary challenge to improve my language skills. The school offers many sport programs that international students are able to join, as well as a gym, weight room, dance/yoga studio, and a computer lab. Off-season classes are taken with international students only. The classes, however, are instructed in Spanish only.

Weekends will be packed with traveling and activities thanks to great on-location API directors. Keep in mind that the work load will be big, and the readings lengthy, but if you really want to boost your language skills and explore a new corner of the world, I recommend this program.

What would you improve about this program?

While this is a very minor complaint, the associated cellphone provider company had low quality phones, making reception and clarity of calls suffer. This is irrelevant to anyone with smart phones, however I am not one of those people.

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

API Chile alumni

What city did you study abroad in and for how long?

Michelle: I lived in Viña Del Mar, Chile through the program Academic Programs International, otherwise known as API. I lived with a host family of 5 people and had family dinners very regularly and a lot of great moments with them! I went to family events (such as baby showers and outings), but I had my own social life there, which provided me with a great balance! I attended university classes every day in the next city over called Valparaíso. I had classes with other American students but got to meet and interact with the local Chileans there as well.

Why did you decide to study with API?

Michelle: I had researched many different abroad programs on the Internet. I was not particularly happy with the organization of her first abroad program—which led me to find another! When I found API I looked further into their programs because they looked promising. As soon as I contacted their staff, I had prompt, respectful, and exciting answers right away! When I read the reviews they all seemed great, and she decided to go for it. To this day I am so entirely happy that I chose API, and wouldn’t have had it any other way!

What made this study abroad experience unique and special?

Michelle: This study abroad program was particularly special because the group was very small. They never had more than 12 students within API at the same university when she was there. This made it easy to become a small and close-knit family, which is exactly what happened. What was very special about API were the relationships between the students (with each other), and with their director. They always felt comfortable and at home with each other! The director also planned many excursions as a whole group (including plane trips to the dessert, and skiing in the Andes, etc). These not only let them get to know each other better, but also opened their eyes to even more culture, places, and exciting events that were available!

API students skiing

Another bonus was that the students were allowed to organize any outings and trips that they liked. My group went as far as organizing a bus ride through the mountains to Argentina, where we spent the nights in a hostel and got to paraglide off of the Andes Mountains! There was a lot of freedom and independence given from API. I made friendships that will last me a lifetime from this program (and I am even going to Texas to spend my spring break with four of the friends she met in Chile!)

How has this experience impacted your future?

Michelle: This experience has greatly impacted me. It has widened my cultural knowledge, given me important friendships, increased me language skills and ability, and made me want to study abroad for even a third time! I am even thinking about working for a study abroad company once I graduate, and have dedicated my major to Spanish, because I have grown to love the language even more. I would very highly recommend API!!!

About API

College students may study abroad with API in over two dozen countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. With a wide variety of courses offered in almost every major discipline and in various languages of instruction, it is easy for students to find a program that suits their academic interests. API offers high quality...