Description
The Liberal Arts program enables students to gain firsthand knowledge of contemporary issues and cultural patterns, helping them better understand Chilean society and develop a critical appreciation of Chilean history and identity. This is accomplished through CIEE courses, cultural activities, and excursions. The program also meets the academic needs of students through regular course matriculation at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV). In addition, the program aims to help students perfect their Spanish language skills through daily interaction in the local community and through volunteer opportunities.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, Chile began welcoming participants in 1997. It is an attractive option for several reasons, including the academic offerings available at PUCV, as well as the student-friendly nature of both Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. The program is intended for students who have at least six semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent, and are looking for a program that permits direct enrollment with Chilean university students, along with provides personalized instruction and support through both academic and non-academic activities. Given the array of disciplines and courses available to participants, the program is suitable for undergraduate students with strong Spanish language skills from a variety of majors. All courses are taught in Spanish.

Academic Culture
Average class size is 20 to 30 students, and CIEE students may be the only foreigners in some fields of study. The teaching style tends to be lecture format, with emphasis placed on memorization and note-taking. It can take awhile to learn how to study effectively in the Chilean system, especially in terms of acquiring reading material and knowing what the professor expects. Chilean classmates are often an excellent source of help. University life is quite different in Chile compared to the United States, since the Chilean university is primarily a professional school. While CIEE students have the opportunity to study in almost every department, this is not the case for Chilean students, who study in one discipline area exclusively. The academic year program includes two semesters of study and can begin either during the North American fall or spring semester. Academic year students who begin their studies during the North American fall semester have a nearly three-month break between semesters. There is a break of about two weeks between the (North American) spring and fall semesters.

Subject Areas
Arts, Biology (General), Business, Culture, Education, Engineering, Engineering (Computer), Engineering (Mechanical), Environmental Studies, Geography, History, Latin American Studies, Legal Studies, Literature, Music, Music - Vocal Performance, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spanish and Theology

Cost Includes
The CIEE fees for 2010-11 include tuition, housing, all meals, an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and sup- port, orientation, such immersion activities as language partners and volunteer opportunities, a comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, scheduled activities, field trips, host institution identity card, and a CIEE iNext travel card, which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

This Program is open to
Worldwide Participants.
.

Participants Travel to Chile
Independently

Scholarships Are Available
 - We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

CIEE's Mission Statement
Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.