Viña del Mar
QUICK FACTS
| HOST INSTITUTION | Universidad de Viña del Mar |
|---|---|
| LANGUAGE & ACADEMICS | Open to all Spanish levels. Courses are available in English and Spanish. Subject areas include Spanish language, Film, Literature, Business, Politics, Social Issues, and Chilean Culture. |
| HOUSING | Chilean homestay |
| VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | Semester students in Viña del Mar will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities (not for credit). Summer students may also have the opportunity to volunteer. |
| SAMPLE DAY EXCURSIONS | Isla Negra: Pablo Neruda House & Museum; Valparaiso, Ruca Mapuche, Horseback Riding on the Beach |
| PROGRAM CALENDARS | Click here! |
THE CITY
Viña del Mar is a thriving coastal city of 320,000, boasting miles of beaches, warm and welcoming locals, and great nightlife. Located about 70 miles northwest of Santiago, it is Chile’s fourth largest city. As a major vacation destination, the population swells during the summer when people flock to Viña to enjoy the beaches, restaurants, ATP tennis tournament, and music festivals. (Just remember, the seasons in South America are the opposite of North America!)
Viña del Mar is just 5 miles from the city of Valparaíso, an UNESCO World Heritage City, and 10 miles from Concón, the gastronomic capital of Chile. Weekend travel to other Chilean cities, as well as other countries in South America, is easily accessible to students on any of the hundreds of inexpensive travel buses leaving hourly from Viña and Valparaíso.
Viña is known as the “university city” of Chile. It has been calculated that some 60,000 students from Chile and all over the world populate Viña and Valparaíso, making this area a haven for college students.
There is always plenty to do in your spare time! One favorite is the rustic beach town of Concón, where you can sample some of Chile’s best cuisine or go hiking or sand boarding on the rolling sand dunes. In winter, go skiing or snowboarding at one of the many ski resorts near Santiago. Less outdoorsy types will enjoy the Fonck Museum of Archaeology and History, a wonderful place to learn about the anthropology and culture of Chile and Easter Island.
COURSE OFFERINGS
SEMESTER & ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
SUMMER PROGRAMS
HOST INSTITUTION
Universidad de Viña del Mar
Founded in 1988, Universidad de Viña del Mar (UVM) is a private institution of higher education that has quickly become one of Chile’s most prestigious private universities. As a small university with approximately 5,000 enrolled students and few Americans, it is the perfect environment to easily integrate with Chilean students and receive plenty of personal attention from the faculty and International Office.
UVM is a modern university that prides itself on innovation and social responsibility. UVM is a pioneer in promoting new fields of study in Chile, such as Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources, and Architecture. In addition, UVM strives to create leaders with entrepreneurial spirit, who can be competitive in today’s global society. The university recognizes that the workplace is increasingly interdisciplinary, globalized, and competitive.
Universidad de Viña del Mar has several modern, centrally located campuses. Homestays typically live within walking distance. Campus facilities include ample classrooms, auditoriums, libraries, laboratories, amphitheater, gymnasium and sports complex, and a professional size soccer field.
Among the course offerings are Spanish language classes for all levels of ability (a placement exam will determine your level), as well as electives in both English and Spanish. If you pass into Intermediate or higher on the placement exam, you may enroll in classes taught in Spanish.
A highlight of the coursework for Intermediate and Advanced level students is the “Cultures in Contact” course. It creates an environment where American and Chilean students can learn about each other’s cultures and improve their language skills.
excursions
All ASA programs in Viña del Mar include at least 2 day excursions. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:
Valparaíso (day excursion) – Called “the Jewel of the Pacific,” this city was built on steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This UNESCO World Heritage Site embodies a rich architectural and cultural legacy. It houses Latin America’s oldest stock exchange, Chile’s first public library, as well as 15 extremely rare funicular railways.
Pablo Neruda House and Museum (day excursion) – Pablo Neruda was a Nobel Prize winning Chilean poet and is considered by many to be the greatest poet of the 20th century. Tour his house and museum on Isla Negra, where you can learn about his fascinating life – his passionate writings, controversial political involvement, and exile.
Semester programs typically include the following additional activities: Horseback riding on the beach, Hiking on Mount Campana, Ruca Mapuche.
EXPERIENCES
Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad. Here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you can have abroad with ASA!
Did you go abroad with ASA and have a memorable experience we should add to this list? Email us at hello@academicstudies.com!
HOUSING
Students live in Chilean homestays who will provide 3 meals a day and 1 load of laundry per week. All ASA student housing includes Internet access and is located in safe neighborhoods, within a reasonable distance from the university. Rooms are single occupancy. Bathrooms are shared. Homestays typically host 2-3 students at a time.
HOUSING FAQ
+ Can I room with a friend?
Yes, if there are no major differences in your and your friend's dietary needs and allergies, we are usually able to accommodate requests to live with a same-sex friend. Please keep in mind that roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back! You will complete a detailed Housing Questionnaire after being accepted to the program, and on this form you can request a roommate.
+ When will I find out where I’ll be living?
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. You will receive a description of your homestay and the location, and if there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
+ What if I don’t like my host family?
If it is a problem with the homestay and not a language or cultural misunderstanding, ASA will move you to a different homestay right away. We have on-site staff in every city who are there to help students with any issues they encounter while abroad, and who check in periodically with students throughout their stay to ensure all is well.
+ Will my host family speak English?
No, but there’s no need to worry! Living in a homestay is the best way for you to learn Spanish, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will improve. Also, don’t forget that they've hosted international students before, so they understand that you are there to learn their language and want to help you.
+ Will I have a roommate?
Rooms are single occupancy. Some homestays host more than one student at a time (typically 1-3 students per homestay) so while there could be other students in your housing, you will have your own room.
+ What should I bring with me?
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins. Please consider bringing a small gift for your host, such as a candle, kitchen towel, chocolates, etc.
+ What is the food like?
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Information for underrepresented groups considering Viña del Mar will be posted below soon. In the meantime, you can check out Diversity Abroad’s Chile Travel Guide.
If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please call us at 617-327-9388 or email hello@academicstudies.com.
ELIGIBILITY
Universidad de Viña del Mar
Summer/Semester/Academic Year
Requirements
Minimum GPA 2.5. (Students with GPA below 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.
At least 18 years of age
Graduated from high school
Transcript from most recent institution attended (unofficial is ok)
ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. You will need to provide ASA with a scan of your valid passport immediately after being accepted into the program if you did not upload it to your ASA application. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Participation in volunteer opportunities in Chile is an excellent way to immerse yourself in your host country’s way of life while helping those in need. In effect, this will add another dimension to the study abroad experience through daily exposure and interactions, resulting in a greater understanding of the language, culture, and community of the host country.
During the third week of the semester, the Universidad de Viña del Mar will have an information session about Volunteering, where you’ll have the chance to find out more and sign up if you want. Please note that these volunteer opportunities are not for credit. Summer students will also have the opportunity to do up to 18 hours of volunteer work.
The following are the volunteer opportunities in which students can participate:
Corporación “La Granja”
The Granja is a non-profit organization that teaches young adults with intellectual disabilities job skills, with the end goal of them finding employment within the community. Here students can assist the young adults with their daily duties, or work in their recycling center.
Hogar Niño Amor
At this home for foster children, students will have the opportunity to play with the children, who range from 11 months to 7 years old. Students who volunteer in the afternoons will also be able to help the older, school-aged children with their homework.
Jardín Botánico
The Jardín Botanico is a National Botanical Garden where students who like working outdoors with nature can help in the Greenhouse with seed collection and transplanting plants. Students will also help with regular beautification projects the Garden does on its grounds. Students who have an interest in biology could also help in the Garden’s laboratory with their ongoing research projects.
Colegio Paul Harris
Paul Harris is a public grade school with a strong emphasis on teaching English as a second language from an early age, in order to give their students a head start. Here students can help the English teachers in the classroom or work with their after-school program aimed at motivating their students to talk more in English through games, songs, and other activities.
Universidad de Viña del Mar
Students can be tutors to local students in the English as a Second Language program who are struggling with their class materials.
Sanatorio Marítimo
Sanatorio Marítimo Is a hospital for disabled children that also has a nursing home for abandoned elderly in Viña del Mar. Here students can help in the Special Education School as a Teacher’s Assistant or work in the Nursing home by assisting and spending time with the elderly residents.
Techo
Techo is a non-profit organization that provides various services to communities in precarious situations. In addition to building homes for needy families, Techo also offers several educational projects and community service intervention projects to neighborhoods throughout Chile. Students in the July Intensive program can have the opportunity to help with their house building projects.
Teletón
Teleón is a non-profit organization that offers physical therapy and kinesiology services to physically handicapped children and young adults who would otherwise not be able to access such treatments. Here volunteers will play with and spend time with the children while they wait to be attended.
COST & DATES
Billing Information and Cancellation Policy
Price Breakdowns / Estimated Costs of Attendance
Please wait to book a flight until you receive arrival instructions from ASA.
Universidad de Viña del Mar
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 Arrive March 2 - Depart July 13 | $12,795 | PROGRAM CLOSED | PROGRAM CLOSED | VMS24 |
| Summer I 2024 Arrive June 1- Depart June 29 | $5,295 | March 15, '24 | April 1, '24 | VMSU1-24 |
| Summer II 2024 Arrive June 29 - Depart July 27 | $5,295 | April 1, '24 | April 15, '24 | VMSU2-24 |
| Fall 2024 Arrive July 27 - Depart December 7 | $12,795 | Feb. 15, '24 | March 15, '24 | VMF24 |
WHAT’S INCLUDED
included
ROOM & BOARD in a Chilean homestay. 3 meals a day and 1 load of laundry per week are included.
TUITION for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.
ACADEMIC CREDITS: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Final transcript is issued by Universidad de Viña del Mar. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.
EXCURSIONS: 2 day excursions, locations to be decided
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES in and around Viña del Mar (museum visits, walking tours, etc.)
INTERNET ACCESS: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.
AIRPORT PICK-UP: Group ground transportation is provided from Santiago (SCL) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.
SITE DIRECTOR: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.
VISA ADVISING: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance as to which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to “Student Visa Information” to find out if a visa is required for your program.
PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION
SUBSCRIPTION TO SAFETURE SAFETY-ENHANCING MOBILE APP
SUBSCRIPTION TO MINDHAMOK: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs
NOT INCLUDED
Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location
Books, materials, lab fees
Local transportation
Personal expenses
Meals on excursions
Visa, Reciprocity Fee (if required)
Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time
Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program
For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions.
If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance for your financial aid office, or if you simply want an estimate of the not-included costs listed above, please click here.