Location: Valparaíso, Chile - Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

Dates

Trip Dates: May 23 - July 5, 2013

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 1, 2013 - APPLY NOW!

Program

Villanova University invites applications for its exciting six-week summer program in the little known secret of South America---Chile. Students will experience a complete immersion into the culture and society of Chile through home-stays with carefully picked local families, diverse and friendly courses on topics of contemporary relevance, and guided study tours in Valparaíso, Santiago, and the Central Region. Chile challenges even the most astute observer from abroad, as it boasts the fastest growing economy, highest Human Development Index (HDI), highest literacy rate, most transparent government, and the best democracy in Latin America. Yet it is also quintessentially Latin with all the allure and aura of a culture enriched by the indigenous, Iberian, and other influences. Sandwiched between the gorgeous Andes mountain ranges and the blue Pacific Ocean, Chile is unquestionably the Switzerland of the Western Hemisphere. The country stretches from the warm beaches of Arica and Iquique in the North to the green lakes and snowcapped glaciers of Patagonia in the South.

Additional Academic Requirements

• 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale; non-Villanova students must submit a recent official university transcript of their undergraduate work.
• University student status without disciplinary or academic probation, and/or financial holds on VU account.
  
• At least intermediate college-level Spanish language training prior to departure is required.
• Attendance at all orientation sessions mandatory; non-Villanova students must contact Dr. Adriana Merino for the orientation materials.

Housing and Meals

Students will be placed with carefully selected Chilean families in the Valparaíso and Viña del Mar region, and thus will have an opportunity to be part of the daily life of the city and its people. All meals will be taken with the families, or at local restaurants and hotels while on field trips.

Field Trips

Past programs have traveled Santiago, the homes of Pablo Neruda, Pomaire, the Andes, and weekend trips to Cajón del Maipo, and La Serena, its museums and the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral. For 2013, we have added an excursion to Argentina! Dr. Merino can provide additional information on this newly added excursion.

Courses

Students are required to take a total of six-credits on this program.

• SPA 1131-1132 Spanish Conversation and Composition
  Intensive practice in conversation and composition with emphasis on developing advanced Spanish language skills - 6 credits.
  
  
• SPA 3412-003 Globalization, Culture, and Society in Chile
  An insider’s peek into the contours of Chilean culture and society through an analysis of contemporary cultural trends under globalization - 3 credits.
  
  
• PSC 6875 Modern Political History of the Southern Cone
  Why are the patterns of political development different in Chile and the Southern Cone? A critical analysis of the political evolution in a historical and institutional context - 3 credits.
  
  
• ECO 4200-001 Business Culture in Chile
  Why has Chile fared so well in its economic performance compared to the rest of the region? A critical look at the forces shaping business administration and the forces shaping the Chilean economic miracle - 3 credits.
  
  
• LAS 5000-001 Internship
  Exciting internship opportunities with major political institutions and leaders, businesses, law firms, financial institutions, social service agencies, and humanitarian organizations. Generally requires 2 weeks of intensive Spanish lessons relevant to the institutional context of the internship plus 4 weeks of practicum at the site, located in the general vicinity of Valparaiso, Vina del mar, and Santiago. Internships are limited and students will interview for placements once they have arrived on-site in Valparaiso - 3 credits.
  

* Additional language instruction may be arranged to meet student needs

All area studies courses are taught by faculty from the Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Lectures are normally in Spanish. Language instruction is arranged to meet the participants' needs.

NOTICE: Villanova University reserves the right to modify or cancel the program if circumstances warrant.