Chilean Culture and Spanish Language Summer Program
What's Included
Students who choose to study abroad in Valparaíso in API’s Chilean Culture and Spanish Language Program have the opportunity to complete 6 semester credits of language and culture coursework.
Entry requirement: valid passport with supporting documents
Program Details
What You’ll Study
TOTAL CREDITS - 6 credits per session (up to 12 total)
Students who choose to study abroad in Valparaíso in API’s Chilean Culture and Spanish Language Program have the opportunity to complete 6 semester credits of language and culture coursework.
Beginning and intermediate-level Spanish speakers can select from a Spanish grammar course, a conversation and culture course, or English-taught electives.
Advanced Spanish speakers may choose to complete a grammar course along with an elective course or simply select two elective courses.
All courses are available only to visiting international students and are taught in Spanish. All courses are equivalent to three semester credits.
TRANSCRIPTS
API students receive a transcript from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso upon completion of their program.
Courses
COURSE OFFERINGS
Participating students complete two courses per session, in accordance with their Spanish levels. Language levels are determined by an on-site placement test, administered by the host institution.
CREDIT INFORMATION
API’s university partners in Chile operate according to the contact hour system; the number of credits earned depends on the time spent in class with a professor. To determine the conversion of contact hours to U.S. semester credits, similarly, divide the Chilean contact hours in a given course by 15.
Conversación y cultura chilena (Beginning Conversation and Chilean Culture)
This course seeks to improve students’ intercultural communicative competence by developing listening, speaking and writing skills, with a particular emphasis on comprehension skills and speaking. Students focus on the concept of multiculturalism throughout the course.
This grammar course is designed to introduce students to the rules of the Spanish language and teach students how to communicate basic needs. Specific areas to be covered include: word order; indicative, subjunctive and imperative verbs; simple and compound tenses; the use of the subjunctive in simple sentences; use of ser and estar; commonly-used prepositions (of, with, por vs para); simple, compound and complex sentences.
This course will examine the evolution, approaches, and debates regarding Human Rights in Latin America during the 20th and 21st centuries, paying particular attention to the Chilean case. Students will focus on the interdisciplinary study of human rights as a concept, as a set of laws and institutions, and as a set of political and cultural practices.
Identity Issues in Contemporary Latin American History: An Intercultural approach
This course will work with a limited number of texts of primary as well as secondary nature that displays central problems in the identity traditions in the 20th century in Latin American thought. The modules will be based on different themes related to identity throughout contemporary Latin American History and each theme will be centered on the questions and the problems that have sparked its existence. Themes will include discussions on race, name, origin, authority as well as ideas on dependency and liberation.
This course is designed to acquaint students with Hispanic American literary works. Students will explore the contemporary experience of Hispanic Americans through readings and how these works represent not only an intersection between cultures but also a culture in itself. The course will examine how issues of sex, race, class, and education have an impact on Latino(a) self-definition and community identity.
Conversación y cultura chilena (Intermediate Conversation and Chilean Culture)
This course seeks to improve students’ intercultural communicative competence by developing listening, speaking and writing skills, with a particular emphasis on comprehension skills and speaking. Students focus on the concept of multiculturalism throughout the course.
This intermediate-level grammar course seeks to improve conversational skills and knowledge of grammar rules. Specific areas to be covered include: pronouns, interrogative pronouns, direct and indirect objects, the reflexive “se”, uses of ser and estar, the ‘preterite’ tense, subjunctive mood, value of time, adverbial clauses and prepositions.
Cine y literatura latinoamericanos (Latin American Film and Literature)
This course aims to study the relationship between literature and Latin American cinema considering the main trends in the 20th century. It reviews the aesthetic aspects of form and content to highlight ways of re-appropriation of cultural imagery in the context of literary tradition and film.
Conversación y cultura chilena (Advanced Conversation and Chilean Culture)
This course seeks to improve students’ intercultural communicative competence by developing listening, speaking and writing skills, with a particular emphasis on comprehension skills and speaking. Students focus on the concept of multiculturalism throughout the course.
This course will help students to analyze more complex grammar rules and apply them in daily communication. Specific topics to be covered include: determinants, adjectives, pronouns, verbal phrases, auxiliary verbs (haber, ser, estar), the passive tense, composite forms, indicative vs subjective, and code-switching.
Historia sociopolítica de América Latina, siglos XX-XXI (Sociopolitical History of Latin America, 19th-20th Centuries)
The political history of Latin America during the 19th and 20th centuries is nothing but a relentless pursuit to achieve political stability. This course aims to have students question whether political order derives from economic structure, social and cultural development and what factors complicate the establishment of political stability. Students study efforts to general more political participation and economic equity.
Literatura hispanoamericana contemporánea (Contemporary Hispanic American Literature)
This course is designed for visiting international students and seeks to explore the historical, social and cultural perspectives that influence contemporary Hispanic American literature by studying its principle characters, works and issues.
This is a theoretical-practical course oriented specifically at the communication contexts as well as the topics and roles that characterize the institutional-labor framework of business in Valparaíso –Viña del Mar. The course will have an emphasis on the development of both oral and written comprehension, expression and interaction through formal and informal communicative activities with authentic texts related specifically to business.
This is a theoretical-practical course oriented specifically at the communication contexts as well as the topics and roles that characterize the institutional-labor framework of health. The course will have an emphasis on the development of both oral and written comprehension, expression and interaction through formal and informal communicative activities with authentic texts related specifically to health in Valparaíso –Viña del Mar.
Conversación y cultura chilena (Beginning Conversation and Chilean Culture)
This course seeks to improve students’ intercultural communicative competence by developing listening, speaking and writing skills, with a particular emphasis on comprehension skills and speaking. Students focus on the concept of multiculturalism throughout the course.
This grammar course is designed to introduce students to the rules of the Spanish language and teach students how to communicate basic needs. Specific areas to be covered include: word order; indicative, subjunctive and imperative verbs; simple and compound tenses; the use of the subjunctive in simple sentences; use of ser and estar; commonly-used prepositions (of, with, por vs para); simple, compound and complex sentences.
This course will examine the evolution, approaches, and debates regarding Human Rights in Latin America during the 20th and 21st centuries, paying particular attention to the Chilean case. Students will focus on the interdisciplinary study of human rights as a concept, as a set of laws and institutions, and as a set of political and cultural practices.
Identity Issues in Contemporary Latin American History: An Intercultural approach
This course will work with a limited number of texts of primary as well as secondary nature that displays central problems in the identity traditions in the 20th century in Latin American thought. The modules will be based on different themes related to identity throughout contemporary Latin American History and each theme will be centered on the questions and the problems that have sparked its existence. Themes will include discussions on race, name, origin, authority as well as ideas on dependency and liberation.
This course is designed to acquaint students with Hispanic American literary works. Students will explore the contemporary experience of Hispanic Americans through readings and how these works represent not only an intersection between cultures but also a culture in itself. The course will examine how issues of sex, race, class, and education have an impact on Latino(a) self-definition and community identity.
Conversación y cultura chilena (Intermediate Conversation and Chilean Culture)
This course seeks to improve students’ intercultural communicative competence by developing listening, speaking and writing skills, with a particular emphasis on comprehension skills and speaking. Students focus on the concept of multiculturalism throughout the course.
This intermediate-level grammar course seeks to improve conversational skills and knowledge of grammar rules. Specific areas to be covered include: pronouns, interrogative pronouns, direct and indirect objects, the reflexive “se”, uses of ser and estar, the ‘preterite’ tense, subjunctive mood, value of time, adverbial clauses and prepositions.
Cine y literatura latinoamericanos (Latin American Film and Literature)
This course aims to study the relationship between literature and Latin American cinema considering the main trends in the 20th century. It reviews the aesthetic aspects of form and content to highlight ways of re-appropriation of cultural imagery in the context of literary tradition and film.
Conversación y cultura chilena (Advanced Conversation and Chilean Culture)
This course seeks to improve students’ intercultural communicative competence by developing listening, speaking and writing skills, with a particular emphasis on comprehension skills and speaking. Students focus on the concept of multiculturalism throughout the course.
This course will help students to analyze more complex grammar rules and apply them in daily communication. Specific topics to be covered include: determinants, adjectives, pronouns, verbal phrases, auxiliary verbs (haber, ser, estar), the passive tense, composite forms, indicative vs subjective, and code-switching.
Historia sociopolítica de América Latina, siglos XX-XXI (Sociopolitical History of Latin America, 19th-20th Centuries)
The political history of Latin America during the 19th and 20th centuries is nothing but a relentless pursuit to achieve political stability. This course aims to have students question whether political order derives from economic structure, social and cultural development and what factors complicate the establishment of political stability. Students study efforts to general more political participation and economic equity.
Literatura hispanoamericana contemporánea (Contemporary Hispanic American Literature)
This course is designed for visiting international students and seeks to explore the historical, social and cultural perspectives that influence contemporary Hispanic American literature by studying its principle characters, works and issues.
This is a theoretical-practical course oriented specifically at the communication contexts as well as the topics and roles that characterize the institutional-labor framework of business in Valparaíso –Viña del Mar. The course will have an emphasis on the development of both oral and written comprehension, expression and interaction through formal and informal communicative activities with authentic texts related specifically to business.
This is a theoretical-practical course oriented specifically at the communication contexts as well as the topics and roles that characterize the institutional-labor framework of health. The course will have an emphasis on the development of both oral and written comprehension, expression and interaction through formal and informal communicative activities with authentic texts related specifically to health in Valparaíso –Viña del Mar.
Conversación y cultura chilena (Beginning Conversation and Chilean Culture)
This course seeks to improve students’ intercultural communicative competence by developing listening, speaking and writing skills, with a particular emphasis on comprehension skills and speaking. Students focus on the concept of multiculturalism throughout the course.
This grammar course is designed to introduce students to the rules of the Spanish language and teach students how to communicate basic needs. Specific areas to be covered include: word order; indicative, subjunctive and imperative verbs; simple and compound tenses; the use of the subjunctive in simple sentences; use of ser and estar; commonly-used prepositions (of, with, por vs para); simple, compound and complex sentences.
This course will examine the evolution, approaches, and debates regarding Human Rights in Latin America during the 20th and 21st centuries, paying particular attention to the Chilean case. Students will focus on the interdisciplinary study of human rights as a concept, as a set of laws and institutions, and as a set of political and cultural practices.
Identity Issues in Contemporary Latin American History: An Intercultural approach
This course will work with a limited number of texts of primary as well as secondary nature that displays central problems in the identity traditions in the 20th century in Latin American thought. The modules will be based on different themes related to identity throughout contemporary Latin American History and each theme will be centered on the questions and the problems that have sparked its existence. Themes will include discussions on race, name, origin, authority as well as ideas on dependency and liberation.
This course is designed to acquaint students with Hispanic American literary works. Students will explore the contemporary experience of Hispanic Americans through readings and how these works represent not only an intersection between cultures but also a culture in itself. The course will examine how issues of sex, race, class, and education have an impact on Latino(a) self-definition and community identity.
Conversación y cultura chilena (Intermediate Conversation and Chilean Culture)
This course seeks to improve students’ intercultural communicative competence by developing listening, speaking and writing skills, with a particular emphasis on comprehension skills and speaking. Students focus on the concept of multiculturalism throughout the course.
This intermediate-level grammar course seeks to improve conversational skills and knowledge of grammar rules. Specific areas to be covered include: pronouns, interrogative pronouns, direct and indirect objects, the reflexive “se”, uses of ser and estar, the ‘preterite’ tense, subjunctive mood, value of time, adverbial clauses and prepositions.
Cine y literatura latinoamericanos (Latin American Film and Literature)
This course aims to study the relationship between literature and Latin American cinema considering the main trends in the 20th century. It reviews the aesthetic aspects of form and content to highlight ways of re-appropriation of cultural imagery in the context of literary tradition and film.
Conversación y cultura chilena (Advanced Conversation and Chilean Culture)
This course seeks to improve students’ intercultural communicative competence by developing listening, speaking and writing skills, with a particular emphasis on comprehension skills and speaking. Students focus on the concept of multiculturalism throughout the course.
This course will help students to analyze more complex grammar rules and apply them in daily communication. Specific topics to be covered include: determinants, adjectives, pronouns, verbal phrases, auxiliary verbs (haber, ser, estar), the passive tense, composite forms, indicative vs subjective, and code-switching.
Historia sociopolítica de América Latina, siglos XX-XXI (Sociopolitical History of Latin America, 19th-20th Centuries)
The political history of Latin America during the 19th and 20th centuries is nothing but a relentless pursuit to achieve political stability. This course aims to have students question whether political order derives from economic structure, social and cultural development and what factors complicate the establishment of political stability. Students study efforts to general more political participation and economic equity.
Literatura hispanoamericana contemporánea (Contemporary Hispanic American Literature)
This course is designed for visiting international students and seeks to explore the historical, social and cultural perspectives that influence contemporary Hispanic American literature by studying its principle characters, works and issues.
This is a theoretical-practical course oriented specifically at the communication contexts as well as the topics and roles that characterize the institutional-labor framework of business in Valparaíso –Viña del Mar. The course will have an emphasis on the development of both oral and written comprehension, expression and interaction through formal and informal communicative activities with authentic texts related specifically to business.
This is a theoretical-practical course oriented specifically at the communication contexts as well as the topics and roles that characterize the institutional-labor framework of health. The course will have an emphasis on the development of both oral and written comprehension, expression and interaction through formal and informal communicative activities with authentic texts related specifically to health in Valparaíso –Viña del Mar.
API students participate in several excursions per session designed to help familiarize them with areas of their host city, country, and surrounding region. The following is a listing of all excursions for API Valparaíso programs. All excursions are subject to change.
Aromatics Farm
Be prepared for a sensory delight! API students will enjoy visiting an organic farm that produces oils used for aromatherapy. Students will participate in a hands-on demonstration of how the oils are produced, starting with a tour of the gardens where the herbs are grown to the packaging of the final product.
Santiago
Housing more than one-third of the total Chilean population, Santiago defines Chile for many visitors. It is a thriving metropolis with a wealth of museums, restaurants and other cultural activities. Surrounded by mountains, the city’s cleanliness and order enthrall visitors. With its mixture of architecture reminiscent of both Europe and the United States, visitors from around the world feel comfortable in this most modern of Chilean cities.
Vineyard
Chile is widely recognized for the quality of its wines, especially Carmenere, a variety of grape that was once close to extinction due to a plague in France. Students have the opportunity to learn more about Chilean wine and its roots dating back to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.
Aromatics Farm
Be prepared for a sensory delight! API students will enjoy visiting an organic farm that produces oils used for aromatherapy. Students will participate in a hands-on demonstration of how the oils are produced, starting with a tour of the gardens where the herbs are grown to the packaging of the final product.
Santiago
Housing more than one-third of the total Chilean population, Santiago defines Chile for many visitors. It is a thriving metropolis with a wealth of museums, restaurants and other cultural activities. Surrounded by mountains, the city’s cleanliness and order enthrall visitors. With its mixture of architecture reminiscent of both Europe and the United States, visitors from around the world feel comfortable in this most modern of Chilean cities.
Vineyard
Chile is widely recognized for the quality of its wines, especially Carmenere, a variety of grape that was once close to extinction due to a plague in France. Students have the opportunity to learn more about Chilean wine and its roots dating back to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.
Isla Negra
Isla Negra was made famous by the decision of Pablo Neruda, one of Chile’s greatest poets, to establish a home there. Neruda described the island to be a place where “todo florece” (“everything flourishes”). Today, the island is filled with artists and writers and considered as an amazing source of creative inspiration.
Trekking at La Campana National Park
Students will have an entertaining trek in the beautiful National Park of “La Campana” in the rural town of Olmué, just 30 km from Viña del Mar. Here there is a World Biosphere Reserve with forests of Palma Chilena, a species on the verge of extinction. This stop was part of Charles Darwin’s voyage in the early 1800s! Students will also have the opportunity to visit a historic church and learn about the artisanal work of a local goat cheese factory.
Santiago
Housing more than one-third of the total Chilean population, Santiago defines Chile for many visitors. It is a thriving metropolis with a wealth of museums, restaurants and other cultural activities. Surrounded by mountains, the city’s cleanliness and order enthrall visitors. With its mixture of architecture reminiscent of both Europe and the United States, visitors from around the world feel comfortable in this most modern of Chilean cities.
Isla Negra
Isla Negra was made famous by the decision of Pablo Neruda, one of Chile’s greatest poets, to establish a home there. Neruda described the island to be a place where “todo florece” (“everything flourishes”). Today, the island is filled with artists and writers and considered as an amazing source of creative inspiration.
Trekking at La Campana National Park
Students will have an entertaining trek in the beautiful National Park of “La Campana” in the rural town of Olmué, just 30 km from Viña del Mar. Here there is a World Biosphere Reserve with forests of Palma Chilena, a species on the verge of extinction. This stop was part of Charles Darwin’s voyage in the early 1800s! Students will also have the opportunity to visit a historic church and learn about the artisanal work of a local goat cheese factory.
Housing
Semester and summer students living in Valparaíso will live with local host families in either Valparaíso or nearby Viña del Mar. In Chile, API places one student per family, and all students have a private bedroom. Host families serve as a unique introduction to Chilean culture and may be made up of a retirement-age couple, a single woman with or without children, or a traditional two-parent household. Students are provided with two to three meals per day, as well as laundry service once per week. Generally, if a student is at the university during the family’s lunch hour, the host mother will prepare a light meal for the student to bring to the university or lunch is saved for the student and eaten later.
