FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS This FAQ is arranged according to the different stages that you must meet in order to participate in one of our special programs. Also, you can download this information through the attached PDF file. 1-Before Applying What short term programs does PUCV offer? PUCV offers the following short-term programs: Chilean Summer break (January, February) January 4 weeks February 3-4 weeks US Summer break (May, June July) Summer 1 5 weeks Summer 2 5 weeks The specific dates for each program are available in the respective link. What is included in these programs? All of our short term programs listed above include the following services: 1- Airport pick-up. Transportation from Santiago International airport to Valparaíso/Viña del Mar (this service is only available during official arrival dates) 2- Airport drop-off. Transportation from Valparaiso/ Viña del Mar to Santiago International airport (this service is only available during official departure dates) 3- Valparaiso walking tours. Two walking tours in Valparaiso. The tours are guided by PUCV students 4- Extra academic activities. Students are invited to participate in several weekly activities like sports and conversational sessions; all of the activities are with Chilean students. The purpose is for international students to practice Spanish
5. - Emergency assistance. In case of students having an emergency during weekends or outoffice hours, they can contact the program coordinator 6. - Basic medical attention. The university has a small medical center to which international students enrolled in short term program have access too. This medical center is suitable for minor medial issues such as sore throat, colds, allergies, etc. The medical center does not function during the month of February due to vacations 7. - Computers with internet access. Students have access to a computer lab that s exclusive for international students. There is a limited amount of free printings per students. 2- Application Process Who can apply? Anyone over 18 years old who is willing to learn or improve Spanish. You do not have to be enrolled in a university to participate in these programs. When do I apply? If you are interested in applying to a short term program, usually the application deadline is two months previous to when the program begins. Deadlines are available on the program website. How much and when am I able to pay for the program? The fees for each program - application, tuition and home stay fee- are available in the program website. You must pay the bill during the second week of the program, once the program staff gives you an invoice that you must pay at the University treasurer. You can write a check, or pay with credit or debit card. Make sure that if you pay with credit card, your local bank is informed about the transaction, if not, they probably wont allow it. What must be submitted with the study abroad application? All students applying for a short term program must submit the following documents: Complete application form Health insurance policy Motivation letter
Passport copy Transcripts Non-refundable application fee: 100USD How long will it take to know if I have been accepted once my application is reviewed? Once we received your application, you should expect a response by email within one week following since that date. 3-Before Arriving Do I need a student visa? If you study at PUCV just for a short term program you will not need a student visa. You will need a student visa in case you are also participating of a long term program. Do I need to certify a specific Spanish level? Prior knowledge of Spanish is not required; our beginner level is aimed at students that are just beginning learning Spanish. There are other levels intermediate and advanced- that are suitable for students that have taken several classes of Spanish before. Will I get credit for the classes? Yes, every student of a short term program takes 2 classes. In case of January, February, Summer 1 and Summer 2 programs every class has 3 credits. Do I need health insurance abroad? Yes, all international students must have international health insurance converge. This insurance must cover all expenses derived from illness or accident while in Chile and be valid for all your stay in the country.
4- Housing What are my housing options? Students have 2 options: 1. Home stay (Chilean families): service provided by PUCV (recommended) 2. Independent: If you decide not to stay with a Chilean family, we can contact you with an agency that provides independent housing information (Hostels, apartments, residencies). PUCV it is not responsible for independent housing. When you submit your application form you must declare your preference of housing. What services does the home stay include? To stay with a host Chilean family includes the following services: 3 meals per day Private room Laundry Safety box I am vegetarian/vegan/kosher. Are there home stays available that can accommodate my needs? Yes, we have a wide data base of families to accommodate your special needs. Make you that on your home stay application you are very specific about your needs, this way our Housing coordinator will be able to place you on a suitable family. Am I able to change family if I m not comfortable with the one assigned? Yes, if for any reason the student does not feel comfortable with the host family, the student can immediately contact the program staff, and then they look for a new family as soon as possible. 5- During the Program
Is there an orientation session? Yes, the first day of the program is dedicated to have an orientation session in which we will introduce you to PUCV and the work we do at the international office, you will be able to meet all of the other Summer programs students and you will also have to take a Spanish placement test that will help us confirm the information you put on your application. You will also register for your classes, which begin the next day. Will I receive academic advice? Yes, during orientation you will meet our Academic coordinator, he will give you advice on what level and what classes are suitable for you. And if during your stay you need to consult anything with him he is available during office hours. Are the extra academic activities mandatory? No, all of the extra academic activities included in these programs are voluntary, but we do encourage you to participate in them. Is the material for the classes included? Yes, all of the reading material is included. The professors are responsible for providing the material to the students. Is there a minimum assistance required? Yes, in order to pass all of your classes you need a minimum of 90% attendance. 6- After the Program When do I get my transcripts? Transcripts are issued within the month after the program has finished. You should expect en email with the digital copy of the official transcript. You should let us know if you need that PUCV sends paper transcripts to your home university. The information on my transcript is not correct name, classes I took, grades, etc. Who should I contact? If there is any problem with your transcript, especially if you do not agree with the grade that the professor gave you, you have a maximum of 15 days to send an email to Carolina Elgueta
- carolina.elgueta@ucv.cl - and make a formal complaint in order to get your grade review. Who do I contact for more Information? You should contact the following staff: 1-Ms. Macarena Guerrero Short Term Programs Assistant programa.especial@ucv.cl 2-Ms. Carolina Elgueta Short Term Programs Coordinator carolina.elgueta@ucv.cl