Study Abroad in Valparaíso

My experience in Valparaíso, Chile, was phenominal. My host family welcomed me into their home with open arms, fed me, patiently answered all my questions about public transportation and Chilean life, and by the end of the program, had become very good friends of mine. The city is overflowing with opportunities to meet Chileans, observe and participate in cultural events, sample traditional dishes, and get lost among colorful houses in the 40-something hills bordering the city center. Academics are made-to-order; the program offers (and encourages) direct enrollment at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV), but offers a few of its own courses for international students only. The PUCV's academic buildings are scattered throughout Valpo and its neighbor Viña del Mar, which can make scheduling tricky for liberal arts students who want to take classes in multiple departments. However, public transportation is excellent, and getting to class is never a problem. The city is relatively safe, but locals warn against "walking distracted" - more than one student was robbed while I was there. In any event, the CIEE staff are incredibly supportive, and work hard to help students with anything from major life crises to scheduling doctor appointments. The city is a 1-2-hour bus ride from Santiago, making it easy to travel to Santiago and other parts of the country (which is ecologically quite diverse). Chile is a developed country with all the goods and services a person could need, a rich history, and a unique and fascinating culture. Bring your own Reese's cups - they're hard to find in Chile.