Location
  • Chile
    • Valparaíso
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Host Family
Language
Spanish

Pricing

Starting Price
10000
Price Details
Pre-Departure Services:
- Advising, @api Online Resources, Orientation Materials and Support, Mobile Phone, Peer Mentors, Social Networking, and Scholarships.

On-site Services:
- Airport Reception, Resident Director, API Center, On-Site Orientation, Housing (Including Meals and Laundry with Some Options), Tuition, Tutoring, Language and Culture Tools, Medical and Life Insurance, Excursions (Overnight, Day and International in some locations), Social and Cultural Activities, API Learning and Engagement Badge Program, Welcome and Farewell Group Meals, and Volunteer Opportunities.

Re-entry Services:
- Re-Entry Materials and Support, Post-Program Evaluation, Transcript, Alumni-Network, and Development Opportunities.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes Some Meals Travel Insurance Wifi
Jul 29, 2019
Feb 18, 2013
0 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

API has partnered with the esteemed Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María to offer students the chance to live and study abroad in Chile. This is one of Chile's oldest universities, and was designed to provide opportunities for academically-gifted Chilean students to study science and technology, regardless of their social class. Today, the University is recognized as one of the best universities in Chile for science, engineering and technology.

Visiting international students complete an intensive Spanish course prior to the start of the regular academic semester, during which they complete coursework in English and Spanish alongside their Chilean peers. For this reason, it is highly recommended that students have a strong understanding of the Spanish language before applying for this program.

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with API for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

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Scholarships

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API Scholarships and Financial Aid Information

API awards approximately $500,000 in study abroad scholarships annually ranging from $250 -$1,000 per student.

Value
$250 - $1,000

Program Reviews

4.50 Rating
based on 2 reviews
  • 5 rating 50%
  • 4 rating 50%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.5
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 4.5
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Default avatar
albirroja
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Challenge yourself

During the school year I knew I wanted to study abroad, as many graduates I have talked to along the way said that was the one thing they regret never doing. I was too far into my major meaning if I went during the school year I'd have to push back graduation by a semester. Luckily, I found out API offers a fantastic summer program to fulfill my wish.

I chose Chile over Espana and Europe because of expenses. I've also always been more attracted to the Latin culture due to their inviting, homey attitude. I knew I wanted to improve my understanding and speaking of the Spanish language, as well as gain a strong sense of an outside culture. API sent me to PUCV in Valparaiso, and I was able to accomplish just that. The host family was fantastic. They were so welcoming, kind and caring. The location was great, very close proximity to not only the university, but also the downtown city, the beach, the malls and shops, the local stadium, etc.

Public transportation was great. I was a 2 minute walk from the metro. Taxis, buses, and 'colectivos' (taxis with predetermined routes, meaning much lower cost) literally passed by the doorstep. The highlight, however, is the university. While difficult at times, the classes were a necessary challenge to improve my language skills. The school offers many sport programs that international students are able to join, as well as a gym, weight room, dance/yoga studio, and a computer lab. Off-season classes are taken with international students only. The classes, however, are instructed in Spanish only.

Weekends will be packed with traveling and activities thanks to great on-location API directors. Keep in mind that the work load will be big, and the readings lengthy, but if you really want to boost your language skills and explore a new corner of the world, I recommend this program.

What would you improve about this program?
While this is a very minor complaint, the associated cellphone provider company had low quality phones, making reception and clarity of calls suffer. This is irrelevant to anyone with smart phones, however I am not one of those people.
73 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Michelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing API

My travel abroad program with API was one of the best experiences (if not the best), that I have had thus far in my life. I not only made friendships that will last a lifetime but I got to know an entirely new culture, go on excursions, enhance my language skills, and learn how to handle difficult situations with a foreign country! While I was abroad, towards the end of my trip, I had an unfortunate encounter with a dog. I was attacked while walking home one night and bitten through my pants. The dogs bite broke through my skin and I was than required to have a series of rabies shots and visits to the nearest hospital. I was able to call my API director (onsite) even though it was late that night and she answered right away. She went with me to some of the hospital visits as well as my host family. My API director (Karla), made sure I was healthy, and she supported me through the entire process! She was fantastic. This is just one of the many instances where API truly came through, and made my experience the best it could be.

What would you improve about this program?
I would have selected the host families more carefully. Some of the neighborhoods and host families were not the best, and they need to be screened before we (the students), arrive.
65 people found this review helpful.
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