THE PROGRAM
The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV), founded in 1928, has established itself as one of the most prestigious, traditional higher educational institutions in Chile. The student body numbers over 14,000 students. The PUCV facilities include a modern library system, sport centers, specialized laboratories, and recreational centers. The university runs a television channel, radio station, and film storehouse. 

The Valparaiso, Chile program is run through ISEP - the world's largest network of universities cooperating to provide international education experiences for their students. UW-Eau Claire is an ISEP Affiliate member, which gives our students access to ISEP-Direct.

THE LOCATION
The university is composed of different campuses and university centers located in the main cities of the Valparaíso region. The region combines beautiful weather, wonderful beaches and the splendid Cordillera de Los Andes. With a population of more than one million, the region has a multicultural flavor. The city of Valparaíso is the cultural and legislative capital, and the main commercial harbor, of Chile. Seventy miles from the capital city of Chile, Santiago, Valparaíso fascinates visitors with its history, geography, and architecture.

HOUSING & MEALS
During the program you will be living with a host family, which offers an excellent opportunity for you to learn about family life in Chile, meet locals, and practice your Spanish on a daily basis! 

Accommodations are arranged with carefully selected host families. In general only one student is placed per family; in all cases, you will have your own room.

Past participants report that the informal learning with their family was as important as their classwork to their academic experience. In the words of a past student, "I was so glad to live with a host family rather than in a hotel or dorm. It was a great cultural experience."

ACADEMICS
To learn about eligibility requirements, academic offerings, and the academic calendar; click here: Academics - Chile (ISEP-Direct) .

COST
Below you will find more information on program costs: Fall 2013 and Spring 2014

STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"Chile was one of the biggest challenges of my life so far, but also the best decision I ever made.  I came back with a Chilean accent, lot's of close friends from Chile, real connections in over a dozen different countries, and memories to last a lifetime."  - Jessica Fall 2010

IS ISEP FOR ME?
The best way to think of an ISEP-Direct experience is to imagine that you are going to study at a university abroad, just as international students come to study in the U.S. If you are independent, flexible, and adventurous, ISEP-Direct programs are a good choice for you. Here's why: 

Flexibility
Communication with your host university may take longer. You will need to be flexible and willing to live with a fair amount of ambiguity as your prepare to go abroad. For example, you will most likely not know exactly how your classes from your ISEP host university will transfer to UW-Eau Claire until after you actually register for classes.

Independence
You may be the only UW-Eau Claire student going to a particular ISEP-Direct site. However, you may also be one of a large number of international students at your site, and you may need to ask many questions to find your way around at first.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information click here

HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, read the application instructions on the How to Apply Page. Then return to this program brochure page, and click the 'apply now' button at the top of the page.