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Chile is a Republic in southwestern South America, bounded by Perú, Bolivia and Argentina, and on the Pacific Ocean. Archipelagoes extend along the southern Chilean coast from Chiloé Island to Cape Horn, the southernmost point of the South American continent. Among these are the Chonos Archipelago, Wellington Island, and the western portion of Tierra del Fuego. Other islands belonging to Chile include the Juan Fernández Islands, Easter Island, and Sala y Gómez, all of which lie in the South Pacific. The country has a total area of 756,626 sq km (292,135 sq mi). Chile also claims a section of Antarctica. The country's capital and largest city is Santiago.
About Valparaíso Region
- Valparaíso City is the capital of the region and home of the National Congress headquarters
- Population: 1.5 million inhabitants
- Provinces: Valparaíso, San Antonio, Quillota, San Felipe, Los Andes, Petorca, and Isla de Pascua
- Economic strengths: Maritime port, agricultural, fishing, tourism and education
- Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are home to 12 universities
- UNESCO “Heritage Site for Humanity”
- Exchange rate: the US dollar is usually equivalent to approximately 500 Chilean peso
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The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) was established in 1928 and is one of the most prestigious universities in Chile. The alumni are characterized by the institutional seal: excellent academic and professional education, solid human values and strong commitment to public service.
The university is dedicated to the cultivation and dissemination of knowledge in science, art and professional and technical fields. It is a comprehensive university, permanently facing new challenges, and anticipating and satisfying society's requirements.
Undertaking studies at the PUCV is the beginning of a path to knowledge characterized by the harmonious relationship between academic tradition and the quest for solving arising problems.
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By living with a host family the student really gets to know Chilean culture by experiencing the daily lives of their host family. Student are also immersed in Spanish allowing them to rapidly improve their language skills.
Host families include families with children, single parents, parents without children, young families, elder families and people living alone. Most live in the city of Viña del Mar in Recreo, Viña del Mar downtown and Miraflores.
Typically students with limited Spanish skills are placed with families where at least one of the members can communicate in English.
The student can expect to have:
- A private room
- Bed linens
- Basic furniture
- Kitchen access
- A shared bathroom
- At least 3 meals per day (provided by the family)
- Internet access
- Laundry service
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 Ian, Colorado State University Student
Ian says that upon arrival to Chile, his host mother played a large part in making him feel welcome with her sincere greetings. The first day of classes, she personally showed him where to catch the bus to and from the university and rode along with him to be certain that he was confident on how the system works in Valparaiso. He also enjoyed learning about a new culture. “I can see how much the decisions we make in the United States are affecting other countries throughout the world, this will make a difference in the way that I will handle decisions once I return to Colorado.” In just 3 fun-filled weeks, Ian advanced from intermediate to a much more fluid advanced level and comfort of Spanish.
 Karla, Colorado State University Student
Karla also says that her house mother made her feel like a part of the family, greeting her before she even reached the front door of the idyllic house in the characteristic ¨cerros¨ of Valparaiso. Karla grew up in a Mexican, Spanish speaking family and spoke the language fluently. However, she explained that the intensive Spanish classes at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso greatly improved her composition skills. She also enjoyed experiencing another culture and discovered the similarities and differences between Central and South American customs and traditions.
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