Intensive Spanish Course - USM Chile - Program Details| General Information | Institution | Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Program C and Virtual Program Status | Open | |
| Program Information | Program Name | Intensive Spanish Course - USM Chile |
| Program Type |
Program C
Type: Short-term program |
|
| Program Description | Two-week intensive Spanish course (50 lective hours) designed to strengthen language skills through grammar, communication, and Chilean culture. The program combines classroom instruction with a couple cultural activities/walking tours and is open to international students interested in improving their Spanish in a short period of time. No academic credits are awarded. The course is designed to allow for some free time in the afternoons and evenings to be able to explore the cities of Viña del Mar, Valparaíso and its surroundings and practice Spanish while doing so! This course is intended for students with some prior knowledge of Spanish (approximately A2–B1, or a lower-intermediate level). The course is not designed for absolute beginners but it is designed as a first-time immersion experience. The location of the course is Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, a beautiful university located in front of the Pacific Ocean between the cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. February is summer in Chile, with long days and temperatures around 20-25°C along the ocean. | |
| Contact Information | Alejandro Jiménez A., incoming@usm.cl | |
| Teaching Language | Spanish | |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate or Graduate | |
| Language Proficiency Requirements | Accept Native English | Yes |
| English Language Requirements: | Scores: Not required | |
| Other English Language Requirements | Not applicable | |
| Other Language Requirements | Applicants must have an intermediate or lower-intermediate level of Spanish (approximately A2–B1). This normally corresponds to at least 2-4 Spanish courses or equivalent previous study. The course is not suitable for absolute beginners. | |
| Academic Field | Foreign Languages and Literatures | |
| Facilities and Resources | Course materials will be provided by the course instructors. Classes are held at the USM Casa Central Valparaíso campus. Students have access to equipped classrooms, study spaces, campus Wi-Fi, and student support services during the program. Cultural activities included in the course are organized by the university. | |
| Scholarships Available: | No | |
| Scholarship Information | N/A | |
| Program Fees (All values are in USD) | Tuition or Program Fee | $330.00 |
| Average Housing Cost | $450.00 average per month. | |
| Local Transportation | $60.00 average per month. This can include cost of buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. | |
| Other Program Fees | $0.00 excluding tuition. These may include activity, lab/materials, or other fees. | |
| Cost of Living | $500.00 average per month. This can include meals, pocket money, and entertainment. | |
| Medical Insurance | $150.00 per month. | |
| Visa | $0.00 | |
| Additional Program Information | The payment for the program will be the equivalent in Chilean pesos, exact exchange rate used to be confirmed. Participating students should provide proof of travel insurance covering the duration of their stay in Chile, and be able to demonstrate previous Spanish studies or knowledge. Please see further details here: https://internacional.usm.cl/en/mobility/study-at-the-usm/study-spanish-at-the-usm/ | |
| Supplementary Links | 360 View of USM Casa Central | Link |
| Promotional video showing USM Campus | Link | |
| General Information about the course | Link | |
| Program C Information | Notification of Acceptance Date | 23/Jan/2026 |
| Application Opens | 12/Jan/2026 | |
| Application Closes | 21/Jan/2026 | |
| Program Start Date | 16/Feb/2026 | |
| Program End Date | 27/Feb/2026 | |
| Credit/No Credit | No Credit | |
| Other Credential Offered | Participation Certificate | |
| Number of Participants | 20 | |
| Housing Type | The USM does not have dormitories. Students normally live in the Viña del Mar city center, in Valparaíso city center or in some of the more touristic hills, or near the university. This course is during summer season in Chile and our university is near the beach so hotel prices may reflect this. As an alternative, consider a Hostal or Airbnb for the two-week period. Note: Elevation is a factor in Viña del Mar and Valparíaso so some short distances on map may not be as close as they seem in walking distance. We can provide information about the best areas of the city to stay. | |
| Visa Process | Course participants should enter Chile under a Temporary Stay (Permanencia Transitoria) visa valid for 90 days. For some nationalities, such as Canada, this permit is granted directly upon entry to Chile without prior application. Visa requirements depend on the student’s nationality. Students are responsible for checking the specific requirements that apply to their nationality, as some nationalities require additional steps and paperwork. | |