4. universidad de viña del mar - Vicerrectorado de Relaciones

Dirección de Relaciones
Internacionales y Vínculos
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK
2012 / 2013
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WELCOME FROM THE UVM DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS DIRECTOR
Dear students
Welcome to Chile ...
Welcome to the Valparaiso Region ...
Welcome to the University of Viña del Mar ...
We appreciate your confidence and interest to share with us an academic and cultural
experience, I'm sure, will change your lives.
Being part of an international program is a unique and unrepeatable opportunity that not
everyone can experience, and you are now part one of those privileged groups who have the
opportunity to know our language, our culture, geography and landscapes, and learn from the
people, learn from Chile and Valparaiso.
I invite you to be part of this experience by delivering the best of each one of you, by learning
from our country in order to reach a new world’s view, as I’m sure many of you will be leaders of
change, and for reaching more just, dignified and democratic leaders, it is required training,
experience and an international vision. You will have the opportunity to experiences all of this as
part of the new generation of international students.
Carlos Ramírez Sánchez
Director
Department of International Relations
Universidad de Viña del Mar-Chile
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INDEX
1- GETTING READY
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Passport
Visa
2- INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS
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Reciprocity Tax
International Police
Transportation from the Santiago airport (SCL) to Viña del Mar
3- HEALTH ISSUES
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Health Insurance
International Health
4- UNIVERSIDAD VIÑA DEL MAR
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History
Viña del Mar and Valparaíso
Location
Academics
Majors
5- DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
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Staff at the International Relations Department – UVM (DRI- UVM)
International Office Phone Numbers and Address
Payment
Calendar
Thematic programs
Courses in English program in South America
UVM Spanish Center
International Volunteer program
6- GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT STUDYING ABROAD IN CHILE
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Embassies in Chile
Traveling
What to pack
Budget for a semester abroad in Chile
Safety
Health
Living with a Chilean family
Communication
Transportation
Money
7- USEFUL CHILEAN SPANISH
8- WEBSITES, LINKS AND READING
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1. GETTING READY
Passport
You will need a valid passport to enter Chile. If you do not have a passport or if
your current passport will expire before you leave, you must apply for one.
Remember, only original documents can be accepted, so plan ahead if you
need to secure an original copy of your birth certificate from your parents or
from your place of birth.
Upon receipt of your passport, you should sign it immediately. It is not valid
unless signed. Fill in the necessary address and emergency information.
Photocopy the first page of your passport and keep it separate from the
original while travelling overseas. You should have your passport or the photocopy with you at all
times while abroad.
Visa
Tourist Visa
A student who plans to study during winter or summer programs can arrive in Chile on a Tourist
Visa. The Tourist Visa costs $140.00 (USD) and must be purchased at the Santiago airport upon
arrival. Students must keep this visa (piece of paper) and return it upon leaving Chile.
Student Visa
A Student Visa is necessary to study in Chile for more than 90 days (3 months).
Contact the Chilean Embassy or Consulate in your state or country's jurisdiction to obtain the
required forms and instructions. Applicants are required to be present at the embassy or consulate
to complete the visa process. Start the visa process early!
The requirements for a student visa are:
 Valid passport
 Health Certificate issued by a doctor stating that the applicant enjoys good health and has
no communicable disease and an HIV test (must be recent, within 30 days).
 Police Certificate (record) issued by the applicant's local police (must be recent, within 30
days);
 Four (4) recent passport photographs professionally done, 2"x2" (color or black and white);
 Proof of financial security i.e. Bank statement or Affidavit from the applicant's parents or
guardians
 Visa fee of US$100 cash or money order for U.S. citizens
 Personal checks are not accepted.
 Visa fee varies for non-U.S. citizens (check with your consulate).
 Letter of acceptance from Universidad de Viña del Mar – International Office.
IMPORTANT:
 Students with this visa are not allowed to work.
 The visa is good for a maximum of one year and it is renewable in Chile.
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2. INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS
Reciprocity Tax
All passengers with passports from Australia, Canada, United States and Mexico must pay a
reciprocity tax before entering Interpol control.
TAX AMOUNT
AUSTRALIA
CANADA
UNITED STATES
MÉXICO
PER COUNTRY
USD 061
USD 132
USD 140
USD 023
ANY INQUIRY CAN BE MADE AT
CASHIERS BOXES.
TELEPHONE NUMBER
(56 2) 690 1063
Once the Entry Reciprocity Fee receipt is attached to your passport, you have to proceed to
immigration control.
International Police
To enter Chile, all passengers must check first at the International Police control and show their
identity documents (identity card or passport) and the stamped visa (depending on the country of
origin).
After finishing the migratory control, the passengers will accede by means of the Shop of free sale
of taxes, up to the retrieve luggage (equipage), to continue with the controls of Customs and SAG.
Make sure you do not have any nuts, fruits (dried or fresh), or animal products with you while
you pass through Customs. They will confiscate the products (claimed or not) and you may also
receive a fine.
http://www.aeropuertosantiago.cl/english
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE SANTIAGO AIRPORT (SCL) TO VIÑA DEL MAR.
For your safety, it is recommended to use the official transport offered by the UVM International
Programs at specific days and times. The UVM Student Coordinator will be at the Santiago de Chile
Airport (SCL). Do not leave the airport by yourself. Don’t accept any offer from any taxi service.
IMPORTANT: If by any chance, the international student arrives on a different day or time, let the
UVM coordinator know in advance in order to coordinate a taxi service with a convenient cost for
the student.
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3.HEALTH ISSUES
Chile's drinking water is adequately treated and we have not had reports of any students getting
sick from the water in Viña del Mar, or in any other part of the country for that matter. But if you
have any doubts, stick with bottled mineral water in rural areas.
Chile requires no vaccinations for entry from any country, but typhoid and hepatitis immunizations
are highly recommended. Polio and tetanus are optional (extremely rare in Chile). Malaria does not
exist in Chile, but if you plan to travel to nearby countries or islands, you should check into their
situation.
If you think you may be travelling to a country that requires proof of inoculations for entry, it may
be wise to get immunized before coming to Chile and take that documentation with you.
If you normally take medicines, make sure you bring enough for the period of time you are going
to be abroad.
Health Insurance
It is essential that you have adequate health insurance coverage while you are abroad. Failure to
obtain coverage can result in high medical bills or the refusal to be treated in a hospital or doctor's
office. In many countries, foreigners must prove that they have medical insurance before they can
be treated.
You should check to see if your current medical coverage is valid outside your country. If so, find
out how you would file a claim from abroad and how the insurance company would handle the
claim. It is common that students that require any medical attention pay directly to the medical
center (cash, credit card, or debit card) and are reimbursed in their home country,
In Viña del Mar you can find all kinds of health facilities, ranging from public health services (usually
crowded) to upscale private clinics (highly recommended), the latter with installations similar or
even better to what you are used to in your home country (a developed one). However, such
facilities may prove to be very expensive if you are not covered by an international insurance policy.
International Health
During your orientation abroad, you should receive pertinent information regarding the health care
system in your host country. UVM Student Coordinator or host families may recommend doctors
and dentists.
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4. UNIVERSIDAD DE VIÑA DEL MAR
History
The Universidad of Viña del Mar (UVM) was founded on November 21, 1988 and currently has an
enrollment of approximately 7,000 students. This University is a private institution and is part of the
selected Chilean universities that have been accredited by the Chilean Minister of Education, which
certifies the quality of higher education institutions and assures the completion of optimal
academic standards.
The UVM’s modern campus has characteristics and dimensions similar to higher education centers
in Europe and North America. The 50-acre campus is located on the principle access to Viña del Mar
and minutes away from the center of the city.
The UVM’s educational model emphasizes social responsibility. It is an institution that is proud of its
innovations and flexibility, and strives to create leaders who can be competitive in today’s global
society. Therefore, the UVM’s mission is "to create people who can contribute to the development
of their surroundings, by gaining knowledge in an academic environment that is also humanistic,
technologically advanced, and integrated."
The UVM also stresses the importance of cultural exchange through sending Chilean students
abroad and also by welcoming the international students on its campus.
Accredited since 2008, it has a long tradition of 21 years of distinguished education. The university,
since October 2009, joins the Laureate International Net. This network opens a world of possibilities
in education and work. It is composed by universities and high schools in 17 countries, 72 campuses
and 25.000 collaborators in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Oceania, offering an education with a
multicultural perspective.
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Viña del Mar and Valparaíso
Viña del Mar (or just Viña, as called by Chileans) is located 70 miles northwest of Santiago. It is the
fourth largest city in Chile with a population of 320.000, and being a major vacation destination
during summer season, the population increases tremendously during the months of January and
February.
Viña del Mar is in the Region (state) of Valparaiso and is 5 miles away from the famous UNESCO
World Heritage City of Valparaíso. These two cities together form the second largest urban center
in Chile, with a combined population of over 600,000. Viña del Mar is famous for its beautiful
beaches and its artistic performances at the Quinta Vergara Amphitheater. Valparaíso is recognized
as the cultural and legislative capital of Chile.
The uniqueness of both cities has turned area into the preferred destination for college students.
Around 60.000 students from all regions in Chile and various countries make up the student
population.
Viña del Mar was founded in 1878 as a place for the rich to get away from the cities of Santiago and
Valparaíso. It has become much more than a town for the wealthy, as major Chilean and
international companies have established their business here, helping the local economy to boom.
The town originally was an extension of the neighboring city of Valparaíso, but because of the
growth, it was authorized to be a separate city in 1874.
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Location
The Universidad de Viña del Mar is located in a privileged area of the city surrounded by
the cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.
Academics
The UVM offers many different majors and has been a pioneer in promoting new fields
of study in Chile, such as Environmental Engineering and Architecture.
Majors:
UVM has 9 schools that impart the following majors:
Accounting
Advertising
Agronomy
Architecture
Cinema and Audiovisual Communication
Commercial Engineering
Computer Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Construction Engineering
Dentistry
Design
Education in Language and Literature
History and Geography Education
Industrial Civil Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Journalism
Kinesiology
Law
Nursing
Nutrition and Dietetics
Physical Education
Preschool Education
Psychology
Public Relations
Sociology
Speech Therapy
Veterinary Medicine
Visual Arts Education
Elementary School Education
Engineering Business Management
English Education
Environmental Engineering
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5. DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
STAFF AT THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT - UVM (DRI-UVM)
CARLOS RAMÍREZ
DIRECTOR
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
[email protected]
MARÍA ALEJANDRA FLORES
HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
[email protected]
KATHLEEN LOWRY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SPANISH CENTER FOR SPANISH AS A FOREIGN
LANGUAGE AND ACADEMIC COOPERATION
[email protected]
CARLOS E. TORRES
COORDINATOR OF INCOMING & OUTGOING STUDENTS
[email protected]
LILIAN NUÑEZ
ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR
[email protected]
International Office Phone Numbers and Address:
Office Hours: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Telephone:
(56-32) 2462740
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(56-32) 2462734
Address:
Dirección de Relaciones Internacionales UVM
Calle Montaña 800, Segundo Piso
Viña del Mar
Chile
Payment
There are only TWO ways to pay at UVM. One is by personal check, and the other one
is by a wire transfer. All students must have paid tuition fee until their first week of
classes.
Here is the wire transfer information:
Name of the University:
Bank:
Address of the bank:
Account:
Swift Code:
UNIVERSIDAD DE VIÑA DEL MAR
SANTANDER
PRAT 882. VALPARAISO. CHILE
0-051-0007537-9
BSCHCLRM
* Make sure that the student’s name is included on the Wire Transfer!
* Make sure that the transaction fee is added to the tuition amount of the wire
transfer.
(Tuition + transaction fee = Total amount of wire transfer)
Calendar
SEMESTER I PROGRAM (FALL IN CHILE: March - July)
Official Airport Pick Up
Saturday, March 3
Orientation Week
March 4 - March 8
Beginning of Classes
March 11
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End of Classes Spanish Center
Official Airport Drop off Study Abroad Programs
End of Classes UVM Schools
Friday, July 12
Saturday, July 14
Saturday, July 20
SEMESTER I PROGRAM (SPRING IN CHILE: August - December)
Official Airport Pick Up
Saturday, August 3
Orientation Week
August 5 - August 9
Beginning of Classes Spanish Center
Monday, August 5
Beginning of Classes UVM Schools
Monday, August 5
End of Classes Spanish Center
Friday, December 13
Official Airport Drop off Study Abroad Programs
Saturday, August 3
End of Classes UVM Schools
Friday, December 20
INTENSIVE SPANISH PROGRAM (SUMMER IN CHILE: January)
Official Airport Pick up
Wednesday, January 2
Orientation Day
Thursday, January 3
Beginning of Classes
Friday, January 4
End of classes
Wednesday, January 30
Official Airport Drop Off
Thursday, January 31
INTENSIVE SPANISH PROGRAM (WINTER IN CHILE: June)
Official Airport Pick up
Saturday, June 1
Orientation Day
Monday, June 3
Beginning of Classes
Tuesday, June 4
End of classes
Friday, June 28
Official Airport Drop Off
Saturday, June 29
INTENSIVE SPANISH PROGRAM (WINTER IN CHILE: July)
Official Airport Pick up
Saturday, June 29
Orientation Day
Monday, July 1
Beginning of Classes
Tuesday, July 2
End of classes
Friday, July 26
Official Airport Drop Off
Saturday, July 27
Holidays in Chile (no school)
 January 1st Enero Año Nuevo
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April 6th Viernes Santo
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April 7th Sábado Santo
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May 1st Día del Trabajo
 May 21th Día de las Glorias Navales
 July 2nd San Pedro y San Pablo
 July 16th Solemnidad de la Virgen del Carmen, Reina y Patrona de Chile
 August 15th Asunción de la Virgen 25 Diciembre Día de Navidad
 September 17th Día Puente
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September 18th Fiestas Patrias
September 19th Día de las Glorias del Ejército
October 15th Día del Descubrimiento de Dos Mundos
November 1st Día de Todos los Santos
November 2nd Día de las Iglesias Evangélicas y Protestantes
Dicember 8th Día de la Inmaculada Concepción
Thematic programs
Students can choose between seven thematic programs of approximately three weeks
offered during the months of January, June and July. All the programs include
transportation, housing, field trips, conferences, material, and staff support. The
programs deal with highly topical subjects. The programs we currently offer are:
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Gender and Minorities in the Chilean Context
Chilean Wine and Spanish Program
History and Challenges of the Chilean Society
Chilean and Latin American Art
Public Health Program
Human Rights Program
Ski and Spanish(July only)
Soccer and Spanish
“Come to Chile and study your courses in English”
Courses in English program in South America*
This program is specially designed for:
* Foreign students with a beginner level of Spanish who want to continue regular
studies at the UVM and at the same time to experience the Latin American and Chilean
culture.
* Students with none, one, or two semesters of Spanish are welcome to apply.
Program terms: March-June / August-November
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International students are allowed to take 2 or 3 courses from the list and one Spanish
Language Course. As an optional activity, students can take the Volunteer International
Program.
COURSES IN ENGLISH
Education for Sustainable Development
Indigenous Peoples in Chile
Gender and Minorities Studies in Latin America and Chile
Social Inequality, Exclusion and Democracy
Strategies of International Marketing
Negotiation Strategies in Latin America
Business, Globalization and Ethics
Political and Territorial Conflicts in Latin America
Contemporary Society Development and Citizenship in Chile
Human rights in Latin America
Latin America Regional Scenario in the XX century
(64 contact hours)
(64contact hours)
(64 contact hours)
(64 contact hours)
(64 contact hours)
(64 contact hours)
(64 contact hours)
(64 contact hours)
(64 contact hours)
(64 contact hours)
(64 contact hours)
For questions about the courses offered in the Semester in English, please contact
Maria Alejandra Flores, [email protected]
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UVM Spanish Center
The UVM Spanish Center is committed to the teaching and learning of the Spanish
language as well as the transmission of knowledge of the language through the Latin
American and Chilean culture.
Our mission is to give to the international students the best quality in the teaching
process by making of the culture the means by which students can develop tolerance,
respect for cultural diversity and social conscience in a global world.
In 2008, the Spanish Center was recognized by the Instituto Cervantes as a DELE
examination center, and currently, is under the process of receiving the accreditation
as Cervantes Associated Center, which is a quality seal for our UVM Center.
The Diploma for Spanish as a Second Language is a great asset for any
student/professional who is interested in using Spanish throughout their career. Once
the student’s level is accredited by Cervantes it never expires, so students do not have
to keep taking the exam to maintain their certification.
Exam dates are typically in May and November each year.
The Spanish Center offers Spanish classes from beginner to advanced students. Our professors
have years of experience teaching international students Spanish as a foreign language. We
use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching and
assessment to place students in their appropriate levels of Spanish. The levels are:
A1: Beginner
A2: Basic level
B1: Intermediate
B2: Advanced Intermediate
C1: Advanced
C2: Bilingual
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Upon arriving to our center you will be given an oral and written exam to determine what level is
appropriate for you to study in. Based on your scores you will be eligible to take instructional
Spanish classes and Spanish Elective classes. If you have a C1 level you will be taking classes offered
in our Literature and Linguistics department of the university.
All of our classes are taught on the basis of experiential learning. We aim to not only give you the
tools necessary to learn and express yourselves in Spanish, but also provide opportunities for you
to put them into practice in the real world.
The following classes are offered through the Spanish Center:
Communicational Strategies: Grammar and Composition
Contact Hours: 94
This course is teaching Spanish through a communicative approach. Using different teaching
techniques, students will be able to increase their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing
at an intermediate level as well as learn about history and culture of a Spanish-speaking country.
Communicational Spanish and Chilean Culture
Contact hours: 124
This course is taught entirely in Spanish, only English is used to clarify some concept, or specific
word. The main objective is to increase the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing in
Spanish from a communicative approach to medium complexity. Learning takes place through the
geography, history, and culture of Chile. It gives the student an overview so they can analyze,
understand, and compare a Hispanic country like Chile with their country of origin.
Phonetics
Contact Hours: 46
Course directed towards the development of language skills for oral production of Spanish language
standardized by the level of managing this. Students will learn to analyze as contrastive phonetic
systems of Spanish and the student's native language in order to eliminate the interference of the
latter.
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Electives
Any student with an intermediate level (B1) of Spanish or higher is welcome to take one of our
following electives.
Social-Economic Evolution of Latin America
Contact Hours: 56
The course explores the structure of global power and argues that this resembles more and more
like the Dark Ages. The increasing fragmentation of power and participation of non-state actors on
the global stage to generate a land full of opportunities for the Latin American region possesses
huge reserves of natural resources (water, oil, arable land, biodiversity). The course reviews the
main authors of this in the field (Umberto Eco, Furio Colombo, Parag Khanna and Niall Ferguson,
among others) and makes explicit the evolution of the capabilities and potential political, social and
economic situation of Chile, and the region, as well as proposes "possible futures".
Contemporary Issues
Contact Hours: 56
This course reviews and explains the political, economic, cultural, and security of individual Latin
American states, highlighting issues such as governance, political organization, production, markets,
income distribution and intra-and interstate conflict. The course also examines the similarities and
differences between the Latin American region, the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Latin American Literature
Contact Hours: 56
The course aims to give students an overview of narrative and contemporary Latin American
poetry, along with a more complex approach on the work of Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel Garcia
Marquez, Julio Cortazar, the Colombian author Alvaro Mutis, and Chileans Pablo Neruda and
Vicente Huidobro, to provide as an example of formal and thematic diversity of the American
creative field in Spanish.
Latin American Cinema
Contact Hours: 56
Latin Americans seek their identity through art. This allows them to integrate their vision of
themselves with their world. This course approaches the Latin American condition not only from
the historical, but also from the cultural aspect and the film itself. Through film it is possible to see
multicultural issues on the continent, taking into account each country to conform to Latin America
has developed a distinctive culture. The cinematic approach, then, reflect this multiculturalism:
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films will be screened for Chilean, German, Danish and British directors to demonstrate the richness
present in Latin America.
Cultures in Contact
Contact Hours: 32
Additional hours: 24 hours of volunteer work + 7 one hour workshops
This course introduces students to international and Chilean intercultural communication studies
focusing on the origin of the cultures to achieve greater understanding of differences and
similarities of each culture. Students choose among the non-profit foundations with a relationship
with the UVM to perform volunteer work, 2 hours a week.
Universidad Viña del Mar Departamental Classes
On top of being eligible to take elective courses students with an advanced intermediate(B2) or
higher are able to take courses in the university with traditional UVM students based on their
majors. The syllabi for UVM courses for each concentration can be found on our website,
www.uvm.cl, under “Carreras”.
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International Volunteer Program
Our purpose is to create commitment and social responsibility to contribute to the Chilean
society development, and to improve personal and professional skills of the students.
Students can perform the following modalities: Assistant to intellectually disabled Children
and Youngsters, Language Teacher's Assistant, Children's Shelter Assistant, National Park's
Volunteer, English as a Second Language Teacher for preschool aged children.
For questions about courses offered by the Spanish Center please contact: Kathleen
Lowry, [email protected]
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6. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT STUDYING
ABROAD IN CHILE
Visa
See page 3
Embassies in Chile
American Embassy
Av. Andrés Bello 2800
Santiago
Tel: (56)-(2)-232-2600
Fax: (56)-(2)- 330-3710
www.usembassy.cl
Traveling
Former students have recommended these places in South-America to visit:
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Easter Island
Torres del Paine (in Patagonia of Chile)
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Chiloé, Chile
Pucón, Chile
Machu Pichu (Cuzco, Peru)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mendoza, Argentina
Brazil (requires a visa)
Budget for a semester abroad in Chile (All prices are in US dollars and the prices quoted are
approximations. Every student is unique en their spending habits and should plan accordingly)
Living Expenses:
Meals outside the Homestay $70.00
Books and Photocopies $ 10.00
Local Public Transportation $ 50.00
Personal Expenses:
Entertainment $100.00
Postage $ 10.00
Phone Calls $ 25.00
Traveling throughout Chile
and South America $1,000 - $2,000.
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Safety
Viña del Mar and Valparaíso are not particularly dangerous during the day but
students are advised to always use caution, especially during the night. Always
go out with a group and do not take a purse with you at night. Leave all your
valuables at your house and do not wear good jewelry. Foreigners are targeted for
acts of petty thievery—so USE CAUTION and ALWAYS BE AWARE!
Emergency Numbers
Police 133 (from cell phones 911)
Ambulance 131
Fireman
132
Coast Guard 137
Health
Who to contact:
Department of International Relations (DRI) (8:30am – 6:00 pm):
246-27 40; 246-2734
International Student Coordinator (24/7):
Carlos E. Torres: (09) 9576 8846
Paying for a Doctor’s Bill and being reimbursed:
You must pay in Chilean pesos and have your passport or copy of your passport with you. You
must save your receipt in order to be reimbursed by your insurance
company. Some insurance companies require that you have a doctor fill out an information
sheet in order to be reimbursed. Please check with your insurance company before visiting the
doctor.
Health Information about Chile
Vaccination recommendations:
The UVM-International Office does not require any special vaccinations to attend the
University, however, we recommend that the student is up-to-date with all routine vaccination;
specifically tetanus. For more information about vaccinations required when visiting other
South American countries, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website: www.cdc.gov
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What to pack
March-July (Fall Semester:
Students studying with us during these months should bring clothes appropriate for Summer
and Winter Weather. It is possible that during the March-April months the weather will be nice
enough to use shorts/skirts and sandals. However starting in May the temperature begins to
change, and June and July are cold months. While your families will have a space heater, most
buildings and restaurants do not have central heat. The key to staying warm during the winter
here is to use layers.
Students should bring boots (rain and snow) in the case they want to travel to the South or the
Andes Mountains where they will encounter snow. Students should also bring a jacket/coat
appropriate for the rain as June/July are rainy months here in Viña del Mar.
Lastly, students should bring enough medication to last for their time here. This includes
Ibuprofen, Stomach medicine, antihistamines, and any other over the counter remedies that
the student takes when sick. For those students who use contacts, eye care solution here is
quite expensive in comparison to other countries, so be sure to bring enough to last your time
abroad as well.
August-December
Students studying with us during these months should bring clothes appropriate for winter and
summer weather. It is possible that during August the weather is still cold, but in September
and October the weather will warm up. Normally in November and December the weather
begins to be warm enough for shorts/skirts. While your families will have a space heater, most
buildings and restaurants do not have central heat. The key to staying warm during the colder
months here is to use layers. Because we are a costal town, students should always have a
jacket/sweater with them to wear at night.
Students should bring boots (rain and snow) in the case they want to travel to the South or the
Andes Mountains where they will encounter snow. The sun is a lot stronger here than in other
parts of the world, it is important to use sunscreen.
Lastly, students should bring enough medication to last for their time here. This includes
Ibuprofen, Stomach medicine, antihistamines, and any other over the counter remedies that
the student takes when sick. For those students who use contacts, eye care solution here is
quite expensive in comparison to other countries, so be sure to bring enough to last your time
abroad as well.
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January
Students studying with us during these months should bring clothes appropriate for summer
weather. Most buildings and houses do not have air conditioning, so the key to staying
comfortable here is to use layers. Because we are a costal town, students should always have a
jacket/sweater with them to wear at night.
The sun is a lot stronger here than in other parts of the world, it is important to use sunscreen.
Lastly, students should bring enough medication to last for their time here. This includes
ibuprofen, stomach medicine, antihistamines, and any other over the counter remedies that
the student takes when sick. For those students who use contacts, eye care solution here is
quite expensive in comparison to other countries, so be sure to bring enough to last your time
abroad as well.
Recommendations by former students:
* The sun in Chile is very strong and close to the hole in the ozone layer. So, make
sure you bring a good sunscreen (at least 30 SPF).
* It is okay to drink the water throughout the majority of Chile. When you travel,
always ask: “¿es el agua potable?”
* Women should bring personal hygiene products with them to last their time abroad as some
items cannot be found throughout Chile or Latin America.
Living with a Chilean Family:
As college students, the transition to living with a family again may be challenging at the
beginning. Most likely your Chilean family, especially your mom, will want to
do a lot to help you. Expect that they will do all the laundry, cooking, cleaning and
other household chores. Try to integrate into the family as much as possible. That is the best
way to learn more about the culture, customs and norms of a country. For the sake of courtesy,
try to keep your room neat and advise your family when you will be staying out very late or
staying at a friend’s house. It is typical for college students to go out and “carretear” on the
weekends until late so just keep your family advised of your plans. Your family will worry about
you…so keep them informed!
Communication
The Internet is widely used in cities and towns throughout Chile. The International
Office at the UVM has a wireless Internet connection that is free for all International Students.
Cyber cafes can also be found in most towns where students can make international phone
calls or use the Internet. If students want to be in touch with their families, they are advised to
buy pre-paid phone cards, which are sold everywhere and are relatively cheap. (For instance,
$1000 pesos card allows you to talk for 10 minutes.
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Making Phone Calls:
- If you want to call from a house phone (land line) to another house phone (land line) you
only have to dial the number. For example, if you want to call the International Office from your
home just dial: 246-2640
From a house phone to another house phone Just dial the number
Example: 246-2640
- If you want to call a cell phone from your home (land line) you must first dial the cell phone
code: 09. For example, if you need to call Carlos Torres just dial: 09 95768846. But, the majority
of houses are not equipped to call from a house phone (red fija) to a cell phone.
From a house phone to a cell Dial the cell phone code 09
phone
Example: 09 95768846
- If you want to call a home phone (land line) from a cell phone, you must first dial the area
code of the phone you are calling. For example, if you need to call the International Relations
Office from your cell phone, you must first dial Viña’s area code 032, and then 246-2740. To call
a land line in Santiago from your cell phone, you must first dial Santiago’s area code 02 and
then the 7-digit number.
From a cell phone to a home First dial the area code
phone
Viña: 032
Santiago: 02
Then, dial the 7 digit number
Example:
Viña: 032 246-2640
- If you want to call a cell phone from another cell phone just dial the 8-digit number. For
example, if you need to call Carlos Torres just dial: 9576 8846.
From a cell phone to another Just dial the 8 digit number
cell phone
Example: 9576 8846
- It is a good idea to get a prepaid cell phone. The International Office rents prepaid cell phones;
this option will be given during Orientation Week. There are several companies to choose from:
Entel PCS, Movistar, Claro. All the prepaid cell phones are easily rechargeable. Cell phones
minutes can be expensive so be advised to use it for only short conversations, however, all
incoming calls are free.
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Making International Calls:
All phone calls made by friends and family outside of Chile should dial the following numbers:
Calling a House Phone in Chile Calling a Cell Phone in Chile
Calling a house phone in Chile
Country code (56) – area code(32) - number
56 32 (7-digit home number)
Calling a cell phone in Chile
Country code (56) – cell phone code(9) - number
56 9 (8-digit cell phone number)
The best option for making an international call is to use a calling center or by purchasing a prepaid phone card. Calling centers are located in Calle Valparaíso
and in the Mall. Pre-paid phone cards can be bought at any “kiosko” and any calling
center.
Skype (www.skype.com) is a very inexpensive way to call home via the internet. For example,
to call any number in the US it is 2 cents a minute and to call any number in Chile is 21 cents a
minute. Also, Skype to Skype (calling another Skype
user when they are also online) is free. A headset is required, but the majority of internet
houses have headsets available for use.
IMPORTANT: Your family and friends at home can call you to your house or cell phone in Chile.
Investigate what works the best for you and your family and friends.
Mail
Regular mail is a fairly good and reliable service in Chile, so students' families can send packages
and/or envelopes to them and can be sure the students will receive the packages. However, the
person sending the package should be careful when declaring the amount of the package. Any
package that arrives in Chile is charged a 19% tax and then another 18% sales tax on the value
declared on the package by the sender. A former student had to pay 79.000 pesos (150.00 USD)
to receive his package!!!
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7. TRANSPORTATION IN VIÑA DEL MAR AND CHILE
IMPORTANT: In order to drive or rent a car in Chile, foreigners should get an International
Drivers License before coming to Chile. Students are not allowed to drive/rent a car unless
they have this document. Students coming from the USA, can get theirs at the closest AAA
office and the price is approx. $15.00 USD and lasts for one year.
Taxi: A taxi is an easy way to travel but it is also the most expensive. Taxis
charge by kilometer and they have a meter that marks the tariff. If a taxi
does not have a meter, beware!!! It is recommended that if students go
to the same place at night and have no other way of returning they
should call a taxi.
A safe and reliable taxi company is:
Radio Taxi: 2780566 – 2780568 (Base charge: $2000 pesos)
Micros (www.tmv.cl): With the “Pase Escolar” you can travel
anywhere in Viña and Valparaiso and only have to pay 150 pesos.
However, weekends and holidays after 21:00 you have to pay the
local fare, which depends on each bus. (Pase escolar is purchased
by students in Semester Programs).
Micro Fare:
 Pase Escolar (Viña – Valpo): 150
 Pase Escolar (Viña – Campus): 150
 Local: 250
 Viña-Valparaíso: 370
 Viña-Reñaca: 450
Colectivo: A “colectivo” is a taxi that has a fixed route and set fares.
“Colectivos” have a sign on the top of the car that indicates the major
streets they pass and the number of the “colectivo” company. A
“colectivo” can pick up to four people along the route; people get in and
out of the “colectivo” just like a “micro”. You should let the driver know
where you would like to be dropped off when you get in the “colectivo”.
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Colectivo etiquette
-Greet the driver: “Hola, Buenos…”
-Tell him where you are going: “Voy a …”
-Ask the price if you do not know (“¿cuánto cuesta?”)
-Say: “Se paga” when you hand the driver the money (this is to be done at the beginning
not at the end of the ride)
-If you do not know exactly what street you are going you can ask the driver
to tell you. Say: “Me avisa en …”
-Tell the driver when you want to get out. Say: “Me bajo acá” “Aquí por
favor” “En la próxima esquina”
- “Gracias” o “Que te vaya bien”
Metro Valpo (www.merval.cl): The metro runs between Valparaíso and
Limache.
Prices vary depending on where you get on and on where you get off.
Prices range from 200 pesos to 780 pesos. You must buy a rechargeable
student card to use the metro.
Hours of operation are:
07:00 - 22:30 (peak hours 07:30-09:30 & 18:00-19:30)
Puerto – Sgto. Aldea: every 6 min
Puerto - Limache: every 15 min
Buses: Viña and Valparaíso have major terminals with buses going to
most large towns in Chile. Buses to Santiago leave from both terminals
and some companies give discounts to students with the “Pase Escolar”
and ISIC Card, just show your card. Buses to Mendoza, Argentina also
leave from both bus terminals. The best bus companies to travel with
are the following:
Tur-Bus: www.turbus.com
Pullman Bus: www.pullman.cl
Railroad System: Trains leave from Santiago daily but only go as far
South as Temuco.Santiago Train Station: www.efe.cl
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Money
The Chilean peso fluctuates with respect to the US dollar. There are many places
where students can exchange US dollars, including shopping malls. The use of credit cards is
extensive in large cities, but it is preferable to carry local currency if you visit small towns or the
countryside. Other than banks, few places accept traveler's checks. Students can also obtain
money from ATM machines, located throughout the cities (however each withdraw is charged a
transaction fee), and receive money transfers through Western Union.
Casas de Cambio en Viña del Mar:
Cambios ANDINO
Arlegui 674-676
Phone Number: 297-10-51
AFEX www.afex.cl
Arlegui 690
Phone Number: 268-81-02, 286-85-04
CAMEX American Exchange
Mall Marina Arauco: Ground Floor
Phone Number: 2382356
Bank of America:
Students that have a checking account with Bank of America can use the ATM machines
of Scotiabank and not be charged a transaction fee. The following are Scotiabank
address in Viña del Mar:
Plaza Vergara 103 Av. Libertad 893
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8. CHILEAN MONEY
$20,000 pesos chilenos
(roughly $40 USD)
$5,000 pesos chilenos
(roughly $10 USD)
Nickname: Gabriela
$500
($ 1USD)
“quina”
$10
(2¢)
$10,000 pesos chilenos
(roughly $20 USD)
$2,000 pesos chilenos
(roughly $4 USD)
$1,000 pesos chilenos
(roughly $2 UDS)
Nickname: Luca
$100
$50
(20¢)
“gamba”
($10¢)
$5
$1
(1¢)
(1/5¢)
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9. USEFUL CHILEAN SPANISH
Chilean Spanish is different than the Spanish you will have learned in school. The people speak
quickly and with a lot of slang. At first, the Spanish will be incredibly challenging, but with time
you will grow to love all the “modismos.”
Some tips to understand Chilean Spanish:
- The final ‘s’ is often not annunciated
Example: “Gracias” is pronounced “Graciah”
- The informal “tú” form of verbs when conjugated is changed from endings (in
present tense) of –as to –ai and –es to –i. (This is a very informal way of talking,
especially between close friends)
Example:
¿Cómo estás? >> ¿Cómo estai?
¿Dónde vas? >> ¿Dónde vai?
¿Cuántos años tienes? >> ¿Cuantos años tení?
Modismos / Slang
ACTIONS
CACHAR: to understand
¿CACHAI?: informal “tú” form- to ask the person that you are talking to if they
understand
CHATEAR: chat online
HINCHAR: bother
PELAR: to gossip
PELAR CABLES: to bicker or to say silly things
SACAR LA VUELTA: procrastinaste
ADJECTIVES
CALETA/ ENE/ HARTO: a lot
BACÁN/ FILETE : really good, cool
FOME/ PENCA: boring, lame
PIOLA: quiet, nice
¡QUÉ LATA!: that sucks!
LATERO: someone who makes others bored
TÓXICO: someone or something that is bad
RASCA: bad quality, ordinary
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CHILEAN EXPRESSIONS
ALTIRO: immediately, soon
CHATO/A: tired
PORFA / PORFIS: por favor
QUE TE VAYA BIEN: I hope it all goes well for you
YA: Okay
PARTIES - CHILEAN STYLE
ASADO: BBQ
CARRETEAR: Party
CAÑA: hang-over
COPETE: alcoholic drink
CHELA: beer
TOMAR: to take a drink
PEOPLE
AMIGOS CON VENTAJA: friends with benefits
BUENA ONDA: good person (good vibe)
MALA ONDA: bad person (bad vibe)
PESADO(A): disagreeable person
CHOCOPANDA: guy with a mullet
CUÁTICO: complicated (a person or a thing)
CUICO (A): a rich person, someone from a high socioeconomic class
FLYTE (FLAITE): a sketchy person
GALLO: guy
GUATON: a fat person
GUAGUA: baby, infant
GRINGO/A: a foreigner not from a Spanish speaking country
MINA: girl (chic)
HUEVON: dude (curse word, vulgar)
MACABEO: a guy who is “whipped” by his girlfriend
POLOLO/A: boyfriend/girlfriend
VIEJO (A): an older person
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
BOLETO: ticket
PASAJE: tariff or ticket
COLECTIVO: shared taxi
“LA” MICRO: bus
METRO: train, subway
TACO: traffic jam (high heels too)
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TROLE: trolleybus; only found in Valparaiso’s downtown
UNIVERSITY EXPRESSIONS
ASIGNATURA: class
CLAVE: the schedule or period of a class
MATRICULA: Registration
MECHON(A): freshman
PROFE: professor
RAMO: class
10. WEBSITES, LINKS AND READING
Tourism
 National Tourism Service: www.sernatur.cl/inicio.htm
 Official Viña del Mar Tourism Web page: http://www.visitevinadelmar.cl/
 ISIC (International Student Travel Confederation): www.isic.org
- Airlines
 Lan Chile: www.lan.cl (Offices are located Viña’s downtown).
 Sky Airlines: www.skyairline.cl (Offices are located in Viña’s downtown).
 Sky offices are located in Calle Ecuador
 Good travel offers: www.kayak.com
Municipalidades (City Council)
Viña del Mar: www.munivina.cl
Actividades del Mes
Turismo: Palacios y Castillos, Parques y Áreas Verdes
Valparaíso: www.municipalidaddevalparaiso.cl
Patrimonio : Mitos y Leyendas de Valparaíso
Turismo : Paseos, Miradores y Museos
Chilean Newspapers






El Mercurio On-line: www.emol.com
La Tercera: www.tercera.cl
Las Ultimas Noticias: www.lun.com
El Mercurio de Valparaíso: www.mercuriovalpo.cl
La Estrella de Valparaíso: www.estrellavalpo.cl
Santiago Times: www.tcgnews.com/santiagotimes
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Recommended Readings
(All these books can be found in Amazon.com)
 Cultural Shock Chile by Susan Roraff and Laura Camacho
 How To Survive In The Chilean Jungle by John Brennan
 How To Survive In The Chilean Jungle 2 by John Brennan
 Chilenismos: A Dictionary and Phrasebook for Chilean Spanish by Daniel Joelson
 Works by Gabriela Mistral, Pablo Neruda and Isabel Allende.
We look forward to seeing you in Chile soon!
DIRECCIÓN DE RELACIONES INTERNACIONALES Y VÍNCULOS
UNIVERSIDAD VIÑA DEL MAR
Diego Portales 90, Agua Santa
Viña del Mar
Chile
(56 32) 246 2740
(56 32) 246 2734
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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