Student Exchange with Universidad del Pacífico
Congratulations! You are about to embark on an exhilarating trip to Chile. From a truly enriching experience to a life changing adventure - Santiago promises to excite, tantalize, and surprise you.
Unlike classic study abroad programs, the student exchange agreement established between Henderson State University and the Universidad del Pacífico allows any HSU student meeting certain requirements the possibility to study for a semester or year in Santiago, Chile, paying the tuition and fees he or she would normally pay at HSU. Each student is also responsible for the airfare to Chile, room and board expenses, books and transportation while there.
This program is not limited to Spanish majors, although a minimal proficiency in the language will be required.
This document intends to provide you with some initial and basic insight on what to do and what to expect before departure and upon arrival in Santiago.
Santiago was founded by the Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541, and is the capital and largest city in Chile, a country which borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and Argentina to the east. The capital is located in the center of the country, about 75 miles from the Pacific coast.
Santiago holds roughly one third of Chile's total population of 15 million. This city is host to three large public universities and 45 private universities and other institutes of higher education.
Because of its location south of the equator, Chile's seasons are reversed from those of North America. In other words, winter is during the months of June through August, while summer goes from December to March. This reversion also accounts for the variation in the time difference throughout the year: +1 hour during Arkansas summer, and +3 hours during Arkansas winter, in relation to Central Time. Because Chile's territory is narrow north to south, it has only one continental time zone. Easter Island, on the other hand, is located in a different time zone (-2 hours than continental Chile)
The climate of Santiago is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, moist winters. In the summer, high temperatures average at around 82°F, while winters average temperatures settle around 52°F. Rain falls mainly during winter months.
Before you go
The application process is relatively simple. There is a form which you submit to the Director of International Programs, who in turn submits your application to Universidad del Pacífico. It is required that you possess a functional command of Spanish before you go to Chile. In case you are not a Spanish Major, it may be required that you contact the Foreign Language Division of the Department of English, Foreign Languages, & Philosophy to have your language proficiency assessed. As a rule of thumb, it is advisable that students take four semesters of Spanish before enrolling in this exchange program.
The academic year at the Universidad del Pacífico is divided into semesters. First semester typically begins in the second week of March, while second semester starts in the beginning of August. The application deadlines for attending the second semester of 2009 is June 1st, and December 7th to attend the first semester of 2010.
The acceptance letter will be used for obtaining the required student visa to study in Chile. Applicants will be invited for an interview at the Chilean consulate in Houston for obtaining the necessary authorization. Prospective exchange students should obtain a passport with enough time in advance, in case they don't have one.
These are the steps to take in the application process:
1. Contact Dr. Drew Smith, director of International Programs, or/and Dr. Pedro Lopes, Professor of Foreign Languages, about your eligibility to enter the exchange program with the UPA.
2. Fill out the required forms (downloadable through the links on the left), which will be sent along with the following documentation:
-Transcripts
-Statement of current enrollment at Henderson State University
-1 photo
-Photocopy of the main page of valid passport
-Proof of international health insurance coverage
3. Select which courses to take at UPA and fill out the Authorization for Course Credit through Study Abroad form.
4. Fill out the course registration form and email it to the office of international relations at UPA - at jselman@upacifico.cl.
Upon receiving the admittance letter, take the necessary steps to obtain a student VISA from the Chilean Consulate.
The courses included in the present agreement between Henderson State University and the Universidad del Pacífico are related to the following fields:
- Design (Arts)
- Communications
- Mass Communication
- History
- Early Childhood Education
- Nursing
- Psychology
HSU students may take courses in other fields other than these listed above, since the limitations apply in greater measure to UPA students coming to HSU, due to the specificity and concentration of the academic careers within their higher education system.
Students may also enroll in an Intensive Spanish course at UPA before the beginning of the regular semester. However, these courses are not included in the general agreement, and therefore fees apply at UPA's discretion.
It is important that every student travelling to Chile observe the customs regulations in the airport. Chile is a major exporter of produce, and its authorities are particularly specific about the prohibition of entering or leaving the country in possession of any fruit, vegetable or animal food products whatsoever.
Upon arrival
The most costly transportation expense students will have is upon arrival at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago. There are several transportation options from the airport to downtown or beyond, but given the circumstances (after a 10-hour flight, there isn't usually a lot of energy to figure out transportation alternatives out of the airport in an foreign city), taxi is the best option. Pick a driver, give him an address and bargain a fare beforehand - this may save you some money. The trip should cost around $US 30 dollars. Taxi drivers will accept American dollars in case you haven't yet had the chance to exchange currency - which you can do before you leave the airport terminal. It is advisable that you grab a map of the city while still in the airport (they are made available free of charge after you go through the customs area) and begin to get acquainted with the city.
The Universidad del Pacífico facilities are located in the Las Condes district of Santiago, northeast of downtown. The complete address of the university is:
Universidad del Pacífico
Av. Las Condes 11.121
Las Condes - Santiago de Chile
Most likely, however, you will be heading towards your place of residence and not the university. In any case, it is convenient to have the contact to reach the coordinator of international relations at UPA in case you need help. Her name is Jazmín Selman. While universities abroad don't typically run student dorms on campus, there are several privately run lodging facilities which provide options with the student population in mind. There are also families who are willing to provide lodging in their homes to international students. All these options are explained on a different document. (link on the left)
Transportation
Once settled, you need to figure out a way to get to the university. This is a good time to start familiarizing yourself with the public transportation system in Santiago, which happens to be extremely efficient and reliable.
The easiest and fastest way to travel in Santiago is the subway (El Metro). It's recommendable you find the location of the nearest subway from where you are staying. From the university, the closest subway station is Escuela Militar, the last station to the north on the red subway line, which is too far to walk in a reasonable amount of time. The red line (L1) is currently in expansion, adding three new stations located closer to the university, but walking distance to the latter will still be considerable. This means you'll need to use the bus (also referred to as La Micro, in Santiago) to get to the subway from the university, and vice-versa. Subway stations always interface with bus stations that are above ground, making transfers convenient.
While you can purchase a ticket for a single trip on the subway, you cannot travel by bus unless you hold a charged travel card - the Bip! This card costs 1,300 pesos (as of March, 2009) and may be purchased at any subway station. You may also find it at a few authorized stores. To be able to travel, you'll need to charge this card with funds multiple of 1000 pesos - since you buy it with zero balance. This card is also made available at a discount upon enrolling as a full time student at UPA.
Each time you enter a subway station and use the card, 460 pesos are deducted from its balance. Once in the subway system, you can travel back and forth and change lines at interchanging stations for an unlimited time. On the bus, it's slightly different: after the first swipe, you have two hours during which you may switch buses and routes at no extra cost. In other words, only one deduction is made to your card in a two-hour period. You can see how much you are being charged and what your remaining balance is every time you swipe pass your card on the reader - which can be located inside the bus or at the bus stop, in the case of the larger, more popular bus stops.
From the Universidad del Pacífico to the Escuela Militar subway station, you need to take bus #406 or any of its variants (406c, 406 b, etc.) You can always refer to the Transantiago website for details on routes. You may also check the balance on your Bip! card by visiting the Bip! en Línea website. Just use the number on the back of the card.
Shopping
There are several options for grocery shopping in the Las Condes district. One of them is located in the first floor of the Alto de Las Condes shopping mall, on the Las Condes Avenue, the same artery of the university. Other than that, you may also visit the Mercado Central, for fresh produce, meats and fish. The nearest subway station to the Mercado Central is on the yellow line (L2) - Puente Cal y Canto. Be aware that across the river from the Mercado Central there are more shopping options, mainly used by locals, where you can find several blocks of produce, poultry, fish, etc.
If you like large outdoor malls, then Parque Arauco is a must in Santiago - one of the largest in South America. It's accessible by bus, since there is no subway station nearby.
Nightlife
There are two main areas of the city where young people tend to congregate. One of them is the Barrio Suecia (Los Héroes station on L1, by metro), where you can find a generous number of restaurants and clubs. If you are looking for a more informal atmosphere, then Bellavista (Baquedano, on L1) is ideal. This is the bohemian district of Santiago, and many college students converge to the Pio IX, the most lively artery in the barrio. Many of these students attend University of Chile's School of Law, just down the street.
Downtown
There are attractions in downtown Santiago, from the Presidential Palace (El Palacio de La Moneda), to other equally relevant monuments. You can start exploring there from the Plaza de Armas - the heart of downtown, with its own subway station, which takes the name of the plaza. It is important to appreciate all the history behind Chile's indigenous and colonial past, as well as its history of a violent military dictatorship ending just two decades ago. Old monuments harmoniously mingle with modern buildings to create an interesting visual effect.
When this plaza was founded, it was meant to be the civic core of the country, and that is the reason the Royal Court of Justice - currently the Museum of Natural History -, the Governor's Palace - Central Post Office today -, and the Metropolitan Cathedral are all located around the square. Today, this square is one of the most enjoyable places to sit and rest from long walks around downtown Santiago, as this is the crossroads of the dynamic commercial, cultural, and political activity that unfolds in the city.
There are many more attractions outside the downtown perimeter, but still within walking distance. The city offers a myriad of parks and green areas, including hills where hiking is popular - such as the Cerro de Sta. Lucía and Cerro de S. Cristóbal.
Another popular place to visit is Pablo Neruda's House. There are three of the famous Neruda's houses in Chile, one of which in Santiago - La Chascona.
Admittance in touristic places in Chile, including museums, is generally very inexpensive. For example, you can visit the Museum of Natural History for 600 pesos - a little more than one dollar at current exchange rates.
The Presidential Palace (La Moneda) may also be visited, unless an official ceremony is scheduled for that day - such as the visit of a foreign dignitary, or the Changing of the Guard, the latter of which occurs once weekly. You do need a passport to visit the Moneda.
Outside Santiago
Other points of interest may be found outside Santiago. The city of Viña del Mar, on the coast, less than 80 miles northwest of the capital, is a favorite among tourists and Chileans alike. There are several touring options for day trips to Viña del Mar, ranging from anywhere between 40 and 60 dollars. Another coastal city worth visiting is Valparaíso.
Other than that, there are nature and mountain activities that are popular. Chile has many ski resorts, since the Andes mountain range (Chileans call it simply "La Cordillera") provides some excellent conditions for the practice of this sport.
Being that Chile is such an important wine producer and exporter, the country's vineyards attract many visitors. One of the most known is where the brand Concha y Toro is produced and bottled, a name commonly found in grocery stores and liquor stores across the United States.
Miscellaneous information for starters
In Chile, as in many other countries abroad, students often enjoy discounts on various products and services. At the university, for example, lunch and snacks are served at discounted prices, making it very inexpensive to eat on campus.
At nicer restaurants, a 10% gratuity is generally expected - but no gratuity is expected at lower grade eateries. Taxi cabs are not tipped, either.
Other than that, exercise common sense. Santiago is a safe city for its size, which does not mean crime never occurs. After dark, you should avoid some areas of the city, including downtown and the western outskirts. You will feel extremely safe within the Las Condes district (northeast), where UPA is located.
When you need directions, don't hesitate to ask a local - Chileans are a very courteous and helpful people, even in a large city like Santiago.
Enjoy your stay!