If you're looking to supercharge your Spanish during winter break without losing academic momentum, this J-Term program at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) in Chile is designed exactly for you. Over three weeks in the vibrant coastal cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, you'll enroll in two Spanish language courses taught entirely in Spanish by experienced local professors. The program welcomes students at every proficiency level — beginner, intermediate, and advanced — and places you in the right class through an online Spanish Assessment administered by PUCV before your arrival. You'll earn up to 3 recommended U.S. semester credits (4.5 quarter credits) that you can work to transfer back to your home institution.

The academic experience is rooted in authentic, communicative learning. Courses range from Conversation and Chilean Culture (available at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels) to Spanish Grammar courses that tackle morphology, syntax, and real-world usage. You'll study Chilean idiosyncrasy, identity, slang, national celebrations, family life, and even the history of Valparaíso itself — all in Spanish. Advanced students may also have the opportunity to enroll alongside local Chilean students in a broader range of academic fields, deepening immersion even further.

Valparaíso is one of South America's most colorful and culturally rich cities — a UNESCO World Heritage port city famous for its labyrinthine hillside neighborhoods, vibrant street murals, funicular lifts, and bohemian energy. Nearby Viña del Mar offers a contrasting coastal resort atmosphere. Classes are held primarily at PUCV's historic Casa Central, just blocks from the ocean. Beyond the classroom, you'll explore the region through curated excursions such as a visit to Pablo Neruda's iconic home La Sebastiana, a tour of the Museo Fonck's archaeology and natural history collections, and one-on-one language exchanges with local Chilean students.

Your program fee of $4,750 covers tuition and an official PUCV transcript, housing, internet, cultural activities and excursions, airport reception, in-country orientation, international insurance, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Housing options include furnished apartments shared with another international student, homestay with a Chilean family (which includes three meals a day and weekly laundry service), or independent housing for students who prefer to arrange their own accommodation. You'll be responsible for flights, meals (unless in a homestay), books, personal spending, and your cell phone plan.

WorldStrides provides dedicated on-site staff throughout the program, including a Resident Director, along with mental health support, a mobile app for resources and safety alerts, and a program manager who guides you through the entire process from application to homecoming. This program is ideal for any college student aged 18 or older with a minimum 2.5 GPA who wants to make the most of winter break by gaining language skills, academic credits, and a genuinely immersive cultural experience in one of South America's most captivating destinations.