Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Nicknamed “The Jewel of the Pacific”, Valparaíso was declared a UNESCO world heritage site based upon its improvised urban design and unique architecture. Founded in 1536, Valparaíso is not only one of Chile’s most important port cities, but it is also its third largest city. Valparaíso remains a source of inspiration for artists of all types, including the well-known Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda. Students can visit Neruda’s seaside home in Valparaíso, as well as the Chilean Congress. Offering strikingly beautiful views from the top of its numerous hills, it is reminiscent of San Francisco. Valparaíso, or Valpo for short, is a city where students can amble away an afternoon exploring its steep and winding streets, peppered with colorful houses, and admire the sparkling Pacific Ocean below. It is also only a two-hour bus ride away from Chile’s capital city, Santiago.
API offers students the great opportunity to study in Valparaíso with Pontifícia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV):
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso
The history of the Pontifícia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) began in 1924, though its doors did not open to the Chilean community until 1928. The fourth university to be established in Chile, it is recognized as the leading university in the region of Valparaíso and attracts Chilean students with top scores on the national university entrance exam. It enrolls approximately 14,000 students and has 100 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Housing its academic departments throughout the picturesque city of Valparaíso, students will enjoy the urban landscape and the opportunity to attend a university that is integrated into city life. Visiting students enjoy taking Spanish courses at all levels, and can select from a wide array of classes offered in English and Spanish.