Academic programs
UVM’s fee-paying Academic Semester in English Program allows non-Spanish speakers the opportunity to experience the Latin American and Chilean cultures while earning academic credits in courses taught in English.
This program is designed for students enrolled or interested in one of the following academic areas: General Studies, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Business. Each course has 64 contact hours which are usually the equivalent to 4 US credits or 5 ECTS according to American and European standards.
In addition to these English courses, students are encouraged to take at least one Spanish Language and Chilean Culture class to improve their language skills and learn about their host country. These courses are offered through our in-house Spanish Center, which is accredited by the Cervantes Institute in Spain.
Download CEFRFor students whose native language is not English, is required to include certification that they have an advanced level (B2). This certification can be a written letter from the English department of their home university addressed to our office.
The UVM respects the home university’s requirements regarding the maximum and minimum courses a student should take while abroad.
We invite all students to talk with their academic advisors in their home universities about how many credits they should take while studying with the UVM in order to maintain their full-time student status. International students should also speak with their advisors to understand how their grades and credits will transfer back.
In general, we understand that US students must take between 12-16 credits per semester, while European students normally have to complete 30 ECTS.
This course will not be a theoretical or philosophical discussion about Ethics or its history, but an intensive individual and group practical reflection on personal and social behavior in order to be happier and better individuals. A strong engagement of all participants in personal reading, elaboration of papers and above all, sharing own ideas and respecting them is required to achieve a significant and useful work and learning outcome.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
This course is designed to offer students a critical understanding of the complex trajectory of popular culture in Chile from the 70s to present day. This will be accomplished through the analysis of literature, art, film, and music. The patterns of production and consumption of popular culture examined by this course can be divided into three general periods: The Revolutionary Period of Activist Art, The Allegorical Period of State Repression and Censorship, and the Period of Remembrance, Recognition, and Reconciliation.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
Students in this course will learn to understand the political and literary history of the Latin American rebellion and revolution through Bolaño’s work The Savage Detectives. Finally, they will be able to apply this understanding in thoughtful analysis of Bolaño’s novel to the independent investigation of a revolutionary and/or literary tradition in Latin America.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
A land of encounter and finding, of retreat and loss, Latin America is the place where man finally stopped his wandering throughout the world. Finis Terrae, Land’s End. This continent has been described and recreated by many travelers, who along with giving a lucid glimpse of this region and its people; they also revealed much of their own selves. This course aims to approach these kaleidoscopic gazes of South America from a human scale: Latin America or a “nostalgia for the space”.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
After approximately 25 years of neoliberal domination, critical ideas are beginning to reappear in mainstream literature. The purpose of this course is cross-disciplinary and strives to understand the structure, form and arguments of some contemporary and critical ideas, the paradigms they represent, and how they relate to the present world order and in some cases, how they envision its fall. The question of justice within social, economic and political spheres in the international system are at the center of these arguments, but these spheres are not isolated from other spheres such as history, identity and pedagogy especially when seen from the locality of Latin America.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
This course is based on studies that have shown that students are likely to gain a more profound and enriching intercultural experience if equipped with a theoretical framework within which they can analyze and interpret their experiences. The purpose of this course is to enhance the intercultural sensitivity and awareness of the student during his/her stay in Chile by providing tools which help make the most of the immersion experience and its transformative potential. The course will introduce students to several theories, concepts and strategies that will help them better understand and advance their own process of intercultural encounter here in Chile. The required readings will provide the framework, but in-class activities and guided discussions as well as tutored investigations into Chilean cultural habits will allow students to develop intercultural skills such as to aid the student’s personal reflection and comprehension of cultural experiences.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
This course analyzes concepts and definitions of Gender in the context of Latin American Feminism. Students will study of psychological, anthropological, social and political dimensions of gender and their relation to power and social inequality. They will also research and examine gender-related experiences in Chile.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
Through international reports, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, we will see the specific situation of Human Rights different countries in Latin America during the current decade. Discussions in the classes will look into current issues, such as violence, abortion, public campaigns and minorities, so students can have a deeper understanding of the social realities from a Human Rights perspective. Students will also learn to respond to these issues by using different methods for planning and evaluating projects. This way, they will be able to apply the course’s conceptual elements to a specific scenario to create a social, political or cultural change.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
The Mapuche are the largest and most influential indigenous population in Chile. From a long history of violent exploitation by Spain and Chile, recent years have seen a revival and a reassertion of Mapuche ethnic identity in their 500-year-old struggle for the land. This course is an in-depth approach to the ethnic identity of the Mapuche culture. Identity will be examined as a broad concept that includes history, origin, myth, language, ritual, personhood and worldview. Throughout these topics a central red line can be traced in the relationship with the “other”, the non-Mapuche, whether it is a Spanish colonial “other” or a Chilean contemporary “other”. Both historical as well as anthropological perspectives will be used to understand this broad constellation of identity.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
Besides the obvious political associations of left and right, why is it that most people tend to associate only certain types of expressions with Latin American culture and tradition, like dancing, music, poetry and literature? This course will strive to inform you about the less known but equally interesting and more rational based forms of intellectual culture within Latin America in a contemporary perspective. It will focus on the side of these traditions that reflect towards their own Latin American circumstance offering a generally critical perspective. The course has a cross-disciplinary approach and will offer readings from a variety of topics, such as identity, racism, history, economics, pedagogy and philosophy.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
This course defines and explains the concepts of political power, totalitarianism, ideology, dictatorship, democracy and national interest, to apply them to the Latin American reality today. During the semester, the students will identify the socio-cultural elements that shaped the Latin American Identities, in order to explain the evolution and outcome of political and economic models applied in the region during the twentieth century and twenty first century. Since the course explains the historical differences and similarities amongst the Latin American countries, it helps to develop a different vision from the usual stereotypes. The main representative cases will be focused on the recent political crisis in Venezuela, Argentina and Chile.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
Social movements have become relevant agents for social change within Latin America, particularly in the last few decades with the return to democracy of several nations. They have influenced social development within central areas such as Education, Environment, Urban Development, Work, and Gender. This class will be dedicated to the analysis and comprehension of Latin American social movements by studying different approaches and authentic cases, while reflecting on their impacts within their particular social scenarios. Each topic will be accompanied by examples that will range from Gender movements in Mexico, to Students movement in Chile and the Landless Movement in Brazil. The main goal is to allow students to put into question the different movements’ actions, orientations, structures and discourse, among other relevant factors, to better comprehend these subjects within social sciences.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
The poorest are the ones hardest hit with environmental issues as they often depend directly on natural resources for their daily needs and livelihoods (for firewood, food and building material, fishing). Desperate for employment, poor people suffer the unhealthiest work environments. Without much choice as to where to live, they are more exposed to disasters such as floods, fires, toxic dumps, and polluted air and water. As their quality of life declines their health deteriorates, these environmental issues render them even less able to make a living. Far from being anti-development, environmental policies can be used to protect the health and livelihoods of poor people and increase their political and economic power.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
This course studies how neoliberalism became from ideological and political ideal into being the dominant political and economic model worldwide. The course makes a comparative study of three nations which were at the forefront in implementing neoliberal economic and political principles into reality. The countries studies are Chile, United States and Great Britain, in particular in three different phases of these past 40 years of neoliberal policies.
Stage One: Neoliberal implementation period (1980-1990)
Stage Two: Neoliberalism rise and development, market openings and implementation of free trade accords (1990-2000)
Stage Three: Consolidation of neoliberal model, the nascent criticism to deep questioning to the current neoliberal model (2000-to today)
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
This course introduces various ways of thinking about power, freedom, and social inequality in the 21st century, considering the effects that neoliberal globalization and new technologies of governance have had on democracy and citizenship. It looks at political and social responses to the major economic changes we have witnessed over the last 40 years and asks whether there are any alternatives to the neoliberal model.
The module is multidisciplinary and is designed for undergraduate students of all academic backgrounds. Students are encouraged to participate in lectures by sharing their own views and ideas on important global developments, from the rise of private institutions that are “too big to fail” to the international management of migration.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
By effectively using key concepts and terms, students will understand the historical context within which the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) developed. They will also apply this understanding in thoughtful analysis of selected CSR and Sustainability Reports obtained through online research, as well as, develop an approach to and position on the ethical dimensions of ‘corporate citizenship’ in a global economy.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
The objective of this course is to introduce the concept of business communication, simultaneously teach the key communication skills/techniques that are extremely useful when entering the corporate world and help the students in becoming better professionals. Some of the key focus areas of this course are delivering impactful presentations, the art of public speaking, mastering impromptu speech, cracking interviews through effective communication, among others.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
The Film and Television Industries do not only represent a major international business sector, they are also part of our daily experiences. Film and Television shape social behavior, preferences, styles, aesthetics and an important part of our economy. The course will go through the whole process of producing Film and TV, from content to aesthetics, from pre-production to post-production, from script to market, from art to technology, while analyzing a series of important films.
Contact hours: 64.
Credits: 4.
ECTS: 5.
The goal of this course is to equip students with a basic knowledge about the multifaceted socio-economic and cultural process known as globalization, by developing their ability to assess the major arguments concerning its consequences. This is achieved through the examination of questions such as: What is globalization? How is it manifested? What drives it? What determines the distribution of gains and losses arising from globalization? The course finally provides a more robust understanding of how businesses and societies adapt, profit or react against this process.
Contact hours: 64
Credits: 4
ECTS: 5
In this course, students will examine the unique and shared elements of artists from different countries, evaluating the effect of globalization on smaller artists and big art conglomerates. Marketing described as the art form of the 21st century will be analyzed through the exploration of the works and marketing success of artists such as Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst. Street art will also be one of the central topics of the course as a counterexample of consumer culture, looking at both the renowned Bansky as well as regional street art of Valparaiso.
Contact hours: 64
Credits: 4
ECTS: 5
This module is intended for undergraduate students of any discipline who want to learn about crucial issues in sustainable economic development and natural resource management, from water security to climate change. It provides participants with a basic qualitative understanding of the key theoretical concepts and examines how these are being applied in practice around the world today, from payments for ecosystem services to environmental certification.
Contact hours: 64
Credits: 4
ECTS: 5
This course will focus in Marketing trends and strategies in Latin America. Students will learn about socio – cultural issues, economic and political – legal environment, together with strategic and marketing considerations when doing business in Latin American countries. Learning approach will be base in cases of study as well as lectures and a team project.
Contact hours: 64
Credits: 4
ECTS: 5
Leadership is a complex process by which the leader influences others to perform and achieve. This course provides the basis for understanding what leadership is and what leaders do to be successful. This is a highly interactive course based on the application of theoretical concepts of leadership to practical situations. Analysis of different important leaders, audiovisual material and case studies will be used extensively during the course to develop the leader within each student.
Contact hours: 64
Credits: 4
ECTS: 5
Management Skills and Crisis Management are of essential importance in business. This course interrelates different factors involved in the Management Process, from stability to crisis. The main focuses will be understanding basic psychology, different management styles, general business context and the effects of externalities and crisis management.
Contact hours: 64
Credits: 4
ECTS: 5
With so many organizations operating in a multinational environment today, it is easy to assume that the increasing connection among countries, and the globalization of corporations, would result in cultural differences disappearing or diminishing. Yet, on the contrary, as economic borders come down, cultural barriers often go up, thus presenting new challenges. Students will learn techniques, through highly interactive methods, on how you can excel, when they work for a global company or in a different country, with teams across continents.
Contact hours: 64
Credits: 4
ECTS: 5
The Negotiation Process is of essential importance in business. It focuses on the Economic, Political, Social and Geopolitical context, which is necessary when it comes to truly understanding the different negotiation processes and styles.
The course will help to understand the Negotiation Process from an integrated point of view, with focus on the analysis of externalities. Its main contents are: Historical, Economic, Political and Geopolitical Contexts; Basic Psychology; Negotiation and Leadership and Financial Analysis.
Contact hours: 64
Credits: 4
ECTS: 5
Students contribute to the local community through volunteering at an NGO or Non-profit organization associated with the University.
The objectives of our Volunteer Program for International Students are:
Commitment:
Educational, sports, and tourism organization comprised of expert professionals in the field of physical activity and modern sports. They promote sports and recreational activities among children, youth, and adults in the Valparaíso Region combining outdoor sports practice with environmental education. They promote water sports such as adapted surfing and social surfing, ensuring access to sports for people with disabilities and social vulnerability. The focus of volunteering includes:
The aim is to collaborate with academia in various activities.
Previous surfing experience is not required as they provide training. The volunteering takes place at La Boca Beach in Concón.
Web Site: https://www.freesport.cl/
IG: @academiafreesport
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freesportconcon
CIDEMAR Foundation is a non-profit non-governmental organization with the mission of contributing to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems through science, education, and water sports.
These three tools contribute to the appreciation of aquatic life and critical habitats through awareness-raising efforts and the invitation for everyone to protect life through action. The lines of action cover three aspects:
The volunteering objectives in Viña del Mar are:
Web Site: http://www.cidemar.com/
IG: @fundacioncidemar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FCIDEMAR/
Organization that uses surfing as a tool to encourage the following:
Address: 101 Garibaldi, Cerro La Cruz, Valparaíso: https://goo.gl/maps/PJrSq6Yyt2N2