Viña del Mar & Valparaíso, Chile

This program in is a wonderful opportunity to live and study in the dynamic and beautiful country of Chile while learning about the geography, language and culture of this place. You will spend tiem in two cities: Valpraiso and Vina del Mar, Chile. You will live with a host family for the entire program, and enjoy program sponsored day trips and excursions, along with a full course load of Geology, Geography and Spanish language classes.

Program Dates: September 22 – December 2, 2023

Application Deadline: June 1, 2023

Deposit Due ($900): June 1, 2023

Tuition Due: Check academic calendar 

Eligibility: Must have completed at least 12 college credits, 2.5 GPA, 17 years old, students under 18 must obtain parent/guardian permission.

Course Prerequisites: None

APPLICATION LINK HERE

Our office will review your documents and let you know how to proceed.

NOTE: Students that are 17 during the duration of the program will need to sign supplemental paperwork with their parents/guardians. 

Please note that students that have been sanctioned by the college are disqualified from applying to or participating in an Edmonds College study abroad program.

This is an academic program and students are expected to enroll in a full-time course load. Failure to participate in the academic coursework may result in dismissal from the program. Students are encouraged to make the most of their classroom learning as it will enhance understanding of all the local area has to offer.

Students will take three classes for a total of 15 credits including a Spanish language class taught by local faculty. This course is mandatory for all students; students will be placed into one of three language levels. Instruction of the physical geography and geology courses will be taught in English, and the Spanish course will be based on your current understanding of the language, from beginning to advanced.

Primary Faculty – Morgan Salisbury, Lower Columbia College

Dr. Morgan Salisbury is an Earth Scientist and educator who specializes in the geology and geography of South America. Morgan earned a Ph.D. in Geology from Oregon State University where he studied the volcanoes of Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina. His research includes a position as a Research Scholar at Durham University in the United Kingdom, and he is now recognized as one of the foremost experts on the relationship between plate tectonics and the volcanoes of South America. Morgan has been teaching geology and geography courses at Lower Columbia College in southwest Washington state for the past seven years. Morgan considers his time studying and living abroad in South America as among the most important and informative of his life and he strives to give a similarly positive experience to his students. Morgan’s classes are accessible, hands-on, and encourage students to get into the field and experience the world around them as they learn about the natural world and the many influences of earth system processes on the people and animals that call this planet home.

Spanish Language (5 credits) is required for all students.

In this class, you will be placed at the level of Spanish appropriate to your knowledge, from beginner to advanced. You will be taught by an experienced instructor who lives in Chile and receive credit for the equivalent Spanish class at your home campus.
No prerequisites.

Geology& 101: Intro to Physical Geology w/lab

In this class you will learn how the slow but relentless movement of Earth’s crust is ultimately responsible for nearly every aspect of Earth’s topography, including Chile’s diverse topography of mountains and volcanoes, high deserts, mountain valleys, and coastal plains. Focus will be given to understanding plate tectonics, geologic time, distribution of minerals, and the ongoing threat of natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. This class will take advantage of the Valparaíso’s and Viña del Mar’s stunning physical surroundings to provide a framework for understanding both local and global geologic concepts. Interactive lab exercises will include rock and mineral identification, and an analysis of the causes and consequences of the geologic risks that the Chilean people face. Planned excursions will allow hands-on analysis of geology in the field.
No prerequisites.
Students who have already taken GEOL&101 will enroll in an advanced studies course that will be taught concurrently in the same classroom.

Geography 105: Physical Geography w/lab

In this class you will learn the physical processes that determine the location of Chile’s diverse ecosystems and how these ecosystems change over time, including during our current era that is strongly influenced by humanity’s choices on energy use and cultivation of food. Focus will be given to understanding Chile’s complex weather and climate, the distribution of rain and ecosystems, the influence of mountains and wind, and the vital importance the oceans play in regulating all life on Earth. Laboratory exercises will include map making, analysis of the landscape, and interpreting a wide variety of local, and global, geographical data. Planned excursions will allow exploration and analysis of Chile’s diverse physical processes.
No prerequisites.
Students who have already taken GEOG 105 will enroll in an advanced studies course that will be taught concurrently in the same classroom.

TBD

Program Fee: $5,995 

INCLUDED IN COST:

• Housing with local host families
• Breakfast and Dinner with host families
• Orientation program on arrival with WorldStrides
• Weekend excursion TBD
• Medical insurance policies

NOT INCLUDED IN COST:

• College tuition and fees at your home campus
• Airfare
• Textbooks
• Meals other than those listed above
• Passport and visa fees if applicable
• Field trips or excursions other than those specified
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone, etc.
• Anything not specified as included in the program

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

Financial Aid can often be used towards study abroad. Meet with your WCCCSA Coordinator / Financial Aid Advisor to discuss – as individual situations vary.

WCCCSA Chile participants can indicate on their program application if they would like to be considered for one of two $1,000 WCCCSA Scholarships.

WCCCSA’s partner, WorldStrides also offers scholarship opportunities for participating students. Visit WorldStrides Scholarships webpage for scholarship details, deadlines, and applications.

Date: Saturday, August 19, 2023
Time: TBD
Location: Lower Columbia College, Longview, WA

What to bring:

Photocopy of your passport
Flight itineraries
Notepad to take notes
And questions

What to expect:

Parents, guardians, and significant others are welcomed and encouraged to attend orientation.
Coffee will be provided in the morning and lunch will be included.
The faculty will be available to discuss their courses and expectations.