Study Abroad in Valparaíso...

Valparaíso, Chile, is a mix of industry and natural beauty located in central Chile, about 70 miles from the capital of Santiago. It is Chile's second-largest city and home to the country's main port. Known for its fine arts and maritime museums, Valparaíso, the "vale of paradise," is the cultural capital of Chile.

Founded in 1536 by Spanish conquistador Juan de Saavedra, the city was officially established in 1544 by Pedro de Valdivia. In the 19th century, Valparaíso was a major stop for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. International sailors called the city the "Jewel of the Pacific." The city has always been home to many European immigrants. In 1906 the city suffered a staggering earthquake which did a large amount of damage and killed nearly 20,000 residents, but the city has rebuilt itself in a luscious paradise since then.

In 1990, Valparaíso became the center for the Chilean Congress, and Chile's naval headquarters has been located in the city for some time. In 2003, it gained protection as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site because of its industrial history and fine architecture.

Valparaíso is a city of firsts. It boasts Latin America's oldest stock exchange, the first volunteer fire department on the continent and Chile's first public library.

With its mild climate and cobblestone streets, Valparaíso is a narrow city surrounded by water on one side and steep hills on the other. Each of the city's 45 hills is a designated neighborhood. Most residents, or "porteños," live in the hills in colorful houses. Locals living in the hills use ascensors, which are antiquated funicular devices that carry residents down to the commercial area. The ascensors are small wooden cabins that ascend from between 30 and 45 degrees.

Walking is the best mode of transportation in Valparaíso, as well as the best way to get to know the city. There is a new Metro rail system, as well as cable cars to get around. Those who want to avoid the ascensors can use the steep staircases that lead up the sides of the hills.

Valparaíso is a manufacturing city that produces textiles, shoes, leather, paint and chemicals. It is a shipping hub for container freight and an exporter of wine, copper and fruit.

Lively Valparaíso is notorious for its nightlife. Restaurants, clubs and bars stay open all hours, and many discos can be found on Ecuador Street. Nearly half of Chile's population is under 25, which makes Valparaíso an exciting city for international students. Beach lovers need to travel just five miles to the resort town of Viña de Mar to catch some rays. Backpacking and scuba diving are also favorite pastimes.

International students considering an education in Valparaíso need to have advanced skills in Spanish language, and may also have to take placement exams at orientation. There are several universities in the city-in fact, Valparaíso is home to the most universities in Chile. Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2003, is one of the finest universities in the country.

That information, coupled with the beauty and history of the city, should compel any student to seriously consider study in Valparaíso.

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ONLINE RESOURCES
Municipal site: http://www.municipalidaddevalparaiso.cl/
Area guide: http://www.vinayvalpo.com
Tourism site: http://www.chilecontact.com/en/conozca/valparaiso.php
Spanish Abroad, Inc.: http://www.spanishabroad.com/prog_semester/valparaiso
Universidad Católica de Valparaíso: http://www.ucv.cl/english/
Universidad de Varparaíso: http://www.uv.cl/
Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria: http://www.utfsm.cl/english/index.html
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP

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