Summary

This program offers intensive study of the Spanish language and an ideal introduction to Latin America. The program is hosted by the Universidad Santo Tomás (UST); all course work is organized by the EAP Liaison Officer and taught by professors from universities in Concepción. Outside the classroom, the program includes intercambios (linguistic exchanges and other activities with students from Concepción) and a variety of social and cultural activities organized by the EAP Study Center. The city of Concepción is a gateway to La Araucania (the region most heavily settled by Chile’s indigenous Mapuche communities) and is close to the natural splendor of the southern Lake District. The program includes guided excursions in and around Concepción as well as longer trips to destinations of socio-political and environmental interest.

Students attend all classes with UC students.

Duration

Go to Current Participants to see current or past calendars.

Fall semester: early September to mid-December

If qualified, you may extend your EAP participation to one of the spring programs in Santiago.

Academic Focus

Four courses are required for the program:

• Two language instruction courses: Spanish 50 and Spanish 60 (6 UC quarter units each)
• Latin American Studies course (LATAS/SPAN 102 for 6 UC quarter units)
• Independent Study (2 UC quarter units); this required independent study course is designed as a Spanish Language Practicum to more thoroughly integrate you into an aspect of Chilean culture and/or life in Concepción.

Language of Instruction

Spanish

Language Study

Spanish language acquisition is the focus of the program.

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent study is a required component of this program. You also may be able to arrange a non-academic internship and/or community service opportunities during or after the program.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad and enroll in four classes to meet the required minimum of 20 UC quarter units per semester.

Housing

Students reside in homestays with Chilean families.

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. UC faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of their host country and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

See the EAP Student's Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Host Institutions

UC Center, Concepción

The UC Center in Concepción is located just along the Plaza de Armas in the center of Concepción. All academic coordination, cultural activities, and student services are organized at the UC Center, which is within easy walking distance of the Central Market and a variety of downtown parks and eateries. The program’s classes are offered in the Universidad Santo Tomás (UST), a couple of blocks from the UC Center. You may also access UST’s library, café, sports facilities, and computer lab.

Visit the Universidad Santo Tomás website

Estimated Cost

The cost of study on EAP can be close to the cost of studying on campus and is typically far less than the cost of non-UC study abroad programs. You can also take your UC financial aid abroad! If you do not currently receive UC financial aid, you may qualify for aid while on EAP. Each year, EAP students receive $1.3 million in study abroad grants and scholarships.

The estimated total cost for options in this program are listed below. Future costs will vary due to currency fluctuation, etc. All estimated totals include:

• UC fees
• program-specific fees
• room and board
• mandatory insurance
• incidentals
• transportation
• books
• on-site orientation
• predeparture expenses
• intensive language program expenses where applicable

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Requirements

• Class level: sophomore, junior, senior, graduate
• Language prerequisite: Minimum three quarters/two semesters and maximum five quarters/three semesters of university-level first- and second-year Spanish by the end of the last term prior to departure.
• GPA: 2.5 cumulative and language GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions.

In addition to program-specific requirements, all applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student’s UC degree program
• Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
• Willingness to abide by program regulations
• Endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office.

In addition to your campus deadlines, there are deadlines by which the Campus EAP Office must submit the completed applications and accompanying materials to the Universitywide Office of EAP (UOEAP). For participation in the Program, it is critical that both campus deadlines and UOEAP deadlines are met. If the application is incomplete and not accompanied by the required materials noted, it will be returned to the Campus EAP Office.

Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but are not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz