|
PUC - PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATóLICA DE CHILE Program Level: Undergraduate Number of Weeks/Term: 16 |
|
- Background
- Location Information
- Program Dates
- Host Institution
- Academic Information
- Academic Disciplines
- Credit Transfer Information
- Eligibility Requirements
- Program Costs
- Housing and Meals
- Insurance
- Extracurricular Activities
- Climate
- VISA & Passport Information
- Your Next Steps
- Experiences of Former Students
- Contact Details
BACKGROUND
Georgia Tech (GT) has developed a number of overseas programs around the globe. These programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a portion of their academic programs in top-notch foreign universities that are partnered with GT. As a result of immersion in a foreign academic and cultural environment, students have the maximum opportunity to learn to operate effectively in an atmosphere that is wholly different from that of GT and the U.S.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Chile
"Although no one says no to a casual meander along its grand urban boulevards, travelers are drawn to this string bean of a country because of its spectacular Pacific coastline and Andean highlands, and because of the opportunities it offers for adventure sports. Chile's distinctive culture has survived the violence and repression of its recent history and is thriving once again thanks to a people noted for their warmth and resilience. Despite having the most European community in South America, indigenous traditions persist in the Andean foothills and in the southern plains, while some of South America's finest national parks draw trekkers and guanaco spotters alike." - Lonely Planet.
A great starting point for learning about Chile is the CIA Factbook, which is available on-line: click here
Santiago
Santiago de Chile is a city of contrasts. It's a modern metropolis whose shining international air terminal greets foreign bankers rushing to invest their money in one of South America's most dynamic economies. Santiago is first and foremost a city of commerce, but visitors will find much to enjoy in the city and its surroundings. The town takes the cake when it comes to excursions - less than an hour from the city center are world-class ski resorts and white-water rafting opportunities, famous beaches and the colorful port city of Valparaíso. Few capitals can match Santiago's options for a free afternoon, day or weekend.
PROGRAM DATES
Fall Term: late July - mid December
Spring Term:early March - mid July
Academic Year: late July -mid July
NOTE: Students may participate in this program for the fall, spring, or for a full academic year.
YEAR PROGRAM STARTED:
2002
HOST INSTITUTION ACADEMIC INFORMATION
PUC was founded in 1888 as a project of higher learning. The university's leadership in research and graduate programs has had considerable influence on the country's cultural and scientific development. There are approximately 20,000 students at the University, which offers programs in a variety of Engineering, Science, Management and Social Science disciplines. The university offers a beautiful, green campus full of services available to all students. Classrooms are well equipped and maintained. PUC is on one of an elite group of foreign institutions whose engineering programs are approved by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), which accredits U.S. engineering programs. PUC is also attractive because it is located in the heart of Santiago, only minutes away from much of what the city has to offer.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
Subject Areas Available:
- Architecture
- Biology
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- History, Technology, and Society
- Industrial Design
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- International Affairs
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy, Science, and Technology
- Physics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish
Language Information
Classes are only offered in Spanish. GT recommends that students complete at least 2 years of college level Spanish or have the equivalent advanced/3000 level of skills before participating in this program.
If you need to freshen up on your Spanish skills, PUC offers an intensive language program for exchange students. Even if you think your Spanish is at a high enough level to jump right into regular PUC classes, we recommend that you attend PUC's intensive Spanish to get yourself used to speaking the language on a daily basis: click here
Course Information
For detailed course information: click here Top
CREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
Credit for courses taken as part of GT exchange programs is added as transfer credit on the GT transcript. Since it is important to know which kind of credit students will earn abroad as soon as possible, GT requires that courses be pre-approved for transfer. With a Foreign Credit Approval Form (available from OIE) in hand, and the credit transfer system information (listed below), students should submit course descriptions to the appropriate academic unit to request their approval. If taking Math classes, for example, then the student should go to the GT School of Mathematics to get permission for the courses to transfer to GT. If approved, the GT School of Mathematics signs the Foreign Credit Approval Form showing how the courses will transfer so that students will know which type of credit they should expect to receive.
For detailed credit transfer instructions click here
For the Foreign Credit Approval Form click here
CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM
This information is intended for undergraduates students only. Graduate students must speak with their academic unit to to determine the acceptance of transfer credits.
PUC uses the following credit transfer system:
8 PUC credits = 3 GT credits
10 PUC credits = 3 GT credits
GRADING SYSTEM
PUC uses the following grading system listed below:
PUC Grade = US Grade
6.0 - 7.0 = A
5.0 - 5.9 = B
4.0 - 4.9 = C
No Equivalent = D
0.0 - 3.9 = F
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
PROGRAM COSTS
Keep in mind the costs of books, health insurance, food, living expenses, and travel money, as well as pre-departure costs like your passport and visa. The cost of living has been determined based on information given to Georgia Tech by PUC.
The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the newspaper or click here for the most current rates.
DON"T FORGET TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! See the OIE web site for more info: click here
Following are cost estimates for one semester at PUC that may help you prepare for your term(s) abroad. All costs are in USD.
In State Tuition $4,000 Out of State Tuition $4,000 GT Mandatory Fees $0 Books and Supplies $600 Administrative and/or Application fees $250 Miscellaneous (includes passport/visa fees, required field trips, local transportation and incidentals) $1,600 Roundtrip Airfare $2,000 Room and Board $4,500 Additional Language Instruction $0 Mandatory Insurance $150 Total $13,100 (in state) $13,100 (out of state)
Please note that PUC has a few slots that allow students to pay regular GT in-state tuition. If all slots are filled for a particular semester, students pay tuition costs listed above to PUC.
*Costs in the preceding chart are estimates for undergraduates. Actual costs may be higher or lower than those listed above, depending on the exchange rate and personal spending habits/needs.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Housing
Housing for exchange students is generally with families. Living with a host family is a great way to improve your Spanish and allows you an insider's look at Chilean culture. PUC provides exchange students with information on a private placement service. This private placement service charges a one time $65 fee for finding a host family in the Santiago area. If you don't want to live with a family, you may stay in a hostel for roughly $400 per month.
Meals
INSURANCE
Students participating in this program will be assessed $150 per semester for mandatory insurance coverage. You will be covered by T.W. Lord and Associates. For detailed information about this insurance plan, click here. This cost is included in the above cost estimates for the program.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
PUC has plenty of clubs and organizations for their degree-seeking and exchange students. PUC offers lessons in areas such as theater, dance, music and fine art.
Students also enjoy participating in sports such as tennis, soccer, swimming, judo, etc.
CLIMATE
Much of Chile has a mountain climate with snow in the higher reaches. The north is desert, warm during the day but very cool at night. The central part has a Mediterranean climate with a rainy season between May and August. The south is cold, bitterly so in winter, and often wet.
Santiago and central Chile are best in spring, September through November, or during the fall harvest, from late February to April, while popular natural attractions like Parque Nacional del Paine in Magallanes and the lakes region are best in summer, December through March. During Santiago's summer months the temperature ranges from 50ºF to 84ºF and during the winter months the temperature ranges from 37ºF to 64ºF.
VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION
Complete information about how to apply for or renew a U.S. passport is available from the GT Office of International Education or on-line click here
In order to study in Chile, you must have a valid passport and student visa. Student visas cost $100 (and are valid for one full year). In order to receive your visa, you must fill out and submit the proper application, present proof of your health insurance, and be able to provide proof of sufficient funds. For further information and a visa application contact the Chilean Embassy click here
YOUR NEXT STEPS
To begin the process of participating in this exchange, please do the following:
EXPERIENCES OF FORMER STUDENTS
click here
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Melissa Lee DeLara, Exchange Study Abroad Advisor
GT Office of International Education
631 Cherry Street
Savant Building, Suite 211
Atlanta, GA 30332-0284
Phone: (404)894-7475 Fax: (404)894-9682
E-mail: melissa.delara@oie.gatech.edu
OIE web site: click here
Host/Program Web Site: click here
Santiago
Chile
Latin America
Semester
16
12
Spanish
For more info, contact OIE.
Can I go abroad while pursuing a GT degree?
GT students have many opportunities to participate in semester/exchange and study abroad programs. In an exchange program, you actually take classes with the host university's students and faculty. (In some cases, this means that you must have excellent knowledge of the local language to participate). Exchange program participants usually pay normal GT tuition and fees for each term abroad. Credits can be pre-approved to transfer back to GT so that you do not get behind in your studies. The application deadline for fall and academic year programs is in early February; for spring programs the deadline is in September/October.
In a study abroad program, the courses are taught by GT faculty and you register for regular GT courses. Residents pay normal matriculation fees, but do not pay ancillary fees (athletic, health, etc.). Non-residents only pay resident matriculation plus $250 ($1500 for GTL Summer/$2000 for GTL Spring/Fall) . This is a savings of over $6,000 for out-of-state students who participate in GT study abroad programs as full-time students! Deadlines for summer study abroad programs vary from early January to mid-February.
In most cases, if you are eligible for financial aid or scholarships, you can apply your grants, scholarships, and/or loans toward the expenses associated with participating in all GT programs.
GT's International Plan: More than just study abroad
Your major is participating in this new initiative!
The International Plan is an intensive, degree-long program designed to prepare GT graduates professionally and personally for successful lives in the 21st century. Requirements of the program include international coursework, two terms abroad (any combination of study, research or internship abroad), proficiency in a second language, and a culminating course. Students who complete the program will have a designation on their diploma indicating completion of the degree with global competence: for example, "BS in Mechanical Engineering: International Plan." For more information or an application, contact your major advisor or OIE and visit the website: click here