academic programacademic program
When in Chile, you'll take language classes at the International Office at Universidad de Viña del Mar, four days a week, while immersing yourself in the local community. All students take a diagnostic test upon their arrival that will help place them in suitable Spanish courses according to their level. The International Office offers the following courses: Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish Grammar and Composition, Spanish Phonetics and Pronunciation (at Beginner, Intermediate, Intermediate High and Advanced levels). The following courses are taught in English: Latin America on Film and Latin American Literature and/or a bilingual course, Cultures in Contact in Chile together with Chilean peers. Students with an advanced level of Spanish can take direct enrollment classes in the Universidad de Viña del Mar in the following areas: Arts and Design (arts, graphic design, interior design, cinema; communications (journalism & public relations);and Education (history, literature, English, elementary education, preschool education).
In Spain, our Gap Year Abroad students receive language instruction an average of 17 hours per week, meeting 4-5 hours per day. Classes consisting of 10-15 students take place in a local international study center. Classes are designed to help students improve language skills and to learn Spanish literature, history and culture. If a student is a very advanced speaker, a university-level CIEE class may be arranged while in Spain. Students wishing to pursue this much take the CIEE online placement test prior to their arrival in Spain as well as an oral interview upon their arrival.