Chile is one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America, known for its natural wonders and distinguished universities. Every adventurer's dream, Chile's diverse topography will allow you to explore breathtaking beaches, dreamy mountain ranges, and picturesque desert lands.
The sister cities affectionately known as Valpo and Viña are located halfway down Chile's endless coastline and will serve as your home base. Each city offers a unique and different experience. Viña is known for its modernity and beautiful beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world. Valpo is a historic port city and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its winding hills full of colorful buildings and breathtaking graffiti art.
Service-Learning in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar will immerse you in the culture of a country with deep values and pride. Serve with one of our host organizations for the opportunity to learn from local professionals about healthcare, social services, education, and other essential areas of the community. Whether spending a semester abroad and adding service-learning or participating in a full-time Service-Learning program, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Chile.
Housing Details
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Chilean lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Chile. With an open-mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodation; however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
Host families are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week and laundry service once a week. You will typically have your own bedroom but will likely have another ISA student of the same gender as a housemate.
Pensión
While similar to a homestay, pensiones are larger homes that provide housing to multiple students, international and local students alike. This option includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week and laundry service once per week. This is a great option should you be seeking a more independent experience and would prefer not to live with a nuclear family.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions & Cultural Activities
Excursions
Starting Summer 2024, full-time service-learning programs will include organized ISA excursions. Included excursions will depend on the length and dates of the program. All of our Valparaíso programs include the Bridging Cultures Orientation excursion in Santiago.
For participants enrolled in a Study + Service-Learning combo program, excursions are included in the program fee. Excursions include transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast for all overnight excursions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities are included in all programs. The ISA resident staff develops unique cultural activities throughout your program to showcase what makes their city special. These custom-designed activities invite you to learn about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Cultural activities may include city tours, museum visits, sporting events, dance classes, cooking lessons, art and cultural festivals, and more.
Please visit the ISA website for a complete list of excursions and cultural activities in Valparaíso.
