SPANISH LANGUAGE CENTER
YOUR HOME IN CHILE, YOUR SPANISH FOR THE WORLD
Center for Spanish as a Foreign Language (CELE)
At the Spanish Center of the PUCV we have been teaching Spanish as a foreign language for more than 25 years. Since its beginnings, we have received more than 11,000 university students whoe have lived a unique experience of linguistic immersion in a cultural and academic environment of excellence.
Mission
At CELE-PUCV, we provide Spanish language instruction that is authentically enriched by Chilean culture and the university experience, allowing our students to appreciate the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.
Vision
We aspire to be a reference of excellence and innovation in Latin America, standing out in the teaching, training and research of Spanish as a foreign language, promoting cultural growth.
Spanish Language Courses
COURSE INFORMATION
At Centro de Español Lengua Extranjera (CELE) we have a wide variety of courses and programs to meet the needs of our students.
Semester courses*:
- Spring semester: March to July
- Fall semester: August to December
*Possibility to start Spanish classes one month before the beginning of each semester.
Intensive courses:
- J-term (3 weeks, January)
- January (4 weeks)
- February (4 weeks)
- Summer 1 (5 weeks, May-June)
- Summer 2 (5 weeks, June-July)
Semester programs
Spanish for communication
Spanish for communication is a course oriented to the development of communicative competence in Spanish, both oral and written, from basic to advanced levels. Throughout the different courses, students acquire the necessary tools to interact effectively in different personal, social and professional environments in a context of linguistic immersion.
- Levels: A1, A2, B1.1, B1.2, B1.1, B2.1, B2.2 and C1.1
- Hours: 60 hours (A1), 90 (A2, B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B2.2 and C1.1)
- Credits: 4 (A1), 6 (A2, B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B2.2 and C1.1)
Chilean culture in dialogue
This course is intended for students who wish to learn about Chilean culture while developing communication skills. The practical approach of the course will strengthen students' linguistic competence and provide them with a deeper understanding of the diversity and richness of Hispanic culture, particularly Chilean culture.
- Levels: A2, B1 and B2
- Hours: 90
- Credits: 6
Grammar in context
This course is designed for students of Spanish who wish to improve their command of grammar at different levels of proficiency. From beginner to advanced levels, students explore and practice the grammatical structures necessary to function in real-life communication situations.
- Levels: A2, B1 and B2
- Hours: 90 (A2), 60 (B1), 60 (B2)
- Credits: 6 (A2), 4 (B1), 4 (B2)
Spanish for specific purposes: health area
Designed for students interested in health sciences. This theoretical-practical course develops oral, written and intercultural competencies through communicative activities related to the health field in Chile. It includes visits to medical centers in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Spanish for specific purposes: business area
This course is aimed at students interested in the business area. It develops oral, written and intercultural skills through communicative activities related to the business environment in Chile through class work and visits to SMEs in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Academic writing and orality for the university
This advanced level course is oriented to the development of writing and speaking skills in the university academic context. It focuses on the composition of different types of oral and written academic texts and genres.
- Level: C1
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Spanish around the world: dialect varieties
This course is aimed at students with a high level of proficiency in the language who are interested in learning about the main linguistic variants of Spanish on both sides of the Atlantic. The course combines theoretical contents with the analysis and practice of diverse texts that show the linguistic and cultural richness of Spanish. Classes will be taught by native speakers from Chile, Cuba and Spain.
- Level: C1
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Traditional dances of Chile
This mainly practical course offers a representative sample of traditional dances from different cultural areas of Chile: the Norte Grande, Chiloé and Patagonia, Central-South and Rapa Nui and the historical-cultural context that defines them.
- Hours: 30
- Credits: 2
Regional and urban history of Valparaíso
This course analyzes the main historical processes of Valparaíso since the period of independence and the construction of the nation-state in Chile. It analyzes how historical changes have influenced the urban development of the city, economic and political transformations, and the challenges faced by the city.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 45
- Credits: 3
Modern History of Chile
This course offers an overview of the modern history of Chile, emphasizing the political and transformative processes of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The program covers from independence to contemporary democratic consolidation, including topics such as the construction of the nation-state, the liberal system, political and institutional development, and polarized political projects.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Colonization and decolonization from a Latin American and global perspective
This course explores, from an interdisciplinary perspective, current intellectual and theoretical contributions to processes of colonization and decolonization. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the history of Latin American colonialism, the central ideas of postcolonial criticism, and the critical perspectives of contemporary counter-hegemonic and decolonial thought in the 21st century.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Latin America and interculturality through its films
This course explores the diversity of Latin American identity through film, focusing on historical, socioeconomic and cultural aspects. Students will analyze Latin American films from the 1970s to the present, reflecting on themes such as historical memory, the social role of cinema, and new narratives.
contemporary counter-hegemonic and decolonial thinking
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Latin American Short Story
This course offers an overview of the development of the short story in Latin American literature, with special emphasis on the narrative practices and discursive textualities that have shaped the canon of this genre. Students will explore the unique characteristics of the short story, analyze the production of modern and contemporary authors, and examine the theories and reflections of Latin American authors on the genre and the development of microfiction.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Chilean poetry of the 20th century
This course offers a panoramic view of Chilean poetry from its origins to the end of the 20th century, including the great national voices and lesser-known authors. It covers topics such as Mapuche poetry and the new trends of the late 20th century. Students will critically analyze representative texts, examining the influence of popular culture and politics in Chilean poetry.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Environment and social justice: new paths against climate change in Latin America
This course analyzes the climate crisis understood from the point of view of injustices in its diversity of manifestations, especially from the social inequality that underlies contemporary societies worldwide and not only in Latin America. The contents of the course include the main socio-environmental problems in Latin America, the different ways of understanding social justice, as well as concepts and practices related to the design of alternative territories.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Intercultural communication studies
This course analyzes different aspects of intercultural communication, such as its relevance, opportunities and challenges in the current global and local context. Theoretical perspectives to approach intercultural communication, the effects of intercultural encounters for the construction of identity and the complexities of interculturality in the present time are reviewed.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 45
- Credits: 3
Globalization and social justice
This course examines the concepts of globalization and social justice in the contemporary world from the historical and social sciences. It analyzes the global and structural dimensions of various institutions, social movements, networks, and political campaigns organized in the search for social justice in the context of globalization, in order for students to reflect on the unequal nature of the globalized world and the challenges to achieve greater social justice at the global level.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Intensive programs
Chilean culture in dialogue
This course is intended for students who wish to learn about Chilean culture while developing communication skills. The practical approach of the course will strengthen students' linguistic competence and provide them with a deeper understanding of the diversity and richness of Hispanic culture, particularly Chilean culture.
Levels: A2, B1 and B2
Hours: 30 (J-term) / 45 (January, February, Summer 1 and Summer 2)
Credits: 2 (J-term) / 3 (January, February, Summer 1 and Summer 2)
Grammar in context
This course is designed for students of Spanish who wish to improve their command of grammar and vocabulary at different levels of proficiency. From beginner to advanced levels, students explore and practice the grammatical structures and vocabulary necessary to function in real-life communication situations.
Levels: A2, B1 and B2
Hours: 30 (J-term) / 45 (January, February, Summer 1 and Summer 2)
Credits: 2 (J-term) / 3 (January, February, Summer 1 and Summer 2)
Spanish for specific purposes: health area
Designed for students interested in health sciences, this theoretical and practical course develops oral, written and intercultural competencies through communicative activities related to the health field in Chile. It includes visits to medical centers in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
Level: B2
Hours: 30 (J-term) / 45 (January, February, Summer 1 and Summer 2)
Credits: 2 (J-term) / 3 (January, February, Summer 1 and Summer 2)
Spanish for specific purposes: business area
This course is aimed at students interested in the business area. It develops oral, written and intercultural skills through communicative activities related to the business environment in Chile through class work and visits to SMEs in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
Level: B2
Hours: 30 (J-term) / 45 (January, February, Summer 1 and Summer 2)
Credits: 2 (J-term) / 3 (January, February, Summer 1 and Summer 2)
Contemporary Hispanic American literature
This course offers an overview of Latin American literature from its origins to postmodernity, including topics such as modernism, the avant-garde, the Latin American boom, and postmodern literature. From an interdisciplinary perspective that combines literature, philosophy and art, the main Latin American works and authors are explored.
Level: B2
Credits: 3
Hours: 45
Socio-political history of Latin America
This course reviews the political history of Latin America since the 19th century, focusing on the search for political-institutional stability in the region. It analyzes the socioeconomic and cultural structural factors that have influenced the fragility of Latin American political systems. The program covers the formation of national states, the economic situation characterized by inequality and the main political structures of the states.
Level: B2
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Latin American Cinema and Literature
This course studies the relationship between Latin American cinema and the main aesthetic and thematic trends in Latin American literature from the mid-twentieth century to the twenty-first century. It explores the forms of reappropriation of cultural imaginaries in relation to the historical, social and cultural processes of the continent. The course analyzes the concept of transculturation, the history of Latin American cinema and literature, as well as the cultural crossover between cinema, literature and globalization.
Level: B2
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Individual courses
Spanish for communication
Spanish for communication is a course oriented to the development of communicative competence in Spanish, both oral and written, from basic to advanced levels. Throughout the different courses, students acquire the necessary tools to interact effectively in different personal, social and professional environments in a context of linguistic immersion.
- Levels: A1, A2, B1.1, B1.2, B1.1, B2.1, B2.2 and C1.1
- Hours: 60 hours (A1), 90 (A2, B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B2.2 and C1.1)
- Credits: 4 (A1), 6 (A2, B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B2.2 and C1.1)
Personalized courses and tutoring
At Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso we have extensive experience organizing customized programs and courses for institutions or companies that request them throughout the year. Contact us for more information about specific programs or tutoring.
Program costs
The following table details the tuition costs for our programs:
| Program | Tuition (USD) | Family Stay (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| J-Term | $2,400 | $1,500 |
| January | $2,700 | $1,600 |
| February | $2,700 | $1,600 |
| Summer 1 | $2,700 | $1,750 |
| Summer 2 | $2,700 | $1,750 |
| Semester | $5,000 | $4,150 |
At the Centro de Español Lengua Extranjera of the PUCV, we offer intensive and semester programs adapted to different levels of language proficiency. In the intensive programs, students can take two courses according to their level. In the semester programs, it is possible to enroll between 12 and 22 credits, including courses exclusively for international students and others integrated with Chilean students from different careers. Students who accredit a B2 level or higher can also take regular courses from other majors of the university, which are part of their academic load within the 22 credits allowed.
Payment information
Program payments can be made by bank transfer to the following account:
- On behalf of: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
- Bank: Banco Santander Chile
- Bank's Address: Prat 882, Valparaíso, Chile
- Bank Swift Code: BSCHCLRM
- Current Account Number in dollars: 5070350198-1
Full payment for the service must be made prior to the start of the program.
Important: All bank transfer fees must be covered by the sender. When making the payment, the student's name and program must be included in the transfer details for easy identification. For any questions regarding payment or financial matters, please contact: [email protected].
Return policies
Individuals enrolled in any of our courses have the right to cancel their enrollment. However, once the course has started, no refund will be applied if CELE is able to provide the service (classes), but the student decides not to do so.
If the cancellation is made before the start of the course, you are entitled to a full refund of the registration fee after sending the relevant request by e-mail to [email protected]. at least 24 hours before the beginning of the first class of the course. On the other hand, if for reasons beyond the university's control, the PUCV is forced to interrupt the provision of the service (classes), the amount corresponding to the weeks in which the service was not provided will be refunded, according to the following percentages:
Semester programs
| Weather | Non-refundable tariff | % Tariff refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 30 % | 70 % |
| Month 2 | 55 % | 45 % |
| Month 3 | 80 % | 20 % |
| Month 4 | 100 % | 0 % |
| Month 5 | 100 % | 0 % |
Intensive programs
| Weather | Non-refundable tariff | % Tariff refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 30 % | 70 % |
| Week 2 | 55 % | 45 % |
| Week 3 | 80 % | 20 % |
| Week 4-5 | 100 % | 0 % |
Spanish for Academics
Intended for international academics and graduate students who wish to improve their command of Spanish.
The course will be taught in hybrid mode for one semester, with classes twice a week, totaling four teaching hours per week. The program is structured in two main areas: general Spanish with preparation for the DELE exam and specialized Spanish for STEM areas and humanities.
The registration process includes a level evaluation and a personal interview in order to place each participant in the appropriate level and study material.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information about the course and the special prices for the PUCV community, please contact us at [email protected].
- Duration 80 teaching hours
- Modality: Hybrid ( room to be announced)
Values
- PUCV Community: $ 350,000
- General Public: $420.000
International Spanish certification
We offer two internationally recognized official certifications to accredit your level of Spanish managed in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes.
Why get certified?
Access to universities universities
Improved opportunities opportunities
Requirement for immigration procedures y professional accreditations
DELE
-
What is it:
Official diploma awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Education. -
For you if:
You need permanent certification, prefer paper-based exams or require accreditation for Spanish nationality procedures. -
Format:
Paper-based exam with four tests (reading, listening, writing and speaking). -
Levels:
You choose beforehand the level you want to take the exam (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2). -
Timing:
Fixed annual calls with results in approximately 3 months. - Validity: Indefinite
SIELE
-
What is it:
Digital certificate supported by institutions in Spain, Mexico and Argentina that integrates several varieties of Spanish. -
For you if:
You need fast results, prefer flexibility of dates or want to certify specific competencies. -
Format:
Digital exam (on-site or remote) with the possibility of partial tests. -
Levels:
Scoring system out of 1000 with equivalence to A1-C1 levels. -
Timing:
Choose your date throughout the year and receive results in 3 weeks maximum. - Validity: 5 years.
For information on upcoming dates and personalized guidance: [email protected]
Complementary activities and services
Lodging and transportation
CELE has a network of host families who offer accommodation to international students, thus providing an authentic experience of cultural and linguistic immersion in local life. For those who prefer other options, guidance is also provided on different types of accommodation available in the city.
In addition, CELE provides a coordination service for the transfer from the point of arrival in the country to the place of accommodation, thus facilitating the arrival and adaptation of the students. For more information, please contact us at [email protected].
Cultural, sports and social activities
CELE students can participate in all the extracurricular activities that PUCV makes available to all its international students. The university offers a wide range of activities in diverse areas such as sports, environment and culture. Among them, the following stand out:
CONVERSATION EXCHANGE
The Conversation Exchange Program, an innovative initiative of the Center for Spanish as a Foreign Language (CELE) at PUCV, offers a unique linguistic and cultural immersion experience. This program pairs foreign students who wish to improve their Spanish and deepen their understanding of Chilean culture with Chilean students from PUCV. Participants have the freedom to arrange their own meetings, allowing them to establish authentic connections based on common interests and personal learning objectives. These interactions not only facilitate language practice in a real and dynamic context, but also foster cultural exchange, mutual understanding and the formation of lasting friendships. Through informal conversations, shared activities and everyday experiences, foreign students gain a genuine insight into Chilean life, while local students broaden their global vision. This program reflects CELE's commitment to holistic language learning, which goes beyond the classroom to embrace the richness of cultural experience and interpersonal relationships.
PUCV CULTURAL AGENDA
The PUCV has a rich cultural program that includes a series of events and activities for all those who want to live in depth the experience of studying in Valparaiso, sharing with students and professors from various careers and thus complement their learning. You can learn about all the instances of participation, contacts, specific information and how to be part of the activities, events and workshops by visiting @cultura.pucv.
SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PUCV
The promotion of sports and healthy living is an important part of the comprehensive education provided by PUCV, where it is possible to combine studies with the practice of a number of sports disciplines, participate in workshops or perform some physical activity. The university has a unit dedicated to promoting healthy living and sports habits: the Directorate of Sports and Physical Activity (DIDAF), which is responsible for organizing tournaments and other events for students, faculty and staff to participate and share with their peers.
PUCV SENIOR ACTION PROGRAM
PAS is aimed at people over 55 years of age, offering seven activities The Senior Action Program (PAS) of the PUCV is an initiative designed to enrich the lives of adults over 55 years of age, offering various activities that promote integral wellbeing and continuous learning. This innovative program proposes seven carefully selected activities to address different aspects of life at this stage. Participants can choose from general literacy, music appreciation, dance and folkloric expression, visual arts, physical autonomy rescue, physical activity for integral health, and psycho-emotional skills development. Each of these options is designed to improve quality of life, encourage socialization, and stimulate both the body and mind of older adults. The PAS reflects PUCV's commitment to lifelong learning and the well-being of the senior community, providing an inclusive space where participants can explore new interests, develop skills, and maintain an active and enriching life.
SUPPORT FOR THE ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM PUCV
The Program to Strengthen English as a Foreign Language (PILE) of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, implemented since 2012, offers a valuable opportunity to improve English skills in accordance with international standards such as ALTE and CEFR. This program, applied transversally and progressively throughout the university, now extends its benefits to PUCV graduates through a 20% discount on Cambridge exams. PILE offers a variety of exams ranging from B1 (Preliminary) to C2 (Proficiency in English), allowing participants to certify their level of English according to their abilities and objectives. The exams are administered in computerized format (CB) in two periods of the year, June and November-December, with specific dates for each level. This program reflects PUCV's ongoing commitment to academic excellence and the professional development of its community, including its graduates, providing valuable tools for success in an increasingly globalized world.
DIRECTION OF SOCIAL BONDING AND SUSTAINABILITY
The PUCV's Directorate of Social and Sustainability Outreach is a key agency that seeks to articulate university initiatives aimed at sustainable development and strengthen links with various sectors of society. This directorate operates through three main areas: Sustainability Management, which promotes the transversal integration of sustainable practices in the university and ensures compliance with the Clean Production Agreement; Social Linkage and Community Development, which connects the needs of the environment with institutional capacities and coordinates volunteer programs; and University - Catholic Church, which acts as a liaison with regional Catholic entities, supporting their social programs in collaboration with the University Pastoral. Through these areas, the management works to enhance the university's positive impact on society, promoting sustainable development and strengthening community ties. This comprehensive approach reflects PUCV's commitment to social responsibility and its aspiration to be an agent of positive change in its environment.
PUCV PASTORAL
The Pastoral of the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso is a space for sharing and living the faith in the midst of university life. It is an instance in which students, academics and Catholic officials can participate through different activities, which include community meetings, social route, cycle of forums, green mission, sung prayer, university retreat and solidarity apostolates.To learn more details of the Pastoral PUCV and register, you can visit @pastoralpucv
CEREMONIES AND EVENTS PUCV
As part of the extracurricular activities of the Directorate of International Exchange (DII), the Directorate General of International Affairs (DGAI) of the PUCV organizes a series of events with mandatory participation for foreign and Chilean students (G9-CRUV) where the objective is to develop a closer bond with the university. Therefore, students are invited to share with directors, teachers, academics and professionals of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, in the Welcome Ceremonies, Farewell of the Semester, and various activities organized by the DGAI and the PUCV.
Here, the commitment that students must acquire for the elaboration of speeches, media interviews, participation in information stands, testimonies, photographic records, among others, with the sole purpose of strengthening the link with the environment and contribute to their integration with the university community and their experience in the exchange, takes on special relevance.
Library system
As a Spanish student at PUCV, you have access to multiple library resources to enhance your learning:
- Complete network15 libraries with study spaces and extensive collections, available from Monday to Friday (8:30 am to 7:30 pm).
- CELE LibraryLocated in the Gimpert building, it has specific materials for teaching and learning Spanish as a foreign language and updated technological resources.
- Digital servicesAccess online resources from anywhere through social networks, messaging, e-mail and digital forms.
- Contact: [email protected] (undergraduate) or [email protected] (graduate).
Explore the complete catalog at biblioteca.pucv.cl and take advantage of these resources to enrich your learning experience.
Who we are
Administrative team
Teaching staff
Esperanza Godoy
Esperanza Godoy is a PhD candidate in Linguistics (PUCV), Master in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (UIMP-Instituto Cervantes) and BA in Hispanic Philology (U. de Córdoba). She researches on the development of subordination, grammar teaching and Spanish for professional purposes. She has taught all levels of ELE in institutions in Spain, France, Poland, USA and Chile. She has also taught teacher training courses and workshops. She speaks English and French at an advanced level.
Andres Medel
Andrés Medel has a degree in Education and is an English teacher from the Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez, with diplomas in ELE from the PUC and PUCV. He has international teaching experience in Chile, Guyana and Jamaica, teaching Spanish to exchange students, civil servants and foreign professionals. She has worked with all levels, from beginner to advanced, in immersion contexts. She is fluent in English at C1 level and specializes in the development of teaching materials adapted to diverse intercultural contexts.
Soraya Frias
Soraya Frías is a Spanish teacher with a degree in Spanish Language and Literature and a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the PUCV. She has more than 25 years of experience teaching Spanish as a foreign language in institutions in Chile and Germany, covering all levels (A1-C1). She is an official DELE examiner (B1-C2) and a specialist in grammar, conversation, culture and Spanish for specific purposes. She is fluent in German (C1-C2) and has knowledge of English and Portuguese.
Aldo Moreira
Aldo Moreira has a degree in Education and is an English teacher from the University of Tarapacá, specialist in teaching Spanish as a foreign language with training in DELE examination. Since 2009 he has been working in the International Student Exchange Program of the PUCV, teaching Spanish courses at all levels. She has participated in international Spanish training projects in the English-speaking Caribbean and has experience in teaching Spanish for specific purposes. She is fluent in English at C2 level and intermediate in Portuguese.
Franccesca Mejias
Franccesca Mejías is a Spanish and Communication teacher, with a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from PUCV, specialized in cognitive aspects of bilingualism and ELE teaching. With 5 years of experience, she has worked mainly with university exchange students and Haitian migrants in Chile. She stands out for integrating linguistic theory into her teaching practice and for her pedagogical approach attentive to cultural and linguistic diversity.
Nayra Simonó
Nayra Simonó is a PhD candidate in Linguistics at the PUCV, Master in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language at the Universidad de Oriente (Cuba) and Bachelor of Arts. She has teaching experience in ELE in Cuba and Chile, having worked with students of different levels and contexts. She has developed research in the field of motivation in ELE teaching and has academic publications on linguistics and education. Her experience also includes roles as a researcher, scriptwriter and editor of academic texts.
