Spanish Language Centre
TU CASA EN CHILE, TU ESPAÑOL PARA EL MUNDO
Welcome to the Spanish as a Foreign Language Centre (CELE)!
The Spanish Language Centre at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) has been committed to teaching Spanish as a foreign language for over 25 years. Since its establishment, the Centre has welcomed over 11,000 university students, providing them with a distinctive linguistic immersion experience within an atmosphere of cultural and academic excellence.
Mission
The mission of the CELE at the PUCV is to deliver high-quality Spanish language education, enriched through direct exposure to Chilean culture. By providing students both an integrated university experience and immersion within local households, the Centre seeks to cultivate valuable insights into the diverse cultural heritage of the Spanish-speaking world.
Vision
The Spanish Language Centre strives to become a leading institution of academic excellence and innovation in Latin America, dedicated to teaching, professional development, and research of Spanish as a foreign language.
Spanish Language Courses
PROGRAMMES INFORMATION
At the Spanish as a Foreign Language Centre (CELE), we offer a broad range of courses and programmes tailored to meet the needs of our students.
Semester-based courses*:
- Spring semester (from March to July)
- Autumn semester (from August to December)
*Should you wish to enrol in Spanish classes, it is important that you do so up to one month before the beginning of each semester.
Intensive programme:
- J-term (3 weeks, in January)
- January (5 weeks)
- February (5 weeks)
- Summer 1 (5 weeks, from May to June)
- Summer 2 (5 weeks, from June to July)
Semester-based courses
Spanish for Communicative Purposes
This course focuses on developing communicative competence in Spanish, encompassing both oral and written components. Across all levels, from beginner to advanced, students will acquire the necessary skills to effectively manage immersive linguistic interactions within personal, social, and professional settings.
- Level: A1, A2, B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B2.2 and C1.1
- Hours: 60 horas (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 seeking to explore Chilean culture while improving their communicative skills. Through a practical approach, Students reinforce their linguistic competence and deepen their understanding of the diversity and richness of Spanish-speaking countries' cultures, with a special emphasis on Chile
- Level: A2, B1 and B2
- Hours: 90
- Credits: 6
Grammar in Context
This course is intended for Spanish language students seeking to improve their grammatical competence at various proficiency levels. From beginner to advanced, students will explore and practise the essential grammatical structures for effective communication in real-life situations.
- Level: A2, B1 and B2
- Hours: 90 (A2), 60 (B1), 60 (B2)
- Credits: 6 (A2), 4 (B1), 4 (B2)
Spanish for Health Sciences
This course is intended for students interested in health sciences. It combines theoretical and practical components to develop oral, written, and intercultural competences through communicative activities contextualised within the Chilean health sector. Visits to medical centres in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are incorporated into the course.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Spanish for Business Purposes
This course is intended for students interested in the business sector. It develops oral, written, and intercultural competences through communicative activities contextualised within the Chilean business environment, including classroom-based learning and visits to SMEs in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Academic Writing and Speaking in University Settings
An advanced-level course aimed at enhancing written and oral skills within an academic university context, placing emphasis on the composition of various academic text types and oral genres.
- Level: C1
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Spanish across the World: Dialectal Varieties
Designed for students with a proficient level of Spanish, this course introduces the main linguistic varieties spoken on both sides of the Atlantic. The course combines theoretical content with the analysis and practice of a range of texts that showcase the linguistic and cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking world. The sessions will be led by native Spanish-speaking lecturers from Chile, Cuba, and Spain.
- Level: C1
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Folk and Traditional Dances of Chile
Focusing primarily on practical learning, this course provides a representative selection of traditional dances from different cultural regions of Chile, including the Norte Grande, the Central-Southern, Chiloé Archipelago, Patagonia, and Rapa Nui Island. Students will explore the historical and cultural contexts that shape and give meaning to these distinctive traditions.
- Hours: 30
- Credits: 2
Urban Development and Regional History of Valparaíso
Focusing on the period from Chilean independence through the formation of a modern nation-state, this course examines the major historical processes that have shaped Valparaíso. Students will investigate how these have influenced urban development, economic and political transformations, and the constraints the city has encountered over time.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 45
- Credits: 3
Modern History of Chile
This course provides a general overview of Chile’s modern history, emphasising the political and transformative processes of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Covering the period from independence to the consolidation of democracy, it addresses crucial issues such as the formation of the nation-state, the development of the liberal system, political and institutional growth, and the emergence of polarised political ideologies.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Colonisation and Decolonisation from a Latin American and Global Perspective
This course examines contemporary intellectual and theoretical contributions to the study of colonisation and decolonisation processes, adopting an interdisciplinary approach. Students will acquire a foundational understanding of the history of Latin American colonialism, the central tenets of postcolonial critique, and critical perspectives within twenty-first-century counter-hegemonic and decolonial thought.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Latin American Cinema: Interculturality and Identity
This course explores Latin American identity and interculturality through cinema, emphasising historical, socio-economic, and cultural dimensions. Students will analyse Latin American films from the 1970s to the present, reflecting on themes such as historical memory, the sociopolitical roles of cinema, and the evolution of emerging narrative forms.
el pensamiento contra-hegemónico y descolonial contemporáne
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Latin-American Short Story
This course offers a comprehensive examination of the evolution of the short story in Latin American literature. Particular attention is given to the narrative strategies and discursive textualities that have come to define the genre. Students will critically analyse the works of pioneering modern and contemporary writers, while also exploring theoretical frameworks and insights from Latin American scholars and authors concerning the genre’s development, including the emergence and significance of microfiction.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Twentieth-Century Chilean Poetry
The course provides an in-depth review of Chilean poetry from its origins to the late twentieth century, examining major poets along with lesser-known voices. It explores key themes such as Mapuche poetry and the evolving literary movements of the century's final decades. Students will critically analyse selected works, considering how popular culture, politics, and social change have shaped poetic expression in Chile.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Environmental Challenges and Social Justice in Latin America: Contemporary Responses to Climate Change
This course examines the climate crisis and its diverse manifestations, particularly the structural inequalities embedded in contemporary societies globally and in Latin America. Students analyse key socio-environmental issues affecting the region, alongside diverse conceptions of social justice. The course also explores ideas and practices aimed at envisioning alternative territorial models.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Intercultural Communication Studies
This course analyses various aspects of intercultural communication, including its relevance, opportunities, and challenges within contemporary global and local contexts. It reviews theoretical perspectives for addressing intercultural communication, the effects of intercultural encounters on identity construction, and the complexities of interculturality in the contemporary world.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 45
- Credits: 3
Globalisation and social justice
This course examines globalisation and the pursuit of social justice in the contemporary world through the lens of history and social sciences. It analyses the global and structural dimensions of various institutions, social movements, networks, and political campaigns organised within this context. The course encourages students to reflect on the unequal nature of the globalised world and the ongoing challenges to achieving greater social justice on a global scale.
- Level: B2
- Hours: 60
- Credits: 4
Intensive courses
Chilean Culture in Dialogue
This course is intended for students seeking to explore Chilean culture while improving their communicative skills. Through a practical approach, Students reinforce their linguistic competence and deepen their understanding of the diversity and richness of Spanish-speaking countries' cultures, with a special emphasis on Chile
Level: 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 intended for Spanish language students seeking to improve their grammatical competence at various proficiency levels. From beginner to advanced, students will explore and practise the essential grammatical structures for effective communication in real-life situations.
Level: 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 Health Sciences
This course is intended for students interested in health sciences. It combines theoretical and practical components to develop oral, written, and intercultural competences through communicative activities contextualised within the Chilean health sector. Visits to medical centres in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are incorporated into the course.
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 Business Purposes
This course is intended for students interested in the business sector. It develops oral, written, and intercultural competences through communicative activities contextualised within the Chilean business environment, including classroom-based learning 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 Latin American Literature
This course enables students to get an overview of the Latin American literature from its foundation to postmodernity. Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective that combines literature, philosophy, and the arts, students examine major Latin American authors and their works, and representative literary movements, including Modernism, the Avant-garde, the Latin American Boom, and Postmodern Literature.
Level: B2
Credits: 3
Hours: 45
Sociopolitical History of Latin America
This course examines the political history of Latin America from the nineteenth century onwards, with a particular focus on the region’s ongoing pursuit of political and institutional stability. It analyses the structural socio-economic and cultural factors that have contributed to the persistent, fragile political systems of Latin America. The course addresses the formation of nation-states, the economic conditions marked by inequality, and the principal political structures that have shaped these states.
Level: B2
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Latin American Cinema and Literature
This course has at its centre the Latin American cinema and the key aesthetic and thematic trends in Latin American literature from the mid-twentieth to the twenty-first century. It explores how cultural imaginaries are reappropriated in connection with the continent's historical, social, and cultural processes. Students analyse the notion of transculturation, the historical progression of Latin American cinema and literature, and the cultural intersections between cinema, literature, and globalisation.
Level: B2
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PERSONALISED PROGRAMMES AND TUTORING CLASSES
At the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, we have extensive experience organising personalised programmes and courses for institutions or companies upon request..
Programme Fees
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of fees according to the programme in which you wish to enrol:
| Programme | Host Family Accommodation Fees (USD) | Tuition Fees (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 Centre for Spanish as a Foreign Language (CELE), we offer both intensive and semester-based programmes tailored to various levels of linguistic proficiency. In the intensive programme, students may take two courses according to their level. Conversely, in the semester-based programme, it is possible to enrol in between 12 and 22 credits, including courses exclusively for exchange students as well as shared courses with Chilean students from a range of degree programmes. Students who have attained a B2 level or higher can also enrol in regular courses from other university degree programmes, which count towards their 22 required credit load.
Payment Information
Payments for the programmes may be made via bank transfer to the following account:
- Account Name: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
- Bank: Banco Santander Chile
- Bank address: Prat 882, Valparaíso, Chile
- SWIFT Code: BSCHCLRM
- USD Current Account Number: 5070350198-1
Full payment must be received before the programme commences.
Important: All bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the sender. When making the payment, please include the student’s name and their respective programme in the transfer reference to ensure proper identification.
For any enquiries regarding payments or financial matters, please contact: [email protected].
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Students enrolled in any of our courses are entitled to withdraw their inscription. However, once a course has commenced, no refund will be issued if CELE is able to deliver the classes and the student chooses not to attend.
If the cancellation is made prior to the start of the course, students are entitled to a full refund of the enrolment fee, provided that a written request is submitted via email to [email protected] at least 24 hours before the first class session. In case that PUCV is required to suspend the provision of the service (classes), due to circumstances beyond the University’s responsibility, a partial refund will be issued corresponding to the number of weeks in which the service could not be delivered, according to the following percentages:
Semester-based Programmes
| Period | Non-refundable Fee (%) | Refundable Fee (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 30 % | 70 % |
| Month 2 | 55 % | 45 % |
| Month 3 | 80 % | 20 % |
| Month 4 | 100 % | 0 % |
| Month 5 | 100 % | 0 % |
Intensive Programmes
| Period | Non-refundable Fee (%) | Refundable Fee (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 30 % | 70 % |
| Week 2 | 55 % | 45 % |
| Week 3 | 80 % | 20 % |
| Week 4-5 | 100 % | 0 % |
Spanish for Academics
Designed for international academics and postgraduate students who wish to improve their command of Spanish.
The course will be delivered in a hybrid format over one semester, with classes held twice a week, totaling four academic hours per week. The program is structured around two core components: general Spanish with preparation for the DELE exam, and specialized Spanish for STEM and humanities fields.
The enrollment process includes a placement test and a personal interview to assign each participant to the appropriate level and study materials.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information about the course and special rates for the PUCV community, please contact us at: [email protected].
- Duration: 80 academic hours
- Format: Hybrid (classroom to be announced)
Fees:
- PUCV Community: $350,000 CLP
- General Public: $420,000 CLP
International Spanish Certification
We offer two internationally recognised official certification systems to prove your Spanish proficiency, both organised and managed by the Instituto Cervantes.
Why get certified?
Access to Spanish-speaking universities
Enhanced career prospects
A requirement for migration processes and professional accreditation
DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language)
-
What is it?
An official diploma granted by Spain's Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport. -
Who is it for?
Suitable for those who require a permanent certification, prefer paper-based examinations, or need official accreditation for Spanish nationality procedures. -
Format:
An in-person, paper-based examination comprising four sections (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, and oral expression). -
Level:
Candidates select the level at which they wish to be assessed in advance (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, or C2). -
When to take the exam:
Fixed annual examination sessions, results are released approximately three months after the test date. - Valid for: Indefinitely.
SIELE
-
What is it?
A digital certificate endorsed by institutions from Spain, Mexico, and Argentina, incorporating different varieties of the Spanish language. -
Who is it for?
Suitable for those who need fast results, prefer flexible exam dates, or wish to certify specific language skills. -
Format:
A digital examination (either at a test centre or remotely), with the option to take individual sections. -
Level:
A system based on a scale of 1000 points equivalent to A1-C1 levels. -
When to take the exam:
Candidates select their exam date at any time throughout the year and receive their results within a maximum of 3 weeks. - Valid for: 5 years.
For information about upcoming exam dates and personalised guidance, contact: [email protected]
Complementary Activities and Services
Accommodation and Transportation
The CELE has a network of host families who offer accommodation to international students, providing an authentic cultural and linguistic immersion experience in local life. For those who prefer other options, guidance is also provided on the various types of accommodation available in the city.
Additionally, CELE offers a coordination service to arrange transportation from the point of arrival in the country to the accommodation, making students’ arrival and adaptation easier. If you would like more information, please contact us at: [email protected].
Cultural, Sports, and Social Activities offered by the Centre
CELE alumni are entitled to participate in all extracurricular activities made available by PUCV to its international student community. The university offers a wide range of opportunities across areas such as sports, the environment, and culture. Among these, the following are particularly noteworthy:
CONVERSATION EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
The Conversation Exchange Programme, an initiative of the Spanish as a Foreign Language Centre (CELE) at PUCV, provides a unique opportunity for linguistic and cultural immersion. This programme pairs international students seeking to improve their Spanish and engage with Chilean culture with local PUCV students. Participants are encouraged to organise their meetings, fostering authentic connections based on shared interests and personal learning goals. These informal encounters enable participants to practise language skills in real-life contexts, promote intercultural exchange, and form lasting friendships. Through casual conversations, shared activities, and everyday experiences, international students gain an authentic insight into Chilean life, whilst local students broaden their global perspectives. The programme reflects CELE’s commitment to comprehensive language education, extending beyond the classroom to embrace cultural richness and interpersonal relationships.
PUCV CULTURAL AGENDA
PUCV offers a rich cultural programme, comprising a variety of events and activities designed to enhance the experience of studying in Valparaiso. These provide opportunities to engage with students and staff from across the University and complement academic learning. Information on how to take part, including contacts, details of activities, and workshops, can be found on Instagram at @cultura.pucv.
SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Promoting sport and healthy living is an integral part of the holistic education offered by PUCV. Students can combine their studies with participation in a range of sporting disciplines, workshops, and physical activities. The Directorate of Sports and Physical Activity (DIDAF) is responsible for fostering healthy lifestyle habits through the organisation of tournaments and events open to students, staff, and officials, providing opportunities to engage with the wider university community.
PUCV ACTION SENIOR PROGRAMME
The Senior Action Programme (PAS) at PUCV is aimed at individuals aged above 55, offering a carefully curated selection of seven activities. This initiative promotes overall well-being and lifelong learning through activities such as general literacy, music appreciation, folk dance and expression, visual arts, physical autonomy exercises, holistic health practices, and psycho-emotional skills development. Each activity is designed to improve quality of life, encourage social engagement, and stimulate both mind and body. The PAS reflects PUCV’s commitment to lifelong learning and inclusive education, providing older adults with opportunities to explore new interests and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle.
ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE STRENGTHENING PROGRAMME (PILE)
The English as a Foreign Language Strengthening Programme (PILE), implemented at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso since 2012, offers students the opportunity to enhance their English proficiency according to international frameworks such as ALTE and CEFR. This initiative extends to PUCV graduates, who receive a 20% discount on Cambridge examinations. PILE provides a range of computer-based exams (CB), from B1 (Preliminary) to C2 (Proficiency), with sessions held twice per year in June and November–December. This programme reflects PUCV’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and professional development, equipping its community with key skills for an increasingly globalised world.
DIRECTORATE OF SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Directorate of Social Engagement and Sustainability at PUCV is a central body coordinating university initiatives focused on sustainable development and community involvement. It operates through three main areas: Sustainability Management, promoting sustainable practices and compliance with the Clean Production Agreement; Social Engagement and Community Development, which connects societal needs with institutional capacities and manages volunteer initiatives; and University–Catholic Church Relations, liaising with regional Catholic organisations to support social programmes in collaboration with the University’s Pastoral Office. This structure reflects PUCV’s commitment to social responsibility and its role as a positive force within the community.
PASTORAL PUCV
The PUCV Pastoral Office offers students, academics, and staff a space to share and live their faith within the university setting. A wide range of activities is available, including community gatherings, social outreach projects, lecture series, the Green Mission initiative, sung prayer, university retreats, and solidarity projects. Information and registration details can be found via Instagram at @pastoralpucv.
CEREMONIES AND EVENTS
As part of the extracurricular activities managed by the Directorate of International Exchange (DII), the General Directorate for International Affairs (DGAI) at PUCV organises several formal events. Attendance is compulsory for both international and Chilean students (G9–CRUV), as these events foster meaningful connections with the university community. Activities include Welcome and Farewell ceremonies, alongside various other events organised by DGAI and PUCV. Students are expected to contribute actively to these events through the preparation of speeches, media interviews, participation in information stands, sharing testimonials, and taking part in photographic records, all of which are aimed at strengthening integration with the university community and enriching the international exchange experience.
Aquí, cobra especial relevancia el compromiso que deben adquirir los alumnos y alumnas para la elaboración de discursos, entrevistas en medios de comunicación, participación en stands informativos, testimonios, registros fotográficos, entre otros, con el único fin de fortalecer la vinculación con el entorno y aportar a su integración con la comunidad universitaria y a su experiencia en el intercambio.
Library System
As a Spanish language student at the PUCV, you can access a wide range of library resources designed to support and enhance your learning experience.
- Comprehensive network: A system of 15 libraries offering study spaces and extensive collections. Available from Monday to Friday (8:30–19:30).
- CELE Library: Housed in the Gimpert Building, this library holds a dedicated collection for Spanish as a foreign language, complemented by a range of up-to-date technological resources designed to enhance students’ learning experience.
- Online services: A variety of digital resources and services are available remotely, including access through social media, messaging platforms, email, and online forms.
- Contact information: Enquiries for undergraduates ([email protected] ) and postgraduates ([email protected])
You may consult the complete catalogue at biblioteca.pucv.cl and take full advantage of these resources to support your academic experience.
Quiénes somos
Equipo administrativo
Equipo docente
Esperanza Godoy
Esperanza Godoy is a PhD candidate in Linguistics at PUCV, holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) from UIMP-Instituto Cervantes, and a Bachelor’s degree in Hispanic Philology from the University of Córdoba. Her areas of expertise are acquisition of subordination, grammar instruction, and Spanish for professional purposes. She has taught all levels of ELE in institutions across Spain, France, Poland, the USA, and Chile. Additionally, she has delivered teacher training courses and workshops. Esperanza is proficient in English and French at an advanced level.
Andrés Medel
Andrés Medel is a qualified English teacher from Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, with diplomas in ELE from both PUC and PUCV. He has international teaching experience in Chile, Guyana, and Jamaica, instructing Spanish to exchange students, public officials, and foreign professionals. He has taught all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced, in immersion settings. He is proficient in English at the C1 level and specialises in developing teaching materials tailored to diverse intercultural contexts.
Soraya Frías
Soraya Frías is a qualified Spanish Language teacher, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hispanic-American Language and Literature, and a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from PUCV. She has over 25 years of experience teaching Spanish as a foreign language from 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 courses. She is proficient in German at the C1 and C2 levels and has working knowledge of English and Portuguese.
Aldo Moreira
Aldo Moreira is a qualified English teacher from the University of Tarapacá and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specialising in teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language with DELE examiner training. Since 2009, he has been working in the PUCV International Student Exchange Programme, teaching Spanish at all levels. Furthermore, he has participated in international Spanish language training projects in the Anglophone Caribbean and has experience teaching Spanish for specific purposes. Aldo is proficient in English at the C2 level and has intermediate proficiency in Portuguese.
Franccesca Mejías
Franccesca Mejías is a qualified teacher of Spanish Language and Communication and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from PUCV. She specialises in cognitive aspects of bilingualism and teaching Spanish as a foreign language. With five years of experience, she has primarily worked with university exchange students and Haitian migrants in Chile. She is noted for integrating linguistic theory into her teaching practice and for her pedagogical approach, which is sensitive to cultural and linguistic diversity.
Nayra Simonó
Nayra Simonó is a PhD candidate in Linguistics at PUCV, holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language from the University of Oriente (Cuba), and a Bachelor’s degree in Literature. She has teaching experience in ELE in both Cuba and Chile, working with students of various levels and backgrounds. Her research focuses on encourage the ELE teaching, and she has published academic works on linguistics and education. Her experience also includes roles as a researcher, scriptwriter, and editor of academic texts.
