Professor Morgan Salisbury from Lower Columbia College sharing about the fall 2023 study abroad program to Chile.

DATES & DEADLINES

  • Program Dates: Friday, September 22 – Saturday, December 2, 2023
  • Last Day to Submit the Complete Application and $900 Deposit: Friday, June 2, 2023 Deadline extended to June 30
  • Balance of Program Fees Due:
    Payment 1 ($2,547) – Friday, June 23, 2023
    Payment 2 ($2,547) – Tuesday, August 8, 2023
  • Tuition Due: Same time as home campus tuition due date for Fall quarter 2023

HOW TO APPLY

  • To apply to the program, use the online WCCCSA general application. Detailed information about what is required and the application process can be found on the how to apply page: WCCCSA Preliminary Application and Scholarship 
  • Questions about the process or anything else? Contact your WCCCSA Campus Coordinator for more information about spending the fall in Chile.

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Applying for financial aid? Use the WCCCSA Budget Request for Chile Fall 2023 to meet with your home campus financial aid office: Fall 2023 Chile Budget Request for Study Abroad
  • There are two $1000 scholarships available from WCCCSA, students will automatically be considered for the scholarships as long as they check the box on the program application that says they are interested.
  • WorldStrides Scholarships – WorldStrides has two $3,000 scholarships available that can be applied to the Chile program cost. The deadline for the WorldStrides scholarships is July 15.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION OVERVIEW

Watch information session via Zoom

Chile is home to some of the most fascinating and diverse landscapes our world has to offer. From the driest deserts on the planet in the north, to its dense rainforests in the south, this country has it all – including over 90 active volcanoes! This diverse natural environment is reflected in numerous vibrant cultures of Chile, both in the past and the present. In this program, you will study the close relationship between the geology, the geography, and the people of Chile, all while immersed in the Spanish language. You will see first hand how Earth’s physical processes shape the landscape in one of the most unique areas of the planet while gaining a strong appreciation for how humans adapt to the natural environment around them.

The sister cities of Valparaíso & Viña del Mar are located halfway down Chile’s endless coastline. You will get the best of both worlds as each city offers a unique and different experience. Viña is known for its modernity and beautiful beaches, which attracts tourists from all over the world; while Valpo is a historic port city covered in tasteful graffiti art and singing colorful hills. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valpo has charm that is like none other.

HOUSING

You will stay with a local experienced, vetted host family. Occupancy is typically 2 students per home. Families provide 3 meals a day and laundry service. Homes are located throughout the city within walking distance or local bus, 10-45 minutes from where classes are held.

FACULTY & COURSES

This is an academic program and students are expected to enroll in a full-time course load. Failure to participate in the academic coursework may result in dismissal from the program. Students are encouraged to make the most of their classroom learning as it will enhance understanding of all the local area has to offer.

Students will take three classes for a total of 15 credits including a Spanish language class taught by local faculty. This course is mandatory for all students; students will be placed into one of three language levels. Instruction of the physical geography and geology courses will be taught in English, and the Spanish course will be based on your current understanding of the language, from beginning to advanced.

Spanish (5 credits) is required for all students.

In this class, you will be placed at the level of Spanish appropriate to your knowledge, from beginner to advanced. You will be taught by an experienced instructor who lives in Chile and receive credit for the equivalent Spanish class at your home campus.
No prerequisites.

Primary Faculty – Morgan Salisbury, Lower Columbia College

Dr. Morgan Salisbury is an Earth Scientist and educator who specializes in the geology and geography of South America. Morgan earned a Ph.D. in Geology from Oregon State University where he studied the volcanoes of Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina. His research includes a position as a Research Scholar at Durham University in the United Kingdom, and he is now recognized as one of the foremost experts on the relationship between plate tectonics and the volcanoes of South America. Morgan has been teaching geology and geography courses at Lower Columbia College in southwest Washington state for the past seven years. Morgan considers his time studying and living abroad in South America as among the most important and informative of his life and he strives to give a similarly positive experience to his students. Morgan’s classes are accessible, hands-on, and encourage students to get into the field and experience the world around them as they learn about the natural world and the many influences of earth system processes on the people and animals that call this planet home.

For Study Abroad in Fall 2023, Morgan chose two complementary courses that will allow an in-depth examination of the physical processes that continue to sculpt Chile’s diverse environment. These two courses will fulfill 10 Natural Science credits and will easily transfer to four-year universities in Washington and elsewhere. Morgan speaks Spanish and will be able to provide logistical support to students in Chile.

Geology& 101: Intro to Physical Geology w/lab

In this class you will learn how the slow but relentless movement of Earth’s crust is ultimately responsible for nearly every aspect of Earth’s topography, including Chile’s diverse topography of mountains and volcanoes, high deserts, mountain valleys, and coastal plains. Focus will be given to understanding plate tectonics, geologic time, distribution of minerals, and the ongoing threat of natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. This class will take advantage of the Valparaíso’s and Viña del Mar’s stunning physical surroundings to provide a framework for understanding both local and global geologic concepts. Interactive lab exercises will include rock and mineral identification, and an analysis of the causes and consequences of the geologic risks that the Chilean people face. Planned excursions will allow hands-on analysis of geology in the field.
No prerequisites.
Students who have already taken GEOL&101 will enroll in an advanced studies course that will be taught concurrently in the same classroom.

Geography 105: Physical Geography w/lab

In this class you will learn the physical processes that determine the location of Chile’s diverse ecosystems and how these ecosystems change over time, including during our current era that is strongly influenced by humanity’s choices on energy use and cultivation of food. Focus will be given to understanding Chile’s complex weather and climate, the distribution of rain and ecosystems, the influence of mountains and wind, and the vital importance the oceans play in regulating all life on Earth. Laboratory exercises will include map making, analysis of the landscape, and interpreting a wide variety of local, and global, geographical data. Planned excursions will allow exploration and analysis of Chile’s diverse physical processes.
No prerequisites.
Students who have already taken GEOG 105 will enroll in an advanced studies course that will be taught concurrently in the same classroom.

EXCURSIONS/ACTIVITIES (included)

Weekend in Pucón

Visit the active volcanic landscapes and rainforests of southern Chile in this trip to Pucón, one of Chile’s premier adventure destinations. Compare the flora and fauna of the Valdivian temperate rainforest with that of the Pacific Northwest, which was created in a similar (yet entirely different!) geographic biome. You will experience waterfalls and hot springs as well as a visit to a Mapuche Ruca and food tasting. Accommodations will be in quad-occupancy cabins.

Local Geology Walking Tour

Local walking tour of rock exposures of the Jurassic aged Coastal Batholith of central Chile to examine the innards of ancient volcanoes that dotted the landscape when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. These coastal plutonic rocks demonstrate the extreme powers of plate tectonics, as this location provides a world-class example of subduction erosion, where the old edge of the South American continents was literally (and slowly) scraped away and dragged into the depths of Earth’s mantle.

Cultural Activities

Delve into the culture of Chile with dancing and cooking lessons and visits to local museums included with the program.

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Students can use free weekends to travel and explore other areas of Chile. WorldStrides local staff can assist with choosing destinations and with transportation.

COSTS

Program fee: $5,995

INCLUDED

  • Housing with local host families
  • Breakfast and Dinner with host families
  • Orientation program on arrival with WorldStrides
  • Weekend excursion TBD
  • Medical insurance policies

NOT INCLUDED

  • College tuition and fees at your home campus
  • Airfare
  • Textbooks
  • Meals other than those listed above
  • Passport and visa fees if applicable
  • Field trips or excursions other than those specified
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone, etc.
  • Anything not specified as included in the program

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

  • Financial Aid can often be used towards study abroad. Meet with your WCCCSA Coordinator / Financial Aid Advisor to discuss – as individual situations vary.
  • WCCCSA Chile participants can indicate on their program application if they would like to be considered for one of two $500 WCCCSA Scholarships.
  • WCCCSA’s partner, WorldStrides also offers scholarship opportunities for participating students. Visit WorldStrides Scholarships webpage for scholarship details, deadlines, and applications.

ORIENTATION

  • Date: Saturday, August 19, 2023
  • Time: 11am-3pm
  • Location: Green River College in Auburn

What to bring:

  • Photocopy of your passport
  • Flight itineraries
  • Notepad to take notes
  • And questions

What to expect:

  • Parents, guardians, and significant others are welcomed and encouraged to attend orientation
  • Coffee will be provided in the morning and lunch will be included
  • The faculty will be available to discuss their courses and expectations