Viña del Mar, CHILE

Located in Viña del Mar, which is considered the main touristic city of the country.  The Valparaiso region receives more than 14 thousand students each year and it is considered as a university city in the country. The University has a modern campus located in the upper area of the city. The campus lies on 20 acres of land and has state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure.

This program is open to undergraduate students in all majors. Students must already have advanced proficiency in the Spanish language, and be able to take all of their courses taught in Spanish alongside regular Chilean university students.

Areas of study include Architecture & Design, Agricultural Sciences, Health Sciences, Law, Veterinary Science, Communications, Education, Engineering, and Business. These courses are taught in Spanish, so students must have an advanced level of academic proficiency in the Spanish language in order to participate in this exchange program if they wish to take immersion courses.

Supplemental Spanish language courses are offered for exchange students; please note that there may be additional fees for these courses.

More information on Academics at UVM

Courses taught in English are NOT open to reciprocal exchange students.

Students who participate in this program will enroll in regular university courses taught in Spanish.

Fall Semester: August to November

Spring Semester: March to June

UHM students may study at UVM for one or two semesters.

Link to UVM Academic Calendar

There is no on-campus housing available.  This is common in Chile, as most students either live with their families, or in apartments with other students. Exchange students are responsible for arranging their own off-campus accommodations.  Options with host families, boarding houses, and apartments are available. The total cost of staying with a host family is US$3,000 which includes a private room, three meals per day, and laundry. Students pay for their host family in a lump sum during the UVM orientation.

More information on UVM Housing Options

MIX students register as full-time students at UH Manoa and pay regular UHM tuition.  They do not pay overseas tuition. 

- Students who normally pay in-state UHM tuition continue to do so while on MIX. 
- Students who normally pay out-of-state UHM tuition continue to do so while on MIX.
- Students who normally pay WUE tuition continue to do so while on MIX. 

View UHM tuition & fees online

In addition to UHM tuition, MIX students are responsible for all of their living expenses, including health insurance, books/supplies, room & meals, personal expenses, airfare, local transportation, and any costs associated with obtaining a visa (if applicable). It is recommended that you research online to get an idea of how much these expenses will be.    

Since you are still a registered UHM student while on MIX, you continue to be eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships. If you submit a ‘MIX Student Budget for Financial Aid Purposes’ form, UHM financial aid will take into consideration your overseas living and travel expenses when awarding you your grants/loans. 

Cultural Activities

The Centro de Español in the UVM International Relations department organizes a variety of cultural and extracurricular activities for visiting international students, facilitating greater immersion into the Chilean culture. There are also opportunities to volunteer.

Visa Information

U.S Citizens will need to apply for a Student Visa to Chile. The process is lengthy, and students will need to be very organized in the process. Chilean Student Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Chilean Consulate in Honolulu
2240 Kuhio Avenue, Ph 3804
Honolulu, HI

Consul - Gladys Vernoy
vernoy@aloha.net, (808) 561-1772

Requirements for the student visa are listed below; however, students must check with the Chilean Consulate for the most updated requirements!

• Valid passport
• Health Certificate issued by a doctor stating that the applicant enjoys good health and has no communicable disease (within 30 days of departure)
• HIV test (within 30 days of departure)
• Police Certificate issued by the applicant's local police (within 30 days of departure)
• Four recent 2"x2" color photographs
• Proof of financial security (bank statement or Affidavit from the applicant's parents or guardians)
• Visa fee of US$100 (cash or money order). Visa fees vary for non-U.S. citizens - check with the Consulate.
• Letter of acceptance from UVM.

Note: Students with this visa are not allowed to work while in Chile. Student visas are valid for a maximum of one year and may be renewed in Chile.