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Partner University Exchange: Universidad de Talca
The UniversityTalca
Program Dates
Academics
Credit Transfer Information
Housing & Meals
Cost Information
At a Glance: Universidad de Talca
Country: Republic of Chile
Government: Republic (President Michelle Bachelet)
Population: 15,328,467
Area: 292,258 miles2 (756,950km2)
Official Language(s): Spanish
Major Religion(s): 89% Roman Catholic
Capital & Population: Santiago; 5,400,000
Exchange City & Population: Talca, 193755, campus 2 in Curico, 102,439
Climate: For most of the year, the capital (altitude
1,700 ft/520 m) has a nearly perfect climate—warm days and
cool nights.
Monetary Unit: Chilean Peso (CLP); 1000CLP =
US$1.73
Exchange Level(s): Undergraduate, graduate
Language of Instruction: Spanish
University Web Site: www.utalca.cl
Length of Exchange: Semester or year; note that
academic year runs February-March to early December, with a semester
break in July
Application Deadline: September 19, 2008 for exchange for the full academic year (Feb/March-Nov. 2009) or semester 1 (Feb/March 2009-July 2009); Feb. 13, 2009 for second semester exchange (July-Nov)
The University
In response to the growing realization and demand for quality education to be offered outside of the capital city of Chile, Santiago, the University of Talca was founded in 1981 and since then has rapidly developed and grown into one of the premier universities in Chile. The university has two campuses: the main campus (Lircay campus) is located in Talca and a smaller campus is located in the city of Curico, a short drive (50km) north of Talca. The University of Talca is committed to promoting critical thinking and continuing to develop and expand their international relations program. Both campuses have modern libraries with internet access and a great diversity of books and other information resources.
Talca
The city of Talca is located in central Chile and has a population of about 193,755 people. It is the capital of both the Maule Region and Talca Province. The city was founded in 1742 and was partially destroyed by an earthquake the same year of its founding, and again in 1928. Talca played a significant role in the granting of Chile’s independence and was where Bernardo O’Higgins proclaimed independence for Chile in 1818. It was also the home of Mgr. Jose Ignacio Cienfuegos, a famous Catholic bishop who was also instrumental in movement to bring about Chilean independence. The city is well known for its wine vineyards and also as an economic powerhouse of Chile, with the economy of the city being centered around manufacturing and agriculture, particularly the production of wheat.
Program Dates
Program dates follow Universidad de Talca’s Southern Hemisphere academic calendar. Semester 1 begins in March and ends in July with exams. Semester 2 begins in August and ends with final exams at the end of December.
Academics
The language of instruction at Universidad de Talca is Spanish. UM students applying for the exchange program at Talca must have the equivalent of at least two years of college-level Spanish study prior to the exchange. Students who study at the main campus (Lircay) can take courses in the following programs: Law, Agricultural Science, Forestry Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, Dentistry, Medical Technology, Mechanical Engineering and Humanities. The smaller campus located in Curico offers courses in Industrial Engineering and Computational Engineering. In addition, the University of Talca also offers other programs for graduate students including a Masters in International Business, Masters in Educational Management and Policy, Masters in Natural Science Education and a Masters in Horticulture program. For additional information on courses and programs offered at Universidad de Talca, you can access their website at: www.utalca.cl
Credit Transfer Information
Students will register for their classes upon arrival in Talca. However, they are advised to complete a Study Plan Approval Form indicating the courses they intend to take before departure. Students usually take four to five classes per 15 week semester in Chile. A typical student will spend 20-22 hours in class per week. To earn 15 UM semester credits, students should enroll in 225 hours of classes. To earn a minimum full time load of 12 credits, students must enroll in 180 hours of class. Save your coursework and class syllabi to earn such approval. Chilean transcripts will include the number of contact hours per class to assist schools in determining the appropriate number of credits. Credit transfer is the student’s responsibility: students consult their UM advisors before departure in order to gain approval for credit transfer. Final approval for credit transfer rests with the student’s advisor and major/minor department chair (for major/minor requirements) and Admissions & New Students Services (for general education requirements).
Housing & Meals
We are currently in the process of obtaining this information. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact International Programs at The University of Montana.
Cost Information
UM Partner University Exchange students pay their regular tuition to UM and they pay their room and board to Talca. They are responsible for their own health insurance, travel, and personal expenses. The price of accommodation averages $300 per month in Talca. Students should also budget US$85 to apply for their U.S. passport and US$ 100 for a student visa to study in Chile. UM financial aid can be applied towards living and travel expenses while on this Partner University Exchange program.