Exchange Student's Guide UACh by Fernando de la Costa

GUÍA PARASTUDENT’S EL ESTUDIANTE EXCHANGE GUIDE EXTRANJERO GUÍA PARA EL ESTUDIANTE EXCHANGE STUDENT’S GUIDE EXTRANJERO

OFICINA DE MOVILIDAD ESTUDIANTIL VICERRECTORÍA ACADÉMICA

Campus Miraflores Valdivia

Campus Isla Teja Valdivia

Campus Puerto Montt

1 Fotografía: Jordi Gaya- Gallofré

Index 1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 4 Chile................................................................................................................................................. 5 VALDIVIA ......................................................................................................................................... 6 2. UNIVERSIDAD AUSTRAL DE CHILE .................................................................................... 7 WELCOME BY RECTOR VICTOR CUBILLOS. G .................................................................................. 7 UACH MISSION AND VISION............................................................................................................ 7 OUR MANY CAMPUSES ................................................................................................................. 10 3. APPLYING TO UACH .............................................................................................................. 10 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS..................................................................................................... 10 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS................................................................ 11 BENEFITS AND GRANTS ................................................................................................................. 12 4. ADMINISTRATIVE WORK TO ENTER CHILE ................................................................. 13 Student Visa .................................................................................................................................. 13 IDENTITY CARD FOR FOREIGNERS ................................................................................................. 14 EXTENSION OF STUDENT VISA ...................................................................................................... 14 MEDICAL INSURANCE.................................................................................................................... 15 5. ARRIVAL TO CHILE, TO VALDIVIA AND TO THE UNIVERSIDAD AUSTRAL DE CHILE.............................................................................................................................................. 15 AIRPORT PROCEDURES.................................................................................................................. 15 FROM THE AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN SANTIAGO ........................................................................ 16 IN SANTIAGO ................................................................................................................................. 17 ON YOUR WAY TO VALDIVIA ......................................................................................................... 17 7. YOUR FIRST STEPS AT UACh............................................................................................... 18 ACADEMIC ASPECTS ...................................................................................................................... 18

GRADING SYSTEM ......................................................................................................................... 19 HOUSING ....................................................................................................................................... 19 7. SERVICES OFFERED BY UACh ............................................................................................ 20 Libraries......................................................................................................................................... 20 INTERNET AND WI‐FI FREE SERVICE .............................................................................................. 20 UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE ........................................................................................................ 20 SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL CENTRE........................................................................................... 21 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES ...................................................................................................... 21 Student Federation ....................................................................................................................... 21 8 RECOMENDATIONS................................................................................................................. 22 How to dress?................................................................................................................................ 22 Cash Machines .............................................................................................................................. 22 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE CALLS ............................................................ 23 SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................... 23 Citizen Responsibility .................................................................................................................... 24 TOURIST INFORMATION................................................................................................................ 24 9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.......................................................................................................... 25

1. INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Universidad Austral de Chile. We are very glad that you have chosen us to develop an important part of your life. We invite you to be part of our community and to participate in the activities that we have prepared for you. We hope this guide is a useful tool that will help you during the exchange process that you are about to start. After reading this guide you will have a general idea of the Universidad Austral de Chile and, at the same time, you will be able to find answers to your questions about your stay in our country and our city. The Student Exchange Office (Oficina de Movilidad Estudiantil) of the Universidad Austral de Chile is the administrative office in our institution that will support you through the application process and during your stay at UACH.

Oficina de Movilidad Estudiantil Head of Office: Marta Rojas Guzmán Address: Av. Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Location: Vicerrectoría Académica, Campus Isla Teja, Valdivia - Chile Email: movilidadestudiantil@uach.cl Fax/Phone:

56-63-293665

Chile Chile is a country with many natural and human resources, which have allowed it to grow socially and economically. It is a country of geographical and cultural contrasts. Our nation is diverse, composed of Native American, European and oceanic cultures. Chile is the longest (4,329 km) and most narrow (average width 177 km) country in the Americas. During your stay we invite you to enjoy the beautiful sceneries. In a quick trip through our country you can visit the North and see the arid Atacama Desert that flourishes once a year. Especially noteworthy is the Moon Valley with its alien-like rock formations and salt lakes, silent witnesses of a glorious past and now a valuable national heritage. In the north, La Serena stands out with its beautiful beaches and gastronomy that will impress everyone who enjoys seafood. At the heart of the country you will find Santiago among other beautiful cities and valleys. It is an important agricultural area. The development of the wine region generates important profits and because of its great quality it’s the most prestigious export of our country. There are many wellknown wineries such as Concha y Toro, which you can visit as part of the “ruta del vino.” Towards the south the scenery becomes greener. The forests produce a wide diversity of native species. During the Valdivian night (Noche Valdiviana), the moon descends upon the Calle-Calle River. Following the path of the Austral highway, Chile nourishes itself with the magic of la Isla Grande of Chiloe that has a long mythical tradition of important cultural value. There you can also find unique cuisine. In the shredded tail of the Austral zone you can admire the impressive spectacle of lakes, fjords and glaciers. Here you will find touristic areas like “la Laguna San Rafael” or isolated places like Caleta Tortel, an enclave where Chileans live their lives rooted in nature. In the Patagonian Pampa Zone the road leads to extraordinary trails of the Torres del Paine Park, the penguin refuges on Isla Magdalena, and the impressive prehistoric Milodón drawings in the cave that goes by that same name. For more information visit: www.mapasdechile.com www.visitchile.com/zonas.asp General Information about Chile Official Name: Republic of Chile Type of Government: Parliamentary Democracy Head of State: Ms. Michelle Bachelet Jeria Official Language: Spanish Geographic Coordinates: 30°00 South, 71°00 West Geographic Location: Located in the South American Continent, to the east of the Pacific Ocean, to the west of Argentina and south of Peru and Bolivia. Climate: Temperate, arid in the north, cold, rainy and humid in the South. Official Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP- $)

VALDIVIA A city of charm, history and cultural diversity. Valdivia is located 841 km south of the capital of Chile and is one of the most important provinces in the Fourteenth Region. Its picturesque landscape is a geographical watercolor of lakes, hot springs and volcanoes, which also includes the longest navigable river network in the country, with more than 280 km of rivers and streams. The province is also well-known for its “Selva Valdiviana” (Valdivian Temperate Rainforest), which is a native forest located on the coast that is thousands of years old. This ecological wealth has permitted the area to develop a flourishing tourist industry. Upon your arrival to the Calle Calle City you will enjoy the pure air, clear sky, beautiful rivers that separate Valdivia and the Teja Island, and most of all the exuberant vegetation of the area. ITS HISTORY Europeans arrived to Valdivia 457 years ago. Its first inhabitants, the Huilliches, called the area “Ainilebu” (the land of Ainil, which is the river that surrounds the city and is presently known as the Calle Calle River). Then in 1552 the Spanish Army, led by the great conqueror Pedro de Valdivia, founded the city and baptized it “Santa María la Blanca”. After a long and taxing war that lasted over a century, the Spanish finally conquered the territory, but the courageous fighting of the native people has led them to be referred to as the bravest warriors on the continent. The Mapuches, descendants from the same native warriors are the ones that continue to defend their autonomy, traditions and rights as active members of Chilean society. They are a crucial part of our culture. The German colonization plays an important role in the history of the city. It was the result of governmental policies implemented to achieve an effective rule over unoccupied national territory to face the economical and political crisis of Europe towards the XIX century. In 1846 Bernardo Philippi established the first group of German settlers along the Calle Calle river. Since then, and after the second half of the XX century, the families of those settlers have established a flourishing industry contributing to and promoting the development of Valdivia and the south of Chile. Some important industries include breweries, tanneries, building shipyards and sawmills. The traditional German settlements are nowadays located in the well known “historical neighborhood” on General Lagos Street; there you can find old colonial houses built with native wood that demonstrate the economic splendor of those times. Architecture, music, arts, cinema and photography are proof of a flourishing artistic and cultural atmosphere enjoyed by Valdivia. Contributions from the different neighbouring native peoples further increase the diversity that makes Valdivia one of the most interesting cites in Chile.

2. UNIVERSIDAD AUSTRAL DE CHILE WELCOME BY RECTOR VICTOR CUBILLOS. G

Young foreign students receive a warm welcome to the Universidad Austral de Chile. We are very glad to be part of your professional and academic formation, whether it be as bachelor, master, or PhD candidates, or as members of a specialization program. I would like to highlight that UACh is well known as a “complex” institution, which implies that it focuses its development on teaching, academic research, “extension” and administrative work. UACh is one of the few universities in the country that offers masters and PhD programs. While training professionals in the areas of the humanities and the sciences, our university is also concerned with well-rounded development. That is why you can enroll in different artistic, cultural, social and sport extracurricular activities in a wonderful natural environment. Moreover, at UACH you will find a new home, new friends and a family of workers and academics that will support you and help you whenever you need it. Welcome to our country, to the south, to Valdivia and to the Universidad Austral de Chile. Dr. Victor Cubillos G. Rector.

UACH MISSION AND VISION

Mission The Universidad Austral de Chile is an academic institution dedicated to higher education, science and spreading culture at a national and international level. Through its actions the university wants to contribute with efficiency and quality to the development and wellbeing of the country, especially in the austral south of Chile. To do so the university’s goal is to form solid ethical graduates who are socially committed and researching in different academic areas such as the sciences, technologies, humanities and social sciences. Vision Based on the Universidad Austral de Chile tradition and the need for sustainable development in the district and country, we will be able to achieve the dreams of their founders by contributing to the spiritual and material progress of society. Specifically we will contribute to the humanities, arts, technologies, and sciences. We will continue increasing the quality of education and receiving acknowledgment as a complex university that considers academic work to be an intellectual and ethical commitment, preserving, generating and transmitting knowledge.

We will participate in the global community and we will continue contributing to the growth of the district and southern area of the country. Our corner stones will be excellence, evaluative culture, social responsibility and transparency. We will develop our labor in a free, respectful and tolerant environment. We will continue to seek out societal recognition in order to compete successfully in the training of professionals and academic people. Moreover, we will work hard to obtain the resources that will allow us to continue our work. CONOCIMIENTO Y NATURALEZA The University was founded on September 7th, 1954 on an island located between the Calle-Calle and Cruces rivers. One of the paramount goals while creating the Universidad Austral de Chile was to find a way to preserve the beauty of and closeness to nature, while at the same time encouraging the acquisition of knowledge. Every walkway and building of the university was planned through group effort, led by Doctor Eduardo Morales, and the final result was well-deserving of the University's Motto: “Conocimiento y Naturaleza” (Knowledge and Nature). Throughout the university grounds, the spirit of a scientific community can be felt by anyone who seeks new and innovative answers. The UACh campus is a patchwork of buildings from various decades and stages in the University's formation, the oldest of which date back to the 60’s and early 70’s, when the University gained its institutional autonomy. Presently, the university is undergoing a process of architectural modernization, as well as a curricular one, thanks to different projects aimed at improving the quality of undergraduate programs and thus allowing the past and present to blend harmoniously. The Universidad Austral de Chile is the fruit of hard and persevering labor. Consisting of 3 campuses, 9 departments, 41 undergraduate majors, 10,000 students, 776 professors, 143,000 books in its ample libraries, Internet connection via Wi-Fi, laboratories, experimental centers, educational television centers, multimedia laboratories, sport centers, museums, agricultural experimental fields, one of the most modern veterinary hospitals in South America, and an eleven-hectare Botanical Garden, UACh is probably the most significant of its kind on the continent and has contributed greatly to the development of Chile. For further information about Universidad Austral, its history, its present and its everyday life, visit www.uach.cl/catalogo/historia.htm ORGANIZATIVE FRAMEWORK Boards The Universidad Austral de Chile has three main boards: Board of Directors, Board of Academic Advisors and the Supreme University Board. Each of them is composed of different members of the Valdivian and University Community. Its function is to manage the administration, the politics and development plans of the University. Head Office and Rectory

The head office of the University is located in the heart of the civic centre of the city, at 640 Independencia Street. In the same building, the Rectory has its office. It is the highest University authority. This is where the Rector carries out his administrative work. As support the rectory has the following units: General Secretary, Jurisdictional Management, Financial Office, Public Relations, IT centre, and a branch in Santiago. This last one contributes to the presence of UACh in the metropolitan district and at the same time it creates a bridge for fluent communication among the university institutions on a national and international scale. Pro Rectory The Pro rectory´s purpose is to collaborate with the Rector and the Boards in ruling and running the University through the elaboration of a Strategic Institutional Plan. This plan is dedicated to meeting the demands of specific strategic studies that the Rector, the board of directors or the academic board may determine. It has the following units: Planning and Strategic Unit, Institutional Image Unit, Regional and National Relations Unit, International Relations Unit, all of which are concerned and dedicated to promoting the different relations within our University, the regional community and its international integration. Vice Rectory The Universidad Austral de Chile has only two macro units of this type: the Academic Vice Rectory and the Economic and Administrative Management Vice Rectory. Inside these, there are different units known as “direcciones” and all of them are in charge of specific areas such as: finance, library network or UACH “extension”. Faculties, Institutes and Schools The nine faculties are divided up into two campuses in Valdivia, in Isla Teja and Miraflores, and the Puerto Montt campus. All of them include 69 institutes, 42 undergraduate programs and more that 70 graduate programs and their respective schools. Rector Our current Rector, Dr. Victor Cubillos Godoy, will serve during the period of 2006-2010. His administration is characterized by innovative administrative management and a major boost in the different areas of interest of our organization. A main concern is the internationalization of the University, which is reflected by student exchanges and international training of our academics. Dr. Cubillos has a veterinarian PhD in Animal Pathology and Public Health and graduated from Queensland University in Australia. Since 1975 he has been a teacher and researcher in the Institute of Animal Pathology of the Veterinary Science Faculty. During his whole academic life he has been the coordinator in different undergraduate, Masters and PhD programs. He is also author and coauthor of more than 100 publications in indexed magazines and other publications. He has been Secretary and Head of the Institute of Animal Pathology. Dr. Cubillos has also been head of the Graduated Students School of the Veterinary Medicine Faculty and Dean of the same faculty for three periods.

OUR MANY CAMPUSES Campus Isla Teja The Isla Teja Campus is the ecological heart of Valdivia. It is like a classical impressionist oil painting in which the colorful flora and extensive fauna catch the eye and meld together with the University's architecture. Eight of UACh's nine departments are found here. This is the most extensive Campus of our University, which possesses, aside from lecture halls, laboratories and a language center, additional services such as cafeterias, a post office, a bank, a movie theater and the Aula Magna, where the most important events of the University are held. Campus Miraflores The Miraflores Campus contains one of the most important departments of our University: the Department of Engineering Sciences, whose academic program is recognized at a national level. It is the only institution in Chile that offers degrees in Naval Engineering and Civil Engineering in Acoustics, in addition to five other engineering programs. The Campus has one of three channels in Latin America in which ship models and ships' hydrodynamic characteristics can be tested, as well as a modern multimedia laboratory. Campus Puerto Montt The Puerto Montt Campus is located in the city that bears the same name and is capital of the Tenth Region (Región de Los Lagos). Puerto Montt is a commercial town that is situated on the rough and windy coast of the South and its campus is one of the most important educational centers in the area. In addition to developing the cultivation of marine resources, it offers a wide variety of programs in conjunction with the local economy. University Centre “La Trapananda” The “La Trapananda” University Center is located in Coyhaique, in the XI Region. The surrounding area is of incomparable beauty and is called “reserva de vida” (life reserve) by the inhabitants of the area. Agricultural producers and professionals are trained on this center's premises, which has a strong devotion to research, production and sustainable management of natural resources. For more information and maps of UACh campus locations visit www.uach.cl/campus 3. APPLYING TO UACH To make sure that your application process to our university will be successful we recommend you to consider the following steps. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS Nowadays, the University promotes the integration and search of opportunities in a globalized setting. In this context, the student exchanges, the constant academic exchange and the united work with other foreign universities are key tools in achieving excellence. Our University opened its doors to a wide variety of international agreements with universities of different countries. UACh, in the task of trying to expand its borders, offers its students bilateral

programs of dual degrees with European and North American universities and a permanent contact with national and regional enterprises that allow students to carry out professional practices, achieving an efficient connection to the labor market. To verify valid agreements of UACH please visit: www.uach.cl/catalogo/relacinternacionales.htm

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

Applying Deadlines The admission date for the 1st Semester (March –July) is from September to the first week of November. The admission final date for the 2d Semester (August- December) is from April to the first week of June. Undergraduate Students Foreign students applying to temporary undergraduate programs in UACH must have passed and finished their second or fourth semester in their corresponding majors and be a regular student in their University. To apply you need to present the following documents to the “Oficina de Movilidad Estudiantil” (Office of Exchange Students):

•

Completing and sending the undergraduate students admission form.

•

Pay admission fees

•

Motivation letter explaining the reasons and interests to study at UACH.

•

Resume

•

Recommendation and supporting Letter from your home University

•

Photocopy of valid Passport

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Photocopy of the students Visa (to be presented at the registration)

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Health Insurance (including emergency evacuation to home country)

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The list of approved courses proving that you took and passed at your home University.

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Certified grades of the passed courses.

Postgraduate students. The foreign students applying to enrol in a postgraduate programme must have finished two semesters in their corresponding master or PhD programme and present the following documents to the “Oficina de Movilidad Estudiantil”: •

Completing and sending the postgraduate students admission form.

•

Motivation letter explaining the reasons and interests to study at UACH.

•

Resume

•

Recommendation and Supporting Letter from your home University

•

Photocopy of valid Passport

•

Photocopy of the student Visa (to be presented at the registration)

•

Health Insurance (including emergency evacuation to home country)

•

The list of approved courses proving that you took and passed at your home University.

•

Certified grades of the passed courses.

The studies done through the Movilidad Estudiantil programme of under- and postgraduate studies won’t give you an accredited professional degree from the UACh because they only contribute to a part of the academic curricular programme of the exchange students. At the end of the exchange programme the students will receive a certificate from the corresponding unit to validate the courses in there home university. BENEFITS AND GRANTS Nowadays the UACh doesn’t offer grants for foreign students. However, it helps students with exemption of registration fees and semester or programme tuition when there are agreements that mention it in there clauses. Check the agreements between your university and UACH to make sure that your admission is part of a bilateral collaboration with our institute. For more information about undergraduate programmes please visit: www.uach.cl/admision/ For more information about postgraduate programmes please visit: www.uach.cl/direccion/postgrado/ If you want to find out about your duties and rights as a student of the UACH are please visit: www.uach.cl/direccion/pregrado/reglamentos/reglamentoderechosydeberes.htm

You can also contact the Oficina de Movilidad Estudiantil by email and ask to be contacted with the undergraduate or postgraduate schools to obtain the courses programs. To learn more about the University and the areas in what you are interested to know please visit our official website www.uach.cl

4. ADMINISTRATIVE WORK TO ENTER CHILE To enter the country and be able to stay it is necessary to obtain the following documents: Student Visa This is a document that must be obtained in you home country. To obtain it, the Oficina de Movilidad estudiantil will send you the corresponding documents which will prove that you have been accepted to our institution. Another valid option, but less advisable, is to obtain the visa once in Chile. If you take this second option, you must obtain it during the first 30 days in the country. You must go to International Police office in Valdivia with the following documents: passport and three color pictures (ID size) with name and passport number. The International police officer will give you a non-transferable card with your complete information and student visa. You must keep this card in a safe place because it is needed to obtain your “Cedula de Identidad” or ID card for foreigners. The whole procedure will take you about 20 minutes and it will cost you US$ 5.00 (you must pay in Chilean pesos) International Police Valdivia Address: Av. Ramon Picarte Nª 1401. Opening Times: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 12:00 hrs and 15:30 to 18:00 hrs. Phone Number: 56-63-260537

Office of Foreign Affairs, Valdivia Address:

Av. Ramón Picarte Nº 555

Office hours: Monday to Friday: from 09:00 hrs. to 12:00 hrs and from 15:30 hrs. to 18:00 hrs. Phone Number: 56-63-261205 56-63-252062 Foreign affairs and immigration department, Metropolitan District Address:

San Antonio # 580, Piso 2

Phone Number: 600 626 4222 Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30- 14:00 hrs. Website:

www.extranjeria.gob.cl

IDENTITY CARD FOR FOREIGNERS Once you have completed the process of registering your visa you must go to the “Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion” to obtain your identity card for foreigners. (Cédula de identidad para extranjeros). This document will allow you to enter and leave the country without any additional documents. To obtain it you must bring a photocopy of you visa, a photocopy of the identification page of your passport and the visa registration certificate (International police) Registro Civil will take a picture, which is needed for your ID card. To obtain your ID Card you must bring the following documents: 1. Valid Passport, including a stamped residence visa and with the inscription certificate of the “Registro de Extranjero of International Police” 2. ID card Payment fee receipt (US $ 8.00 approx to be paid in Chilean Pesos) 3. Photocopy of the following passport pages: Identification of the bearer, expiration date of the passport, and a copy of the visa and the date of entrance to the country (if it is a consulate) and “Tarjeta de Registro para Extranjeros” If you exceed the deadline of 30 days to complete the process you will need a special authorization from the department of foreign affairs and immigration of the Department of Interior or a receipt that shows your authorization from the regional administrative division. Office of Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación, Valdivia Address: Office Hours: Phone number:

Av. Ramón Picarte Nº 786. 8:30 hrs. to 14:00 hrs. 56-63-235401 56-63-235402

Web site:

www.registrocivil.cl

EXTENSION OF STUDENT VISA If you wish to extend your student visa you must have the following documents: 1. Photocopy of your passport 2. photocopy of your “foreign id-card” 3. Financial Resources Statement (Bank account Statement) 4. Chilean police record (obtained at registro civil) 5. Certificate of the programme for special entrance students (Programma de Alumnos de ingreso especial) (legalized before a notary) 6. Two photographs ID size

This request can be done up to 3 months before the visa expires and doesn’t have additional costs. The request should be done in the same departments as mentioned above. (see ID for foreigners). MEDICAL INSURANCE To enter the university it is mandatory to have a medical insurance that allows you to obtain appropriate medical attention when you need it. It’s advisable that the insurance includes the possibility of emergency medical evacuation to your home country. 5. ARRIVAL TO CHILE, TO VALDIVIA AND TO THE UNIVERSIDAD AUSTRAL DE CHILE Depending on where you come from, you can enter Chile in two ways. It is possible to travel by land or by air arriving at the International Arturo Merino Benítez Airport at the Capital of Chile. Whatever way you enter the country you must fulfill all customs procedures. AIRPORT PROCEDURES International police To enter Chile, all passengers must check in first at the International Police control and show their identity documents (identity card or passport) and the stamped visa (depending on the country of origin). Reciprocity Fee All passengers with passports form Australia, Canada, United States and Mexico must pay a reciprocity fee before entering Interpol control. The cost may vary, so it’s advised to confirm it.

Country

Tax amount

Australia

US$ 56

Canada

US$ 132

USA

US$ 100

Mexico

US$ 15

Consultations:

Airport Payment Kiosk

Phonenumber:

56-2-6901063

Website:

www.gochile.cl/Info_s/Hbook/airport.asp

Customs Passengers do not have to pay taxes for any goods that are considered as passenger’s luggage. The concept of “luggage” involves: •

•

Travel articles (suitcases, bags, personal effects), clothes or accessories, electric personal effects (alarm clock, camera, typing machine, portable calculator) that are not new and that are proper to the use and normal needs of the passengers carrying them and which are not for sale. Objects considered for the exclusive use of the passenger, as long as they have been used already, are portables, for manual use, of simple manufacture, that need no installation for its normal use and that belongs to the profession or working activity of the passenger. Up to a quantity not exceeding 400 units of cigarettes, 500 g of pipe tobacco, 50 units of cigars and 2,5 litres of alcoholic beverages per adult (older than 18 years old).

Expressly excluded from the "luggage" concept are: • House furniture. • House goods, crockery, linen and paintings. • Musical instruments • Devices, spare parts and electric/electronic instruments. • Office equipment. For more information about procedures related to your travel please visit: www.aeropuertosantiago.cl/ www.aeropuertosantiago.cl/contenidos/listado_contenidos.php?s=20040702170751 FROM THE AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN SANTIAGO The airport is located 45 minutes from downtown Santiago. To leave the airport you have a wide variety of options including bus, transfer and taxis. Each of these options is a good way to travel downtown or to the interprovincial bus station, from where you can board a bus that will take you to your final destination, Valdivia. The bus service is certainly a fast, safe and cheap way of traveling through Chile. Another more expensive alternative is renting a car. For further information we recommend you to visit the following websites: Buses and minibuses:

www.turtransfer.cl www.turbus.cl www.transvip.cl

Rent a Car:

www.rosselot.cl

www.budget.cl www.hertz.cl www.econorent.net

Counters location: - First floor central Hall of the Airport - National Arrivals - International Arrivals IN SANTIAGO If you have a few hours to see the capital before travelling to Valdivia you can visit downtown Santiago where you will find Santa Lucia and San Cristobal Hill, first positioning of the Spanish Conquer under command of Pedro de Valdivia. In the streets close by there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, bookstores that give a bohemian and cultural atmosphere to the old neighbourhoods. More downtown, you can find La Moneda Palace, which has been recently renovated. In its basement there is now a modern cultural centre which holds various expositions and three delicious restaurants including the traditional Café Torres. Moreover, you can visit the Chilean and LatinAmerican handcraft stores. Address: Plaza de la Ciudadanía Nº 26, Underground floor (Estación Metro Moneda). For more information, maps and addresses please visit these websites: www.planos.cl www.mapcity.cl www.transantiagoinforma.cl/ www.contactchile.cl/es/chile-bus.php

ON YOUR WAY TO VALDIVIA There are two ways to travel to Valdivia, one way is by plane, which is a short trip, 1 and half hour approx. The prices may vary depending on the time of year and how early you buy your tickets. Another alternative to travel is by interprovincial bus from one of the following bus stations in Santiago: Los Heroes Station, Central Station, San Borja Station, TUR-BUS Station y Alameda Station. As by plane the prices may vary. That is why it is advisable to research in advance. If you decide to take a bus to Valdivia we advise you to travel at night, because it is quieter and you will arrive early in the morning the next day at the bus Station in Valdivia. The trip takes 10 hours depending on the traffic and the stops the bus will make. Once in Valdivia, the bus will arrive in the bus station. Outside the bus station you can find taxis. The cost of your trip will vary according to the length of your trip. However, inside the urban radius

the cost will never exceed $ 2.500 CLP. We advise you to take a taxi because it is a safe and reliable way to move through the city upon your arrival. At the end of your trip you can ask for a receipt to confirm the price of the trip. For more information about the bus station you may visit: www.terminalvaldivia.cl/ For more information about buses, fees and hours please visit: www.contactchile.cl/es/chile-bus.php For more information about plane, fees and hours, please visit: www.contactchile.cl/es/chile-vuelosnacionales.php Valdivia is a small but attractive and interesting city. As you get to know its streets, the riverside and downtown you will familiarize yourself with its culture, its traditions and its people. For example, the traditional food is something we invite you to taste and enjoy. For further information about restaurants and their prizes please visit: www.uach.cl/catalogo/comida.htm

7. YOUR FIRST STEPS AT UACh OFICINA DE MOVILIDAD ESTUDIANTIL The program of Movilidad Estudiantil of UACh was founded in May 2006 with the purpose of guiding the increasing number of foreign students arriving to our University. The office has different functions such as establishing guidance resources and welcoming the new national and international students, and then supporting the visiting students. It is also responsible for supporting and guiding the Chilean students who wish to study in another Chilean University or abroad. ACADEMIC ASPECTS To validate the registration process, course registration, University Card and transportation card, we invite you to visit the Movilidad Estudiantil Office in Isla Teja Campus where you can find the information and guidance needed to finish these processes successfully. Registration The University registration is the first step to be considered a regular student of UACh. It is a mandatory process to study during the period you have chosen to do so. After registering as a regular student you will have all the benefits and corresponding certification of your stay at UACh. To register successfully you must have finished the previous processes of application and admittance. You can fulfil the registration process in the Oficina de Movilidad Estudiantil. Course Registration This procedure must be done by the secretary of your school. The Oficina de Movilidad Estudiantil will guide you in this vital procedure. At the end of your stay the certification of your grades and transferable credits given by Registro AcadĂŠmico will depend on it. Student Identification Card The Student Card is the internal identification that shows that you are a regular student of UACh. Foreign students will have to obtain it at the moment of registration. You just need to bring two ID size photographs with your name and passport number printed on them.

With this card you can borrow books from any library at UACh and have access to the computer labs available for you to use in the libraries or in the multimedia buildings of the campus. It is also needed to obtain medical assistance in the University Health Centre and also to get discounts at cultural events, museums and theatres. However, it is not possible to use that card to obtain discounts from the transportation system. Student Transportation Card As a university student of undergraduate or postgraduate programs you have the right to obtain this document. Its main benefit is the discount in the bus fare, specifically in city busses and in interprovincial busses. To apply for it you must be registered as a regular student. GRADING SYSTEM UACh uses a 1.0 to 7.0 scale to determine your grades. The lowest grade to pass your courses is 4.0. If you do not obtain that grade during the semester your exchange program will be cancelled for the next period. Once you have finished the exchange program, the Oficina de Movilidad Estudiantil will send an official copy of your grades to the coordinator of your major in your university. HOUSING Network of student housing Student housing consists of traditional residences in Valdivia for national and international students. Foreign undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply to student housing owned by the university. For your comfort we suggest “Hogar Elena y David”, located on Isla Teja Campus next to Isla Teja Hotel. The cost is 115.000 Chilean pesos monthly (referential value year 2009). The service includes lunch and dinner, daily cleaning service of the shared room (three students per room), access to an automatic washing machine, drier, microwave, Internet, local phone calls, refrigerator, and a 24 hour reception service to monitor visits. To find out if there is room available you can contact the Social worker Srta Marianela Sanhueza. Phone number: 56-63-293573 Email Address: marianelasanhueza@uach.cl Other types of residency, hostels and independent apartments in UACh, It is your own responsibility to look for an apartment, unless your agreement with the university stipulates the contrary. We encourage you to visit Oficina de Movilidad Estudiantil to look for information about it. You can also contact the student’s affairs office “Dirección de Asuntos Estudiantiles” (DAE) which has a special information stand. For more information, please visit: www.uach.cl/direccion/asuntosestudiantiles www.uach.cl/catalogo/alojamiento.htm www.lomejordelsur.cl/INICIO/tabid/36/Default.aspx PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The most common means of transportation for students are buses, due to their price of $170 CLP. Adults pay $320 or $380 (referential price 2009). Public transportation offers services from 6:00 to 22:00 hrs. Another cheap and comfortable option, very popular alternative among students, is biking. You can obtain a second-hand one at a very reasonable price, and before returning to your country you can sell it to another student and get your money back. 7. SERVICES OFFERED BY UACh Libraries The Universidad Austral de Chile has four main libraries located in Campus Isla Teja, Miraflores, Campus Puerto Montt and Hospital Valdivia, forming the Library System of UACh. The unit has an automated data base with an online catalogue, open bookshelves service, borrowing and lending automated virtual and local services. For further information please visit: www.biblioteca.uach.cl Central Library Address Campus Isla Teja Phone number: 56-63-221290 Internal extension phone number UACh: 1290 Opening hours: From Monday to Friday 08:30 hrs. - 20:00 hrs. Electronic Reference: 08:30 hrs. - 19:50 hrs. Saturday: 08:30 hrs. - 17:00 hrs. INTERNET AND WI-FI FREE SERVICE Throughout our campus you will be able to go to computer labs and use laptops with internet access. If you have your own computer all the buildings have free WI-FI for all the students to use. UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE This unit is in charge of promoting, taking care, and rehabilitating the health of all UACh students. The services supplied by the University Health Centre are non-emergency services. In prevention it carries out health controls, birth control and pregnancy, psychological help and physiotherapy. In treatment it offers general medical help, orthopaedics, gynecology, psychiatric, wound treatments from a nurse, and follow-up after emergency situations. It also provides dental care and dental Xray service. As an exchange student you must show your university card and your valid health insurance at the moment of your request for medical attention. The University Health Centre of UACh attends to students at Isla Teja Campus and Miraflores.

Address: Los Laureles Nº 095, Isla Teja Phone number : 56-63-221321 Email address : censalud@uach.cl For more Information please visit: www.uach.cl/direccion/asuntosestudiantiles/unidades/salud/index.htm Medical Emergency Service If you have a health emergency you should go immediately to the Public Health Assistance in the General Hospital of Valdivia. This service is available 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. It is free of charge. However, it is advisable to take your health insurance and university card with you. Address Av. Simpson Nº 850 Phone number: 56- 63-297466 SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL CENTRE The Sports and Recreational Centre is part of the Academic Vice rectory and is available for all UACh students. It offers, among others, Physical Training workshops, aerobic gymnastics, swimming, rowing, Judo, and Soccer. The main objective of the centre is to create, apply and evaluate teaching-learning programs to give positive values to young people who enjoy physical activities and sports. For further information please visit: www.uach.cl/centro/deportes EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES These activities are part of the Extracurricular Activities and Orientation Department (DAE). This unit is in charge of creating, stimulating, supporting and coordinating the extracurricular activities and professional education of the students. It gives them options to complement their development and academic training. It offers counselling and support towards vocational matters. There is the possibility to cancel, suspend or end a major if there are academic problems, family conflicts or when there are problems adapting to the university system, etc. Moreover, it channels the cultural, artistic, and social interests of different groups of students who are united by their common talents and interests. With this objective there are workshops, which on one hand help in developing the personal and professional training and on the other hand stimulate healthy recreation through dance workshops, capoeira workshops, and African dance workshops. Student Federation This is the university organisation that represents all the UACH students. Its leaders are elected in a general assembly open to all regular students. For more information please visit www.feuach.cl

8 RECOMENDATIONS How to dress? Our city is located in a rainy and humid area. That is why we advise you as to how to dress and take care of your health. •

Rain clothing (raincoat, umbrella). It is advisable for every season because our climate is mild and rainy.

•

Warm clothing for low temperatures (jackets, coats, pants, etc)

•

Summer clothing (short pants, cotton shirts) Especially in summer when temperatures are nice and warm.

•

Emergency kit (antiseptics, flu, stomach ache, allergic medicine)

•

Bedding (Sheets). Depending on your lodging, cottage or apartments. It is advisable to buy or bring a set of sheets.

•

The electric voltage in Chile is 220v and the outlets are European style. We advise you not to bring electric gadgets that require a different voltage, because the electric transformers are expensive and hard to find.

Valdivia has enough supermarkets, drugstores, clothing stores, laundry, travel agencies, and a Fluvial Market where you can buy seafood and fish legally. If you want to find out the addresses of some important shopping centres and stores please visit: www.uach.cl/catalogo. Cash Machines We suggest you to bring more than one credit card, due to safety reasons. The cash machines of different Chilean banks accept international bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, Electron) and you can find them in the city and on UACh campus. Moreover, you can find a Santander Santiago Bank, where you can do your international transactions with more comfort and security. Some referential currency values: $1 USD equals approx $570,84 (CLP). (May 2009). $1 Euro equals approx $774,97 (CLP). (May 2009). To know the exact currency ratio please visit: www.economiaynegocios.cl/calculadora_vf/index.asp mx.finance.yahoo.com/m5?a=1&s=MXN&t=CLP&c=0

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE CALLS National Long Distance Calls: -

From land lines you must dial:

Carrier+ area code + land line number

From a cell phone you must dial:

0 + area code + land line number

Long Distance International Calls: -

From a landline (recommended) landline number.

Carrier + 0 + country code + area code +

To make a phone call from a landline to a cell phone you must add (09) before the cell phone number. SAFETY • Do not carry big amounts of money in your pockets. Divide your money between different pockets or bags and keep your wallet in a safe place where you see it or feel it. (Front pocket of your pants). Do not open your wallet in a crowded street, to not create attention. Do not carry valuable objects like fancy mp3 players or expensive jewellery. •

Be careful with your belongings (bags, backpacks, pockets) in buses and crowded places.

•

Do all your money transactions in authorized places (Banks and Money exchange offices). Never do money transactions in streets or other public places.

•

In your temporary residency keep your money and valuable objects in a safe place, preferably something you can lock.

•

It is advisable to carry a photocopy (instead of the originals) of your official documents (passports, visa, etc) and it is convenient to also save a copy in your house in Valdivia and in your home country with your family or a friend.

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It is a good idea to take a map of the city. If you need to ask for directions try to do it in a store or to a police officer.

•

Always carry with you some 100 pesos coins to make an emergency phone call.

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Never walk alone at night and try to go out in the company of your friends. When it gets too late it is recommended to take a taxi to go back home.

•

Do not leave windows or doors open, especially on first floors. (Not even when it is hot)

Emergency phone numbers

Ambulance

131

Firefighters

132

Police

133

Detective agency

134

56-63-214118 (Valdivia) Forestry Fires

130

Marine Search and Rescue Team

137 56-63-291305 (Valdivia)

Air Rescue

138

Mountain Rescue

136 56-2-6994764 (Santiago)

Citizen Responsibility • All drugs are illegal in Chile. It is not permitted to have them or carry them. Do not forget that according to the Chilean law drugs like Cannabis and “Hashish” are illegal and therefore to carry even for personal consumption is penalized by law. •

Alcohol is allowed, but only in a private place or authorized places. Please do not drink alcohol in the streets or other public places, because it is illegal.

•

The consumption of cigarettes or tobacco (smoking) is allowed only in places authorized for it. The present law doesn’t allow smoking in closed public spaces. Restaurants, canteens, bars or pubs have separate areas adapted for it. At university it is prohibited in all closed and public places.

•

When you go out to a pub do not leave your glass unattended or accept drinks from strangers.

TOURIST INFORMATION The main source of tourist information of the country you can find on the official Chilean website of the National Tourist Service (SERNATUR) www.sernatur.cl. You can also get information from the tourist information centres in Valdivia. Other websites of interest: www.visit-chile.org www.gochile.cl www.chile.com www.vinasdechile.cl

(Information about the wineries of the Central Valley)

www.mapas.moptt.cl

(Maps of Chile)

www.todocl.cl

www.sitios.cl

(Information about public services in Chile)

www.planos.cl

(Maps)

www.barriochile.com

(Weekly cultural schedule)

www.blancas.cl

(Interactive white pages)

National Festivities Some of them are moved to the first following Monday. January 1st

New Year’s Eve

March or April

Holly Friday

May 1st

Labor Day

May 21st

Glorias Navales

June 29th

Saint Peter and Saint Pablo

July 16th

Virgin Sra del Carmen

August 15th

Ascension of the Holy Mary

September 18th

Independence Day

September 19th

Glorias del Ejército

October 12th

Columbus Day

October 31st

National Day of the Evangelic y Protestant Church

November 1st

All saints

December 8th

Immaculate Conception

December 25th

Christmas Day

9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of Mr. Osvaldo Cárcamo. This guide constitutes his final professional practice as a Commercial Engineering Student. We thank him sincerely and we wish him success in his personal and professional life. We also want to thank the International and Public Relations teams for their support in editing this important informative guide. International Relations: Head:

Dr. José Escaida

Secretary:

Sra. Oriana Gómez

Address:

Yungay # 809

Phone number:

56-63-221590

Email:

joseescaida@uach.cl, urinternacionales@uach.cl

Website:

www.uach.cl/organizacion/rectoria/prorrectoria/rel_internacional.htm

Public Relations: Head:

Sra. Gladys Mujica

Address:

2º Piso Edificio Biblioteca, Campus Isla Teja

Phone number:

56-63-221277

Website:

www.uach.cl/organizacion/rectoria/rrpp

Design and photographs Designer:

Ronald Oyarzún

Photographer: Marcos Matus Translation Alexia Guerra & Benjamin van Hussel