SPRING-Latin America Master's Programme

Jointly offered by the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile and Faculty of Spatial Planning, Technische Universität Dortmund, Germany

PREPARING FOR VALDIVIA

May 2014

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPRING-Latin America Programme ...... 4

About the University ...... 4

About the Faculty ...... 4

About SPRING...... 4

Before Leaving Dortmund ...... 5

Before Leaving Your Country of Origin ...... 5

Obtain the following documents which are to be submitted to the University (UACh): ...... 5

Arrival in Chile ...... 6

Traveling to Valdivia ...... 6

By Bus: ...... 6

By plane: ...... 6

Getting Settled ...... 7

Accommodation and Facilities ...... 7

Pension without food services: ...... 7

Pension with food services: ...... 7

Cabañas: ...... 7

Procedures to complete your residence permits in Valdivia Chile: ...... 8

Moving Around ...... 8

Convenient Shopping and Other Personal Services ...... 8

Food: ...... 8

Place of worship: ...... 9

Shopping: ...... 9

Book stores: ...... 9

Banks: ...... 10

Money exchange: ...... 10

Page 2 of 11 Postal Services: ...... 10

Medical Care ...... 10

Basic Spanish Language Class ...... 10

Recreation at UACh and in the city: ...... 10

Touristic Places in Valdivia ...... 11

CONTACT PERSONS: ...... 11

Dr. FELIX FUDERS / Mónica Alacid ...... 11

ANGELA MORALES ...... 11

Page 3 of 11 SPRING-LATIN AMERICA PROGRAMME

This document provides information you need to prepare for your one-year stay in Chile and continue your studies (SPRING Phase II) at Universidad Austral de Chile in Valdivia, Region de los Ríos.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh) is recognized nation-wide for its academic achievements and it enjoys a prominent and prestigious position among Chilean Universities. It is one of the most important universities in the south of Chile. UACh has three campuses: two in Valdivia City and one in Puerto Montt. They have satellite offices in Metropolitan Santiago and Coiyahue (Aysen Region in the Patagonia). The whole university system has a total of 9 faculties, 41 undergraduate majors, 10.000 students, 776 professors and over 160.000 books in its libraries. Through the subscribed databases, the university community has also access to full texts of over 39.000 journals. Facilities available are internet connection via Wi-Fi hot spots around the university, laboratories, experimental centres, educational television centres, multimedia laboratories, sport centres, and the eleven hectare Botanical Garden.

ABOUT THE FACULTY

The Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Universidad Austral de Chile, one of the leading faculties in southern Chile, was created in 1981. Currently, it has 42 full-time academic staffs distributed in four institutes: Management, Economics, Statistics and Tourism Management.

Since its creation, the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Science has developed leading-edge academic programmes in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. At present, it has three main programmes in the undergraduate level: Ingenieria Comercial (BSc in Management – Honours); Contador Auditor (BSc in Accountancy Management and Finance -- Honours); and Administración de Empresas de Turismo (BSc Tourism Management – Honours). At the same time, it has three main programmes in the postgraduate level: Magister en Administración de Empresas (Masters of Business Administration) and Magister en Economia y Gestión Regional (MSc in Economics and Regional Management) and Regional Development Planning and Management (SPRING). Furthermore, it has several executive programmes like Postgraduate Diploma in Management, Diploma in Human Resource Management and Diploma in Marketing and International Business, which are being offered in different cities of southern Chile.

ABOUT SPRING

The SPRING centre is located at Isla Teja (Teja Island) Campus of UACh, which is the main campus of the University. It is located in the north west of Valdivia City. The campus is surrounded by the rivers, Río Valdivia and Río Cau Cau.

The SPRING Programme academic requirements are completed in two semesters. Seven lecture-type courses and three Development Planning Workshops are taken during the first semester which runs from October to January. The workshops include field work in an area, which is specifically selected for this purpose. The second semester (from March to June) is devoted to thesis work. Finally, in July, the students will carry out their Thesis Defense.

There will be a six-week Spanish language course for non-Spanish speakers before the start of the regular classes.

Page 4 of 11 BEFORE LEAVING DORTMUND

Visit the Embassy of Chile in Frankfurt and apply for an entry visa (student) to Chile. The embassy will supply you with the application forms to be filled-out by you; then, submit these along with the necessary documents including your valid passport, Letter of Admission from UACh, and the Letter of Award from your sponsor.

Student visa fees varies from country to country, please verify with the Consulate regarding visa application.

BEFORE LEAVING YOUR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

It is advisable that you arrive in Valdivia a few days before the start of the classes. For non- Spanish speakers, students need to arrive in Chile in the last week of August. For native Spanish speakers, please arrive the latest on the last week of September.

Obtain some Euros (at least 250€ or equivalent for two weeks) before departing for Chile. Your scholarship from your sponsor might not be immediately available.

Inform SPRING-Latin America about your travel arrangements to Chile as soon as you have confirmed it: airline, flight date, flight number, and estimated time of arrival. We will need to inform your host or renter of your expected date and time of arrival. You may e-mail the flight information to [email protected].

It is a known fact that most of the citizens from Africa and Asia need visa if they are transiting via any part of America, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, or Australia. You can be deported or refused of entry at the point of origin (i.e., Frankfurt or from your home country) if you do not posses a visa for those countries. Please consult the embassy or consulate of the country where you are transiting if you are not sure.

Based on our student’s experience, we advise that students coming from Africa and Asia buy a roundtrip trip ticket that is valid to travel until end of July.

OBTAIN THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY (UACH):

1. Curriculum Vitae 2. Legalized copy of University Certificate. 3. Official transcript of records with certified English translations, if necessary and/or certificates of examinations taken during the first year in Dortmund 4. Two photos 3X4cm 5. Updated Medical Certificate 6. Two recommendation letters

Page 5 of 11 ARRIVAL IN CHILE

The procedures in entering Chile are the same as everywhere else. All international arrivals go through 1) immigration section; 2) then proceed to pick up baggage from the assigned baggage carousel; and finally, 3) clear Customs.

It is strongly recommended to declare all items listed in the special form particularly those items of plant or animal origin; otherwise you can be fined by SAG (Agriculture and Livestock Service). SAG is very strict about these matters. The Ministry of Agriculture in Chile strictly forbids bringing some food items into the country and any contravention is punishable by law. The fine can cost as much as 90€ and up. Please avoid bringing following items: fruits, seeds, meat and meat production foods, milk and milk production food, honey, vegetables, plant and things made up of plants. However, if you still carry any food item which you are in doubt whether it is allowed or not, you must declare it in the forms at the last counter just after collecting your luggage.

Be extra careful of your belongings and valuable items when arriving in Chile. There is a risk of losing it to pickpockets or robbers who are looking for unaware foreigners. Please take care for the safety of your journey until you reach your destination.

Money changers are available inside the airport. You can change your $ or € from there.

TRAVELING TO VALDIVIA

From Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, two of the most convenient ways to reach Valdivia are:

BY BUS:

From the airport, there are buses that goes to the bus terminal (more frequent is TUR-BUS bus company). This is around 30 minutes travel time. (Cost: 2-3€ or CLP 1.500 to 2.000)

From the bus terminal (i.e., Terminal de Buses Alameda), there is an array of bus companies to choose from that travels to Valdivia (Pullman, Los Conquistadores, Linea Azul, and TUR BUS among others). The fare of the buses from Santiago to Valdivia varies from quality of the service and dates of traveling. The travel time is around 12 hours. Normally, starting September the price would vary between 25€ to 45€ (CLP 8.000 to 50.000).

BY PLANE:

You must buy the tickets in advance to get cheaper rates. The main airline that flies to Valdivia (Pichoy Airport) is LAN Chile. The travel time is around 2-3hours.

The students, who decide to go by this route to Valdivia City, will take their plane in the same arrival airport in Santiago and will be picked up by a University Staff at Pichoy Airport in Valdivia.

There are transfer vehicles available at Pichoy Airport. The transfer van costs around CLP 3.000. The taxis are metered.

There are also buses outside the airport. There are numerous buses that pass although there is no fixed time it passes. Inform the driver to stop at the Terminal de Buses Valdivia. From the terminal, there are micros (local buses), colectivos (sharing a taxi with fixed rate), and metered taxis.

Page 6 of 11 GETTING SETTLED

ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES

In Valdivia, different types of accommodation are offered to the students and most of them are usually located near the university. Below are the most common types, which national and foreign students opt for: (Indicated costs per month are approximated)

PENSION WITHOUT FOOD SERVICES: Pension means renting a room in a house owned by a Chilean family shared by other students. In this type, you can have a private room with a common use of bathroom, kitchen and living room but without food service. They change the bed sheets every two weeks. Sometimes Wi-Fi connection, free laundry service, and kitchen use is available. This is also an opportunity to meet other students and maybe learn more Spanish during your stay. The host family may not have a good command of English. The cost is from CLP 100.000, depending on the quality and location of the pension house.

In some cases, the cost for heating is paid separately.

PENSION WITH FOOD SERVICES:

This is the same as above but includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cost is from CLP 180.000, depending on the quality and location of the pension house.

In some cases, the cost for heating is paid separately.

CABAÑAS: You can find individual or shared cabañas (one or two-storey houses or wooden cabins), totally furnished. Sometimes, they don't have access to Wi-Fi connection. The cost is from CLP 170.000.

In most cases, the payments for metered utility services (electric, water, etc) and heating (room, bath, and cooking) are separate.

The heating for the room can be gas or wood if the cabañas have a fireplace

Please inform the SPRING-Latin-America at least two months before if you need their assistance in finding your preferred accommodation.

Note: Be aware that the rental fees in some pension houses and cabañas may rise during the summer months (December-March). Normally, local students go back home for summer vacation and the renters offer their rooms for tourists.

Page 7 of 11 PROCEDURES TO COMPLETE YOUR RESIDENCE PERMITS IN VALDIVIA CHILE:

You must go to the International Police (Policía de Investigaciones) to register and indicate your actual place of residence. Bring your passport and the immigration form with a stamp of the date of entry. It is usually given to be filled out before landing at Santiago Airport.

Every time you change your residence, you should inform the International Police because when they check your status, they give fines. It could cost around CLP 300.000 or up. The International Police will give you a certificate that we recommend to keep a copy until the end of your stay in Chile.

After going to International Police, you must go to the Civil Registry and apply for your Chilean Identification for Foreigners (Cédula de Identidad de Extranjeros). For this purpose, you must bring your certificate from the International Police. The cost of your Chilean ID is CLP 4.050 (as of May 2011). You need to wait for around 10 days to get your ID. The number in your Chilean ID will serve as your identification number in every transaction that you will make during your stay in Chile. (It is denominated by the acronym RUT.)

MOVING AROUND

The most popular and inexpensive means of transportation to get to the campus or move around in Valdivia are the public buses (micros), taxis (colectivos), and radio taxis. The minimum cost of the fare ticket per trip for micros and colectivos varies between CLP 350 and 400. If your place of accommodation is located in the neighborhood of Isla Teja or in the city centre, you can easily reach the University by walking. (Walking time: 10 to 20 minutes)

Transportation is available day and night. The micros and colectivos have fixed routes but not with fixed schedules when arriving in bus stops. Micros start the day around 6AM and ends at around 9PM. Colectivos have varied schedules. Radio taxis (metered taxis) are available almost 24 hours a day.

If you would like to visit other cities, buses are available at the main bus terminal of Valdivia, which is also open 24 hours a day. It is recommended to check the schedules and buy the tickets in advance. Usually, it is cheaper. Please consider the schedules of the holidays and summer months. Prices change during this period.

CONVENIENT SHOPPING AND OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES

There are several establishments that are easily accessible by walking from the University and from the city centre.

FOOD:

One of the typical markets is called Feria Fluvial. This is a lively riverside market located at the south of Pedro de Valdivia Bridge where you can find local vendors who sell fresh and smoked fishes, other seafood, vegetables, spices, dairy products, flowers, and sometimes handcrafts for souvenirs. You will have a sight of the Lobos marinos (sea lions; others call it marine wolves) and typical birds come right up to the side of the market and wait for food.

Page 8 of 11 There are also big supermarkets in the centre where you can buy different kinds of products. Local and small 1 vegetable and fruit shops are spread throughout Valdivia. To give you an idea, below are the average prices0F of some products in Valdivia:

Product Quantity Unit Ave. Price1, CLP Meat Products Pork (steak cut) 1 kilo 3.000 Beef 1 kilo 5.500 Chicken (breast fillet) 1 kilo 4.000 Turkey (fillet) 1 kilo 4.400 Salami 250 gram 1.800 Salmon 1 kilo 2.500 Milk Products Fresh Milk 1 litre 550 Cheese 1 kilo 4.500 Butter 250 gram 1.300 Fruits and Vegetables Rice 1 kilo 700 Potato 5 kilo 2000 Lemon 3 kilo 700 Tomato 1 kilo 700 Orange 6 kilo 2.800 Carrot 1 kilo 500 White Onion 1 kilo 700 Garlic (head) 1 pc 150 Beverages Sodas (i.e., cola in can) 330 ml 500 Instant Coffee 100 gram 2.000 Tea assorted flavors 20 bags 730 Others Bread 1 kilo 900 Flour 1 kilo 650 Sugar 1 kilo 480 Fresh Eggs 12 pc 1.400 Cooking oil 1 litre 1.500 Soy sauce 500 ml 1.200

Inside of the University, at least 5 student casinos (cafeterias) are open for students to get lunch for a good price. (around CLP 2.000 and up).

Restaurants are also spread throughout the city. A complete meal including drinks can range from CLP 2.000 and up.

PLACE OF WORSHIP:

Places of worship can be found around the city of Valdivia.

SHOPPING:

The Valdivia city centre is full of commercial establishments: clothing and footwear stores, pharmacies, electronic shops, handicraft/souvenir shops, school and office supplies stores, and other specialty shops. In some establishments, they offer discounts to students with valid student ID card.

BOOK STORES:

1 The list given is only for quick reference. Prices are subject to change. Euro-Chilean Pesos (CLP) exchange rate as of August 2010, 1 € = approx CLP ($) 660.

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You can find in the centre small bookstores with limited English literature. In some bookstores, you can ask for a discount with your student ID card. You can also buy online and can be shipped to Valdivia.

BANKS:

There are many banking services within the city. Your student ID will also serve as your ATM card.

MONEY EXCHANGE:

You can exchange your money in some banks (limited currencies available) or in money changer establishments in the city centre.

POSTAL SERVICES:

A postal service office is located inside the campus; the main postal office can be found at the city centre. Express mail service and Western Union is also available at Chile Express at the city centre.

MEDICAL CARE

The University Health Service offers basic health care or out-patient care for a low cost. The facility has very limited in-patient facilities. It is located near to the main campus Isla Teja entrance.

You can also find specialized doctors in Valdivia. Normally for DAAD holder, it is paid first by the student and afterwards, request for refund.

The Hospital Regional (a public hospital) is also located in the city of Valdivia. Complete medical services are offered.

You can also request the secretary of SPRING to assist you in making appointments with the doctor.

BASIC SPANISH LANGUAGE CLASS

During your first six weeks, you will have an intensive language course. You will learn the grammar, and Spanish words and phrases that will help you interact with the locals. Emphasis is given to this part of your orientation because English is not widely spoken in and outside of the University campus.

RECREATION AT UACH AND IN THE CITY:

At the beginning of the semester, you can consult the DAE Office (Department of Student Affairs) and Dirreción de Extensión UACh (UACh Extension Office) for the schedule of classes for practicing sports and other activities such as theater, yoga, volleyball and dances. You just register and enjoy.

Also, there are movies being shown at Cine Club in the university campus Isla Teja. A variety of movies are being shown regularly. It is much cheaper than the cinemas in the mall. During weekdays, it is usually free. http://www.uach.cl/extension/cineclub/

Please visit the Dirección de Extensión UACh (UACh Extension Office) at http://www.extension.uach.cl/ for more information.

Cultural life is very active in the city of Valdivia. Teatro Cervantes, Teatro Municipal Lord Cochrane, Aula Magna Auditorium in UACh, Cine Club in UACh, Centro Cultural el Austral, Parque Saval in Isla Teja, and other places

Page 10 of 11 serve as venues for activities like: the International Film Festival of Valdivia, national and international music and dance festivals, theater performances, and art exhibits.

During the summer, in the month of February, Valdivia celebrates Noche Valdiviana (A night in Valdivia). There is a fluvial parade and fireworks display by the costanera (riverside).

TOURISTIC PLACES IN VALDIVIA

Some touristic places and activities near and in the Comuna (District) of Valdivia are:

. Art Museums . Fortresses in Isla Mancera (Mancera . Historical Museums Island) the District of Corral . Botanical Garden in UACh . Oncol Park, Ruta Selva Valdiviana, . Feria Fluvial (fish market) Reserva Valdiviana . River Tours in Valdivia . Niebla, Los Molinos, Playa Rosada, San . Kunstmann Brewery Ignacio, and Punta Curiñanco (beaches) . Fortresses in Niebla, Valdivia facing the Pacific Ocean.

You can get more information at the tourist's office located at the bust terminal and along the riverside beside the Feria Fluvial or visit http://www.munivaldivia.cl/turismo/atractivos.htm.

A travel agency is also operating inside the university at campus Isla Teja .

CONTACT PERSONS:

DR. FELIX FUDERS / MÓNICA ALACID SPRING-Latin America Coordinator Head of University office in Santiago Email: [email protected] Tel. No.: +56-2-6335355 Tel. No.: +56-63-222.1602

ANGELA MORALES ARAYA Coordinator SPRING-Latin America Email: [email protected] Tel. No.: +56-63-222.1602

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