Located on the coastline of Chile between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso offers hilltop vistas, beaches, and abundant cultural opportunities. Valparaíso serves as a major political base in Chile, though it retains memory of its colonial history. Between Chile’s northern desert region and its freezing southern tip, the city of Valparaíso lies in a mild climate, tempered by the nearby sea. At the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, students participate in a summer Spanish Language and Culture Program before experiencing fall semester courses with local Chilean students.