Since 2012, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso certifies the command of English as a second language (ESL) according to the demanding standards of Cambridge University, within the context of an integral education of excellence that promotes the internationalization of students and the development of key competences for their professional performance.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the english language consolidates itself as an essential tool that opens new opportunities and allows to better address the challenges of a globalized world, positioning our professionals in workspaces with no border limitations.
During this week three certification ceremonies were carried out for a total of 409 students, organized by the English as Foreign Language Program (PILE, for its name in Spanish), together with the General Direction of International Affairs (DGAI, for its name in Spanish). On the occasion, diplomas corresponding to the B1 Preliminary, B2 First and C1 Advanced levels were awarded, in addition to acknowledging a group of students that finished their training through the PUCV2English program, which facilitates their preparation for international exchange studies.
Orlando de la Vega, General Director of International Affairs, valued this initiative as an example of collaborative work between different university units.
“English is part of the curriculum in all our programs in four levels. From the General Direction we pushed forward the PUCV2English program in 2024, which extends also to academic support staff, researchers and faculty, with the purpose of strengthening the command of the language. This is an articulated effort, where different areas of the university make their capacity available to contribute to the integral education of people”, he added.
Claudia Parra, director of the PILE program, highlighted the increasing interest of students in obtaining the certification, knowing that the command of the english language brings about academic and work opportunities.
“Our students have the support of the prestigious Cambridge University, of which the PUCV is an authorized center. We have observed an increase in interest in the certification scholarships, which are awarded to those who excel in english courses and wish to move to the following level. Programs such as Business Engineering, for example, have incorporated additional courses, which has allowed a significant number of students to obtain the B2 certification”, she explained.
Parra also valued the partnership with the DGAI, which has allowed to increase student participation in higher levels such as B2 and C1, facilitating in this way access to international exchange programs.
STUDENTS VALUED THIS OPPORTUNITY
Eloísa Valdivieso, law student, expressed her gratitude for this opportunity. “I am very happy to have this opportunity to certify my english level thanks to the PUCV. I know it will greatly help in my professional life. Most jobs currently require a command of the language and being able to certify it with Cambridge is a great satisfaction. I took classes in winter, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 PM and it was worth it: I was able to certify in the B1 Preliminary level”.
Cristóbal Radebach, Geography student, plans to take part in an academic exchange. “I am applying to an english speaking university, and this certification validates my english level. I obtained the C1 level, which requires rigorous preparation. Fortunately, we formed a highly motivated study group, where we practiced english in a collaborative way before taking the test”.
Leonardo González, computer science student, had an international experience thanks to this certification. “It allowed me to have access to a semester of exchange studies at the Nanzan University in Japan. It was an academically and culturally enriching experience. I recommend that others continue to perfect their domain of the language, especially english, which is developed at the PUCV at a very good level”.
Lastly, Maximiliano Terán, Mathematics Education student, also valued the opportunity. “English opens doors inside and outside of Chile. As a future teacher, I would like to contribute with a bilingual approach to education. Preparation was demanding, both in class and at home, but I am proud of my efforts. I hope to continue to improve and work abroad”.
By Juan Paulo Roldán
Strategic Communication Department
