Santiago, Chile

at-a-glance:

This program aims to provide students with first-hand knowledge of contemporary issues and cultural patterns in Chile, accomplished through an orientation program, supplemental cultural activities throughout the semester, and Chilean homestays. Its goals are also to meet the academic needs of students through direct matriculation at three outstanding universities in Santiago: the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, the Universidad de Chile, and the Universidad de Santiago.

academics

Founded in 1992, the CIEE Study Center in Santiago, Chile, provides a supportive environment for students who have at least six semesters of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent, to directly enroll in three of Chile’s major universities. Given the array of disciplines and courses available to participants, the program is suitable for undergraduate students from a variety of majors with strong Spanish language skills. All courses are taught in Spanish.

The atmosphere of the three host universities is quite distinct in terms of socio-demographic backgrounds of the student bodies, their political leanings, size of classes, and infrastructure. The opportunity to enroll in more than one Chilean university is quite unique and provides insight into the diversity of the Chilean educational system.

Academic Links:

Online Course Catalogue (CIEE)

Vanderbilt Course Evaluation List

PUC

U de C

U de S

CIEE website

student life

An important thing for American students to remember is that it can take a while to learn how to study effectively in the Chilean system, especially in terms of acquiring reading material and knowing what professors expect. A great deal of emphasis is placed on memorization and note taking in most classes. Chilean classmates are often an excellent source of help. Average class size is 20 to 30 students.

During extended breaks, students are encouraged to explore Santiago’s rich cultural life. There are two symphony orchestras (Orquesta Filarmónica de Santiago and Orquesta Sinfónica de Chile), museums (including Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, Museo Histórico Nacional, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and Museo de Arte Contemporáneo), and numerous recreational sites such as parks, the Santiago Metropolitan Park Zoo, ski resorts, vineyards, and football stadiums. During breaks between semesters, students are encouraged to travel in Latin America or participate in the CIEE Intensive Language and Culture Program in Brazil.

housing

Students live in private Chilean homes. Housing, three meals per day, and laundry services are included in the program fee. The homestay is essential to the student’s learning process and integration into life in Santiago. The opportunity to live with a Chilean family not only allows students to deconstruct stereotypes and to observe real life in action, but also creates opportunities for dialogue about issues raised in their courses, and for Spanish language practice. The opportunity to live with a family offers students a unique source of cultural learning and personal growth.

location

Chile is a long and narrow country, bordered on the east by the Andes and on the west by the Pacific. Santiago, 60 miles from the coast and the fifth largest city in South America, is home to over five million inhabitants. This capital city is both modern and dynamic, dominating the political, economic, and cultural life of the country. Its pleasant Mediterranean climate and proximity to the mountains permits many outdoor pursuits such as hiking, skiing, camping, river-rafting, and horseback riding.

expenses

Program Costs: Summer Costs; Semester Costs

application

Santiago Application