Designed for advanced Spanish students in health-related majors such as Pre-Med, Nursing, and Public Health, as well as other health-related fields, this program offers valuable insight into Santiago’s health care system. You will get health care-related experience while improving your communication skills through a Spanish course for health care practitioners.
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
With a population of more than 6.5 million people, Santiago is both the capital of Chile and its largest city. Its residents have a community-centered public health system, one that you’ll be able to observe and experience first-hand when you study abroad in Santiago.
An overview of ways to travel around Chile and South America.
You'll live with a family or señora who helps facilitate your language learning and integration into Chilean society, and you'll have a room to yourself. Your homestay host provides two meals per day. Internet access and on-site laundry will be available.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible, which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Spanish language, Chilean Health, and culture through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Chile’s largest private university, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile), offers courses to international students in the disciplines below.
The campuses of UC Chile are located in different parts of the city, all very close to public transportation. The commute time from the IES Abroad Santiago Center to UC Chile is about 30 minutes by public transportation.
To supplement your classroom learning, this program has a uniquely immersive component where you will participate in clinical observations at medical facilities. According to the Chilean Ministry of Health, this means you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including two booster shots (four doses total).
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15–19 credits per semester.
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty. Courses are listed by US fall (Chilean Semester II) and US spring (Chilean Semester I) semesters.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN 322 - Native Cultures | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
Santiago universities release their official course offerings just before the start of each semester. For this reason, you cannot officially register until you arrive on site. Some courses may require prerequisites or a qualifying interview, audition, or special exam. University course offerings vary by semester. The IES Abroad Santiago Academic Coordinator will work with you to discuss university course recommendations based on your Spanish level and home university requirements.
UC Chile usually requires a personal interview before approving course enrollment. Some courses have prerequisites.
Select Facultades y Carreras, then the link for your academic area of interest, and then Cursos.
Santiago universities release their official course offerings just before the start of each semester. For this reason, you cannot officially register until you arrive on site. Some courses may require prerequisites or a qualifying interview, audition, or special exam. University course offerings vary by semester. The IES Abroad Santiago Academic Coordinator will work with you to discuss university course recommendations based on your Spanish level and home university requirements.
You may take any course at UChile provided you meet prerequisites.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Santiago, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Visit Chile’s largest island to learn and experience more about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the tourism industry. And don’t miss your chance to see the cute penguins!
You will discover the culture of two of Chile’s most beautiful coastal towns: one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the other is home to one of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poets, Pablo Neruda.
Did you know that you can intern as part of your study abroad experience in Santiago? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Santiago is an opportunity to give back to the community while gaining a much deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you'll experience first-hand some of the social issues that affect Santiago, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution.
A community-based learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by an academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar, you'll have structured time for reflection, discussion, and even research on the issues of your host community. Possible placements may include organizations focusing on:
When you volunteer in Santiago, you'll have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.
Past volunteer opportunities in Santiago include:
Working with low-income families of indigenous descent to strengthen culture
Providing tech support and practicing translation skills at a not-for-profit
Collecting and conducting data analysis to provide aid for contemporary labor issues
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Santiago Center is located in Providencia, a vibrant residential neighborhood in central Santiago. Whether you’re in between classes, studying in the open-air courtyard, or eating in the shared kitchen and dining area, the Center is your study abroad hub.
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
NOTE: If you choose to take Partner University Courses, your program's end date will be different:
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
I write about my identity and how I see personal growth throughout the semester.
I write about the challenge or ease of making friends abroad, whether that's locals or other American students.
Reflections on my ecology class, and a couple others. A testament to the strong and FUN academics at IES Abroad!
