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Santiago – Health Studies
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
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.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15–19 credits per semester.
- IES Abroad Health Studies courses (required, 4 credits each)
- Spanish for Health Care Practitioners
- Health Studies Program Seminar
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (optional, 4 credits)
- IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)
- Spanish-taught courses at local universities: (optional, 3-5 credits each)
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC)
- Universidad de Chile (UChile)
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 4 credits)
- Community-based learning placement and seminar (optional, 4 credits)
Courses
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.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT/LS/AH 231 - Social and Political Role of the Arts in Chile and Latin America | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN 322 - Native Cultures | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB/IN 395 - Internship and Community-Based Learning Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC 322B - The Transformation of the Chilean and Other Latin American Economies from the late 20th into the 21st Century | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| PO/IR/EC 342 - Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HL 395 - Health Studies Program Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/PO 340 - Human Rights in Latin America | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| PO/HS 372 - The Radical Tradition of Chile, Argentina, and Peru | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB/IN 395 - Internship and Community-Based Learning Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/IR/EC 342 - Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT/LS/AH 231 - Social and Political Role of the Arts in Chile and Latin America | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT/LS/AH 231 - Social and Political Role of the Arts in Chile and Latin America | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/PO 340 - Human Rights in Latin America | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| PO/HS 372 - The Radical Tradition of Chile, Argentina, and Peru | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| PO/IR/EC 342 - Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP 303 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 320 - Spanish for Healthcare Practitioners | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 353 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 403 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
Partner Institution(s)
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.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC)
Chile’s largest private university, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, offers courses to international students in the disciplines below.
PUC usually requires a personal interview before approving course enrollment. Some courses have prerequisites. Visit this website and select the correct Escuela, mark the Nivel as Pregrado and the Vigencia as Vigente, then click Buscar.
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Art
- Astronomy
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business (AACSB and EQUIS accredited)
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Design
- Drama (audition required)
- Economics (AACSB and EQUIS accredited)
- Education
- Engineering
- English Literature
- Fine Arts
- Forestry
- Geography
- History
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Music (audition required)
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Religion
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Spanish Literature
- Statistics
- Theology
- Translation
Location & Commute Time
The campuses of PUC are located in different parts of the city, all very close to public transportation. The commute time from the IES Abroad Santiago Center to PUC is about 30 minutes by public transportation.
Universidad de Chile (UChile)
The Universidad de Chile is a prestigious public university known for its outstanding research initiatives and undergraduate curriculum. Courses are available in the disciplines below.
Visit this website for course details.
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Art History
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Dance (audition required)
- Economics
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental
- Fine Arts Interpretation (audition required)
- Geography
- Geology
- Graphic Design
- Health Studies
- Hispanic Literature
- History
- Journalism
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Music (audition required)
- Music Theory
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Theater
- Theater Design
Location & Commute Time
The Universidad de Chile has six campuses and faculties around the city. The commute time from the Universidad de Chile to the IES Abroad Santiago Center is approximately 30 minutes by public transportation.
Community-Based Learning
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 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 seminar. Through the seminar you have structured time for reflection and discussion, and even research, on the issues of your host community. Possible placements may include organizations focusing on:
- Community Health
- Social issues unique to Santiago
Internships
Did you know that, while in Santiago, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? 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:
- Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
- Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
- Experience what working in Santiago is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
- Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
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.
Personalized Job Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the ideal placement that satisfies your interests and goals. We’ve placed students with a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If we don’t currently offer placements in your field of interest, we will look for one that’s right for you.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always looking for new internship opportunities for our students.
- Business
- Education
- Government & Politics
- Humanities
- Museum Sciences
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Santiago, our field trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. The Valparaíso trip is included in your program costand. All other trips are partially subsidized by IES Abroad and are contingent on student participation.
Chiloé
3 days | Spring
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!
San Pedro de Atacama
3 days | Fall & Spring
Enjoy activities like biking and sandboarding in the driest non-polar desert in the world. You will also visit one of the world’s largest astronomy projects: ALMA.
La Serena
3 days | Fall
Experience Chile’s diverse coastal geography, see penguins, and observe other native animals at a national nature preserve. Astronomy enthusiasts will especially enjoy a visit to Mamalluca and Tololo: some of the world’s most well-known astronomical research and observation centers.
Torres del Paine
3 days | Fall & Spring
Hike on ancient glaciers and the winding mountain paths of Patagonia in one of Chile’s most spectacular national parks.
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
1 day | Fall & Spring
During this orientation field trip, 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 poets: Pablo Neruda.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Santiago is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues once you arrive abroad and introduces you to the IES Abroad Santiago staff, your fellow students, and the city of Santiago. During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others.
After visiting partner universities and meeting with your Academic Coordinator, you also finalize your schedule. Both Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile have a half-day orientation for international students.
Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Santiago, it will feel like home.
Homestays - You live with a family or señora who helps facilitate your language learning and integration into Chilean society. Your homestay host provides two meals per day. Internet access and on-site laundry will be available.
Residence Hall – The student residence hall offers a study room, printing lab, gym, pool, and more. You have the option to live in a single room with your own bathroom or in a double room where you share a bedroom and bathroom with another student. In both options, you also have shared access to a living room and kitchenette. No meals are provided. Limited placements are available.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Santiago, such as:
- Neighborhood tours of Santiago
- Visits to local museums and cultural institutions
- Club Chileno activities with local students
Volunteer Abroad
When you volunteer in Santiago, you 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
Get to Know Your New City
Climb Cerro Santa Lucia
Take in sweeping views of Santiago at this hill located in the heart of the city.
Bite Into a Chilean Empanada
Visit a panadería to try this savory local dish.
Hike Cerro Pochoco
Get a taste of the Andes Mountains right in Santiago’s backyard.
See the Street Art
Have lunch and stroll through the barrio of Bellavista. Check out the street art as you take in the sight and sounds of Santiago.
Visit Sky Costanera for a 360° View of Santiago
Take an elevator to the top of Sky Costanera and see the city through different eyes—from 300 meters up!
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship
John Gearen, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for many years and past chair of the Board for six years, is a leading real estate attorney and Rhodes Scholar who is involved in numerous philanthropic causes. Mr. Gearen has generously established this scholarship to support students who have an interest in studying on an IES Abroad Center in a developing region of the world (Argentina, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, or South Africa).
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Adelyn Dougherty Leander Need-Based Urban Issues Scholarship
Open to students who have an interest in urban studies (a major in urban studies is not required).
William E. & Mary M. Dwyer Need-Based Spanish Scholarship
These scholarships are intended for students interested in studying in a Spanish-speaking country.
Kathleen Kervin Diamond Endowed Scholarship
Kathleen Diamond is a consultant, entrepreneur, and business leader in the language services industry. In 1979, she founded Language Learning Enterprises, Inc. (LLE®), a full-service language company based in Washington, D.C. She is recognized as an early pioneer in Telephone Interpreting, launching LLE-LINK in the early 1990s. Over the next 20 years, under her leadership, the company grew into a dynamic, multimillion dollar corporation, serving a wide range of clients, in both the private and public sectors, across the United States, and worldwide. In 2009, Ms.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Center is located in Providencia, a vibrant residential neighborhood in central Santiago.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Study in the small library
- Connect with friends in the student lounge
- Hang out in the charming, open-air courtyard
- Whip up a bite to eat in the kitchen and dining area
- Utilize WiFi
Our Staff
María del Carmen Cortés Arce
Center Director
A native of Santiago, Maricarmen has more than 30 years of experience with local development activities with government and non-profit organizations, including Wilder Center for Communities (part of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, Saint Paul, MN), Franklin Covey Chile, the United States Peace Corps in Santiago, FINAM (a Women's World Banking NGO), and the Miguel Kast Foundation. Maricarmen holds a Master's and B.A. in Architecture from the Universidad de Chile, and was also a Fulbright Scholar through the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship program with the University of Minnesota.
IES Abroad Santiago Staff
Ángela Schaaf
Assistant Director/Academic Coordinator
Caroline Dierksheide
Student Affairs Coordinator
Health & Safety
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 what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" 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.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
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From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
