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Santiago January Term - 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 enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
You enroll in 1 course, divided in two parts, for a total of 3 credits.
HL395 Health Studies: Clinical Observation and the Cultural Aspects of Health Care in Chile
- Clinical Observation and Seminar - This component includes an academic seminar and clinical observations. The seminar examines the global perspectives of Chilean health and health care systems and provides the framework for your clinical experience. The clinical observations allow you to visit private and public clinics/hospitals and interact with different health care professionals. Experience and study the diverse responsibilities held by a variety of health care professionals.
- Spanish for Health Care Practitioners - The intensive Spanish language component reviews fundamental aspects of culture and grammar, and introduces you to vocabulary related to health care in Chile. This component will allow you to improve your Spanish in a Chilean health care context, further preparing you for a successful experience in this program.
Courses
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HL 395 JTERM - Health Studies: Clinical Observation and the Cultural Aspects of Health Care in Chile | J-Term | English | 3 |
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. Here are a few possible destinations.
Valparaiso & Viña del Mar
1 Day | J-Term
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.
Course-Related Trips
IES Abroad Santiago organizes course-related excursions that complement what you’re learning in the classroom, and contribute to your general knowledge of Chilean health care, culture and society.
Possible course-related excursions include visits to the town of María Pinto and rural healthcare facilities including Ruca Mapuche.
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
The program begins with a mandatory orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Santiago staff, your fellow students, and the city of Santiago. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, and health and safety are covered during this time.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the term with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
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.
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
- The IES Abroad Club Chileno activities with local students
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.
| Term | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Term | $2,900 | $834 | $60 |
$3,794 |
Scholarships & Aid
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Santiago, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Santiago Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Chilean experience.
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
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 orienation 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!
Latest from Santiago
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
