Santiago, Chile

Politics, Social Justice & Language

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level Spanish; enrollment in a Spanish course in the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Our Politics, Social Justice & Language program allows you to fully immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of Chile while studying the Spanish language and political topics. Explore the intricacies of the Chilean sociopolitical landscape: student activism, the arts as a form of resistance, human rights issues, and an impressive literary culture (via world-renowned authors like Pablo Neruda and Isabel Allende). Your studies and extracurricular adventures will without a doubt allow you to embark on a real-life case study of Chile’s thriving society.

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Learn from Esteemed Faculty

IES Abroad courses are taught in Spanish by distinguished professors.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Add international work experience to your résumé with an internship.

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Santiago Will Be Your Classroom

Our courses take advantage of the city’s many sites.

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Study at a Local University

Choose from course options in a wide variety of disciplines.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

July 30 - December 13

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
18,462

Program Dates:

Late February - Mid June

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

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Lindsay Smith

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!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Metropolitan Cathedral in Plaza de Armas, Santiago's main square

Why Santiago?

As the capital of Chile, a country with one of the strongest economies in Latin America, Santiago is the industrial and financial center. Home to more than 6.5 million people, Santiago is an ideal place to observe rapid development and its effects on culture and society. Experience first-hand how historic and modern architecture, fine and folk arts, a dynamic business sector, and fascinating history come together in this electrifying metropolis.

Learn More About Santiago

Get to Know Your New City

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Bite Into a Chilean Empanada

Visit a panadería to try this savory local dish.

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Hike Cerro Pochoco

Get a taste of the Andes Mountains right in Santiago’s backyard.

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See the Street Art

Have lunch and stroll through the art-covered barrio of Bellavista.

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Visit Sky Costanera for a 360° View of Santiago

Take an elevator to the top of Sky Costanera for the city's best views.

The Student Experience

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Housing Information

Students sit around a patio table with their host family at a Santiago homestay.
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall

Homestay

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. 

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 the Spanish language, Economics, Political Science, 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. 

Partner Institutions

Students sitting outside and smiling at the camera. Trees and modern architecture are behind them.
  • PUC
  • UChile

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Chile’s largest private university, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), offers courses to international students in the disciplines below. 

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.

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15–19 credits per semester. 

  • IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits) 
  • IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Spanish-taught courses at local universities (required* and optional, 3-5 credits each) 
  • Community-based learning placement and seminar (optional, 4 credits) 
  • Internship placement and seminar (optional, 4 credits) 

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

*In order to receive visa sponsorship, you must take at least one course at PUC

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.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (6)

Art History (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
LT/LS/AH 231 - Social and Political Role of the Arts in Chile and Latin America Spring Spanish 3

Partner Institution Courses

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC)

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. 

PUC 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.  

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Universidad de Chile (UChile)

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.

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PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

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.

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Field Trips

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. 

Two students sit in the distance at the end of a boardwalk on the cliffs of Chiloé overlooking the ocean

Chiloé

3 Days ($) Fall & 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!

A student lies on a wall that says "we are not hippies, we are happies"

Valparaíso & Viña del Mar: Orientation

1 Day Fall, Spring & Summer

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.

Part-Time Internships

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: 

  • 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. 

Placement Examples

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Business

student teaching on a summer internship program

Education

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

Government & Politics

Experiential Learning

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'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 have structured time for reflection, 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 

Volunteer Opportunities

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:

Indigenous Community Support

Working with low-income families of indigenous descent to strengthen culture

Technology & Translation

Providing tech support and practicing translation skills at a not-for-profit

Labor & Employment

Collecting and conducting data analysis to provide aid for contemporary labor issues

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
14,465
Housing
$
3,405
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
18,100

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
14,744
Housing
$
3,473
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
18,462

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
26,525
Housing
$
6,945
Insurance
$
550
Total
$
34,020

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

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.

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About the IES Abroad Center

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.   

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Santiago
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Santiago. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Intensive Language Learning
During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others.
Get to Know the University
Both Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile have a half-day orientation for international students to learn more about staff, facilities, and classes.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

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 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.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

February 25 - July 12

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

July 30 - December 13

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Late July - Mid July

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Late February - Mid June

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins; some local university courses may not be available to sophomores 
  • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent 
  • Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Student Ambassadors

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.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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