Santiago, Chile

Summer - Internship

Full-Time Internship

Length:

Summer

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Summer 2026: May 31 - July 26

Credits:

3 or 6 per Summer

Estimated Cost:

$6,868

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Homestay, Residence Hall

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English

Language Prerequisites:

None; Spanish knowledge preferred for select placements

About the Internship

Before you depart, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter, hone your networking and interviewing skills, and prepare for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed an unpaid internship in Santiago, where you'll intern at a local business or organization working at least 32 hours per week.

Academic Internship Seminar

Enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar.

Personalized Placements

We help you find a match aligning with your goals.

Spanish Language Course

Enrolling in a 3-credit Spanish language course.

Cultural Events & Day Trips

Spend your free time getting to know Santiago through field trips.

Internship Program Advisor

Alexis Watson

Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare for your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, 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 ✉️ internships@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Summer 2026: May 31 - July 26

Credits:

3 or 6 per Summer

Estimated Cost:

$6,868

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Homestay, Residence Hall

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English

Language Prerequisites:

None; Spanish knowledge preferred for select placements

About the Destination

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

Why Santiago?

Witness the continued economic growth that has transformed this capital city into a financial, political, and cultural hub for Chile and South America. Our program guarantees you an internship placement to help you develop professional skills that will jump-start your career and make you more attractive to employers in today’s competitive job market. IES Internships’ unpaid, academic internships place Santiago interns at local companies, while also showing them the sights and sounds of Chile.

Learn More About Santiago

Get to Know Your New 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 art-covered barrio of Bellavista.

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

A photo taken during the Cerro Manquehue hike pointing uphill, with a chagual center.

Miya Matsumune

Miya Matsumune, Aug 6, 2025

The Journey of Cerro Manquehue

Miya Matsumune shares her success story of climbing Cerro Manquehue in Santiago, Chile.

Daily Life Field Trip/Travel

The Journey of Cerro Manquehue

An orange and white cat stands outside of an artisan goods store in Los Dominicos in Santiago, Chile.

Reflections on a Santiago Summer: Advice for Prospective Students

View All Blogs

Program Dates

Summer 2026

Program Dates:

May 31 - July 26

Application Deadline:

Feb 12, 2026

Academics

Placement Examples

a student plays rock, paper, scissors with children in Cape Town

Charities & Nonprofits

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

Government & Politics

Art & Culture

Courses

While working in Santiago, you’ll also enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in the workplace.

Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, resolving conflicts, understanding new cultures, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Santiago and when you return home.

You may also enroll in an optional 3-credit Spanish language course taught at the IES Abroad Santiago Center.

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.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (2)

Internship Seminar (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IN 395 - Leading Across Cultures: Internship Seminar	Summer	English	6
IN 395A - Leading Across Cultures: Internship Seminar	Summer	English	3
IN 395B - Leading Across Cultures: Internship Seminar	Summer	Spanish	3

Spanish (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
SP 221 - Spanish for Professions: Novice Abroad	Summer	Spanish	3
SP 321 - Spanish for Professions: Independent Abroad	Summer	Spanish	3
SP 450 - Spanish for Professions: Competent Abroad	Summer	Spanish	3

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa Requirements

18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 12 months after their graduation date (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
Non-US citizens attending school outside the US: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
- Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam.
Previous study of the Spanish language is not required; 4 or more semesters of college-level coursework, basic comprehension and conversational ability is strongly recommended for competitive placements.

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad or academic advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization. If you will not be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or will graduate prior to the IES Summer Internship start date, this form is not required.
Academic Credit Acknowledgement Form — This form allows you to select whether you plan to enroll in the internship program for credit. Consult with your advisor on campus to understand your school's requirements for earning credit for your internship.
Transcript(s)  — Include a transcript for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Curriculum Vitae (résumé) — This should detail relevant work or volunteer experience. IES Internships will provide assistance, suggestions and advice for your CV if it is submitted by the deadline. Your application is not considered complete until a correctly formatted CV is submitted.
Professional Letter of Reference (optional) — Submit a letter of reference from a previous employer or supervisor.
Placement Interest Form — This form will ask you about your goals and objectives for the internship placement, as well as information about how to best contact you throughout the placement process. Our internship staff will use this as a starting point for matching you with a host employer.
Cover Letter — This letter should not be addressed to IES Internships. Instead, it should be targeted toward prospective internship hosts in the field in which you would like to work. Your letter will allow potential host organizations to better understand your interest, skills, and background experience.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

If your cumulative GPA is below 2.5, include the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Professor Recommendation — The recommendation must include a professor's opinion of the applicant's academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country and any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, this essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.

Apply Now

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens in possession of a valid passport do not need to obtain a visa to enter or study in Chile for a period of less than 90 days.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

IES Abroad Santiago Staff

Ángela Schaaf

IES Abroad Santiago Center Director

Read Full Bio

Caroline Dierksheide

Student Affairs Coordinator

Paola Riquelme

Administration & Finance Coordinator

María del Carmen Cortés Arce

Global South Cluster Dean

Housing

Homestay
Residence Hall

Homestay

You'll 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'll have the option to live in a double room where you share a bedroom and bathroom with another student, or in a single room with your own bathroom (additional fee applies). In both options, you'll also have shared access to a living room and kitchenette. No meals are provided.

Limited placements are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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.

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

1 Day Fall, Spring & Summer

Valparaíso & Viña del Mar: Orientation

You will discover the culture of two of Chile’s most beautiful coastal towns; one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was home to one of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poets, Pablo Neruda, while the other hosts serene beaches.

1 Day Summer

Cajón del Maipo

Hike in the valleys of the Andes Mountains and experience the breathtaking panoramas of snowcapped peaks high above you.

Internship 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.

Summer 2026

Tuition

4,529

Housing

2,139

Insurance

200

Total

6,868

Summer 2026

Santiago Summer - Internship (3 or 6 Credits) Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	3 Credits	6 Credits
Tuition	$4,529	$5,177
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$2,139	$2,139
• Option 1: Homestay (14 meals provided per week)	+$0	+$0
• Option 2: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$500	+$500
• Option 3: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$750	+$750
Health Insurance	$200	$200
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$6,868-$7,618	$7,516-$8,266

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$900-2,400
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Homestay (14 meals provided per week)	$190
• Option 2: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	$570
• Option 3: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	$570
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$90
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$250
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$900
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

May 31 - July 26

Application Deadline:

Feb 12, 2026

Estimated Cost:

6,868

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

Orientation

Health & Safety

With 75 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 your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

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.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

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

Location-Specific Information

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

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

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

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that internships are “guaranteed”?

IES Internships guarantees you a placement in your field of choice, as indicated on your internship application. If we are unable to offer you an internship placement in the expressed field of choice at least two weeks before the program start date, despite your participation in the process and satisfaction of all program requirements, then you have the option to receive a refund of the full amount that you paid IES Internships or the chance to transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).

The IES International Internship Waiver will include:

More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.

What does the program fee cover? Where can I find a breakdown of the costs?

The program fee covers: your tuition, housing, and health insurance, in addition to access to an incomparable amount of predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with other alumni once they return from abroad. You can find a breakdown of costs by clicking on the program page they are interested in, clicking on the “cost” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the total price.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

Full-Time Summer Internship Program students can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline – even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies. Please note, Full-Time Fall and Spring Semester Internship students are not eligible for IES financial aid.

Are all internships abroad unpaid? Will I get credit?

Yes, all of our internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home universities polices. We at IES believe our internships help give students the opportunity to build their resumes, earn a higher salary, gain cross cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into their grad school of choice, and become a global leader.

What type of internship will I have?

We have numerous types of internships in a variety of fields and disciplines. For a list of placement examples, check out our internships by field page. Please keep in mind that while these are past placements, they are not necessarily available every year. Our team works to find students customized internships based on interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts.

I was accepted into the internship program, what are the next steps?

What does it mean that internships are “guaranteed”?

The IES International Internship Waiver will include:

More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.