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Quick Info

By Term

• Fall 2013
• Spring 2013
• Spring 2014
• Academic year 2013-2014
• Calendar year 2013

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Program Overview

Seize the opportunity to pursue your varied academic and linguistic goals, while examining and immersing yourself in contemporary Chilean culture, in Santiago.

Through direct enrolment at three outstanding universities, study abroad in Santiago gives you access to an exceptional range of disciplines and courses, all of which are taught in Spanish. And with homestays, volunteer and internship opportunities, and a variety of structured activities and excursions, you’ll enjoy a unique academic and intercultural experience in Chile.

Study abroad in Santiago and you will:

• Take a wide range of direct enrollment courses at three prestigious universities
• Explore contemporary Chilean society and culture through innovative CIEE courses
• Take two, long weekend study trips: one to the dramatic and visually stunning northern-most region of Chile, and the other to the country's indigenous and historic southern region
• Enjoy cultural and educational activities such as Chilean movie nights, hikes in the Andes foothills, and an urban bike tour with Chilean student ambassadors

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

In addition to a variety of CIEE area studies electives in Chilean society, language, and human rights, you will choose from direct enrolment offerings in disciplines including art, history, international relations, communications, philosophy, journalism, literature, and law.

Excursions

Enjoy visits to sites of historic and cultural importance in Santiago and its environs. Past activities have included a tour of Santiago, visits to Pablo Neruda’s home, bike tours of historical neighborhoods, and guided tours of local museums. There are also two weekend study trips each semester to Valparaiso and La Serena involving hiking, biking, vineyard visits, rodeos, and constellation tours.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

Non-credit volunteer and internship options are available, primarily in social service organizations and NGOs. You can volunteer with organizations involved in social policy, community service, and education. For advanced Spanish speakers, CIEE can arrange non-credit internships at both private and public institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2013 (20 wks)

04/01/2013

07/22/2013

12/11/2013

$14,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, language partners, volunteer opportunities, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$11,048

Housing ***

$3,400

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes all meals

Estimated Additional Costs

International Airfare *

$1,500

Local Transportation

$350

Books & Supplies

$250

Visa Fees **

$160

Potential travel to consulate for visa

$500

Personal expenses

$1,800

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** average cost

Spring 2013 (20 wks)

11/01/2012

02/25/2013

07/12/2013

$14,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, language partners, volunteer opportunities, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$11,048

Housing ***

$3,400

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes all meals

Estimated Additional Costs

International Airfare *

$1,500

Local Transportation

$350

Books & Supplies

$250

Visa Fees **

$160

Potential travel to consulate for visa

$500

Personal expenses

$1,800

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** average cost

Spring 2014

11/01/2013

to be announced

to be announced

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2013-2014

04/01/2013

07/22/2013

to be announced

$28,300

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, language partners, volunteer opportunities, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$21,098

Housing ***

$6,800

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes all meals

Estimated Additional Costs

International Airfare *

$1,500

Local Transportation

$700

Books & Supplies

$500

Visa Fees **

$160

Potential travel to consulate for visa

$500

Personal expenses

$3,600

Expenses during break ***

$1,400

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** average cost

*** Academic Year students are responsible for housing and meals during the semester break, which is approximately two months.

Calendar year 2013 (41 wks)

11/01/2012

02/25/2013

12/11/2013

$28,300

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, language partners, volunteer opportunities, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$21,098

Housing ***

$6,800

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes all meals

Estimated Additional Costs

International Airfare *

$1,500

Local Transportation

$700

Books & Supplies

$500

Visa Fees **

$160

Potential travel to consulate for visa

$500

Personal expenses

$3,600

Expenses during break ***

$700

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** average cost

*** Calendar Year students are responsible for housing and meals during the semester break, which is for approximately two weeks.

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 5 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent
• Spanish language course within the past year recommended

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit for the semester is 15–18 semester/22.5–27 quarter hours, and for the year is 30–36 semester/45–54 quarter hours.

CIEE course contact hours vary from 30–60 hours and recommended credit varies from 2–4 semester/3–6 quarter hours, unless otherwise indicated. University course contact hours vary and recommended credit is 3–4 semester/4.5–6 quarter hours, unless otherwise indicated. During the semester, all students must be enrolled full-time with a minimum equivalent of 15 semester/22.5 quarter hour credits.

Program Requirements

During the semester, study abroad students enroll in four to six courses, including a maximum of one CIEE course and one Spanish language course. Students may also enroll in the CIEE elective course. The remaining coursework must be direct enrollment courses at any of the three Chilean universities.

About The City

Chile is a long and narrow country, bordered on the east by the Andes and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Santiago, 60 miles from the coast and the fifth largest city in South America, is home to over six million inhabitants. The capital city of Chile, Santiago, is both modern and dynamic. While the always-visible, towering snow-capped Andes dominate the city, Santiago itself dominates the political, economic, and cultural life of the country.

Meet The Staff

Patricio Varas Guerrero

Dr. Patricio Varas Guerrero has a Ph.D. in Linguistics at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile. His Ph.D. focuses on models of discourse processing, based on corpus linguistics, to explain how different groups use language to reach their functional goals. He lived for ten years in Bogotá, Colombia, where he earned his M.Sc. in Development Planning and Administration, from Universidad de Los Andes. His practical experience has been in the fields of international development projects and public policy at governmental organizations in Chile and Colombia, as well as teaching courses in public policy analysis at Universidad de Los Andes.

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Chile con cerca de 16 millones de habitantes, posee paisajes diversos con fuertes contrastes. En la parte norte se encuentra el desierto más seco del mundo, junto a salares, enormes minas de cobre y una costa en el mar Pacífico llena de riquezas marinas. En la zona central, Chile tiene un conjunto de valles con un gran territorio agrícola, ganadero y vinícola, así como una costa con ciudades de mucha actividad turística y comercial como Viña del Mar y Valparaíso. Hacia su zona sur, Chile se expande a través de volcanes, lagos, una cordillera de Los Andes llena de nieve, así como ciudades intermedias ideales para conocer diferentes aspectos de la cultura chilena. En el sur se encuentran la vida cultural Mapuche y otras expresiones indígenas que hacen parte de la nación. Chile termina en el extremo sur, en la Patagonia, donde se encuentra la ciudad más austral del mundo. Cada lugar de Chile es una opción para la experiencia vital y el aprendizaje sobre un país emergente y lleno de secretos por descubrir.

— Patricio Varas Guerrero, Resident Director

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Claudia Correa

Claudia Correa, Student Service Coordinator, is a Santiago de Chile native. She completed undergraduate studies in English at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and a post graduate certificate in TESOL. Claudia is in charge of student housing and cultural programming at the Study Center.

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Cintia Ponce

Cintia Ponce is the Staff Administrative Secretary.

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Where You'll Study

Study abroad students can take courses at the following institutions. Read more detailed information on the following page.

• Universidad de Chile
• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
• Universidad Diego Portales

Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

PUC is one of Chile's oldest universities and one of the most recognized educational institutions in the country. It was recently ranked the second best university in all of Latin America. PUC is an urban, multi-campus private university with partial public support.

Universidad de Chile

Founded in 1842, the Universidad de Chile is the country's preeminent public university with more than 23,000 undergraduate students and a faculty of 5,000. It is the largest and oldest institution of higher education in Chile and one of the oldest in the Americas. Known as "La Chile," it was recently ranked the fourth best university in all of Latin America. It offers a wide range of courses at 13 faculties located at campuses throughout Santiago. The university has produced some of the country's greatest luminaries, including two Nobel laureates (Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral) and 20 heads of state. The modern CIEE Study Center, located on the University campus, has student meeting and study areas, classrooms, a computer lab, and wireless access.

Universidad Diego Portales

The UDP was founded in 1982 and is one of the leading private universities in the nation. Adhering to high standards in teaching and research, the UDP now enrolls over 12,000 undergraduate students each year. CIEE students may take direct enrollment courses at the School for Social

Housing & Meals

Housing, three meals per day, and laundry services are included in the study abroad program fee. Students are responsible for housing and meals during the breaks.

Students live in private Chilean homes. The homestay is essential to the student’s learning process and integration into life in Santiago. The opportunity to live with a Chilean family not only allows students to deconstruct stereotypes and observe real life in action, it also creates opportunities for dialogue about issues raised in their courses, and practicing their Spanish language skills.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Santiago even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

The five-day mandatory orientation session, conducted in Santiago at the beginning of the program, will introduce you to the city, culture, and academic program, as well as provide practical information about living in Santiago. In addition, a mid-semester workshop and the re-entry workshop held at the end of the semester are designed to assist you with cross-cultural adjustment and adaptation. Ongoing support is provided by CIEE staff on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Internet

You are encouraged to a bring wireless-enabled laptop. All host families have Internet access in their homes. You will also have Internet access at computer labs, and be issued an email account at la Católica, la Chile, and UDP. In addition, there are Internet cafés throughout Santiago you can use.

Culture

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

The study abroad program includes visits to sites of historic and cultural importance in Santiago and its environs. These activities, which vary each semester to take advantage of seasonal and current attractions, have included a tour of Santiago, visis to Pablo Neruda’s homes, bike tour of historical neighborhoods, guided tours of local museums, and visit to the memorial of the human rights victims of the 1973 coup. In addition, there are two weekend study trips each semester:

Valparaíso from Sea to Sky. This field trip is a three-day excursion focused on the cultural, urban, historical, and economic features of the region of Valparaíso. It includes a visit to Pomaire village (famous for pottery artesania) and Pablo Neruda´s house in Isla Negra, a full urban "porteño" day in the city of Valparaíso hiking the hills of the city and navigating along the bay, and exploring Viña del Mar. The final day starts in Sanchez de Loria, the oldest vineyard of the region; moves to San Esteban to attend a typical countryside rodeo show; and ends with a visit to Portillo, a top Los Andes high mountain setting in the frontier with Argentina.

La Serena: Punta de Choros and Humbolt Penhuin Natural Reserve is a four-day trip that inlcudes Valle de Elqui, Ovalle, Valle Hurtado & the Petrified Forest of Pichascas, and the Mamalluca Observatory. It is a multisport trip with biking and trekking activities that offer the option to see parts of Chile at a different pace and with emphasis on the culture, people, history, and geological aspects of the country. It includes a guided-tour of the constellations of the southern hemisphere, and three site-specific lectures.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

Non-credit volunteer and internship options are available, primarily in social service organizations and NGOs. You can volunteer with organizations involved in social policy, community service, and education. For advanced Spanish speakers, CIEE can arrange non-credit internships at both private and public institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations.

Language

You'll take part in the CIEE Community Language Commitment by speaking Spanish at all times (except in emergencies). This fosters a learning community that contributes to both Spanish language proficiency and understanding of Chilean society.

Academics

Founded in 1992, the CIEE Study Center in Santiago provides a supportive environment for study abroad students to directly enroll in three of Chile’s top universities. Given the array of disciplines and courses available to participants, the program is suitable for undergraduate students from a variety of majors with strong Spanish language skills. All courses are taught in Spanish.

Academic Culture

Chilean universities convey knowledge through different strategies and methods; innovation, design, participation, memorization, and expositive lectures are all part of the in-class academic culture. In most classes, a great deal of emphasis is placed on note taking. It can take a while to learn how to study effectively in the Chilean system, especially in terms of acquiring reading material and understanding professors’ expectations. Chilean classmates are often an excellent source for help. Average class size is 20 to 30 students.

The atmosphere of the two host universities is quite distinct in terms of socio-demographic backgrounds of the student bodies, their political leanings, size of classes, and infrastructure. The opportunity to enroll in more than one Chilean university is quite unique and provides insight into the diversity of the Chilean educational system.

The first semester of the Chilean academic year begins in March and ends mid-July, and the second semester begins in mid-July and ends in mid-December. A year-long program of study in Santiago can begin either during the North American fall (academic-year program) or spring (calendar-year program) semester. Academic-year students who begin their study during the North American fall semester have a two-month break between semesters and are encouraged to travel in Latin America. There is a break of about two weeks between the spring and fall semesters for calendar-year students. Students may also choose to spend a second semester at the CIEE Study Center in Valparaíso, Chile.

Nature of Classes

CIEE courses are with CIEE study abroad students only. Participants also enroll directly in host university courses and take classes with Chilean students.

CIEE Community Language Commitment

Students take part in the CIEE Community Language Commitment by speaking Spanish at all times (except in emergencies). This fosters a learning community that contributes to both Spanish language proficiency and understanding of Chilean society.

Grading System

Assessment for the CIEE course is based on class participation and writing assignments. In regular university courses, students are treated the same as Chilean students. Final grades are usually determined by a combination of written and oral assignments and a final paper or examination. The Chilean grading scale goes from one to seven, with four being a passing grade. The CIEE Study Center office in Chile converts grades and credits to the U.S. system according to a standard scale.

Grades for Semester I (North American spring) should arrive on campus by late September, and grades for Semester II (North American fall) arrive by late March. Graduating seniors, or others concerned about the timing of receiving grades, need to take this into consideration when choosing this program.

Language of Instruction

Spanish

Faculty

The CIEE courses are taught by local faculty with postgraduate degrees (M.Sc., M.A., and Ph.D.). All other courses are taught by faculty from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Chile, and Universidad Diego Portales.

Course Description

Program Blog

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