Overview
Click to OpenThis program has been suspended for fall 2021.
Explore our other active study abroad programs for fall 2021, or check out our travel assurances and updated health and safety guidelines.
Develop your strong Spanish language skills in the capital of Chile by taking courses in Spanish alongside Chilean students at our partner schools, Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), and Universidad Diego Portales - School for Social Sciences, as well as at the CIEE Global Institute – Santiago. You’ll quickly advance your language skills while building a broad understanding of Chilean history and culture. You can even gain real-world work experience with an internship at a Chilean company. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Take your pick
of classes taught in Spanish at any of our partner universities: Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and Universidad Diego Portales.
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Live with a local family
and take part in the Chilean lifestyle, discuss issues that come up in class, and of course, practice your Spanish!
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Get to know Chile
with a homestay and activities, such as film nights, urban bike tours with Santiago student ambassadors, and hikes in the foothills of the Andes mountains.
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national heritage sites
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cinemas
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national titles won by the city’s Colo-Colo football club
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Location & Culture
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Your Destination
The metropolis of Santiago is South America’s sixth largest city, and home to more than six million. Located near the center of the long and narrow Chile, Santiago sits in a bowl-shaped valley with the towering Andes mountains nearly always in view. Here you will find world-class cuisine, exotic suburban parks, neoclassical architecture, and all the trappings of a modern economic center.
The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
Each program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance cultural immersion. In Santiago, students might:
- Participate on a 3 day study tour to Huilo Huilo. Explore the wonderful natural reserve of Huilo Huilo and the Araucanía region, a major representative of Chile’s varied geography and both cultural and natural richness.
- Explore Chile's geography, natural richness and history through day-trips to neighboring towns/cities.
- Explore history and the arts of Chile with varied cultural activities including visits to museums, craft fairs, and historic neighborhoods recognized as landmarks of the city of Santiago
- Attend a Chilean folklore and traditional food workshops.

PROJECTS
Get to know Santiago better, say “gracias” for your stay, and return home with valuable experience. We can help with:
- Non-credit internships in social service organizations and NGOs that work in social policy, community service, and education
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestays. Living with a Chilean family is your ticket to integration into life in Santiago. Your host family provides housing, two meals a day, and laundry service. Students who are staying for a full year are responsible for their own housing and meals during breaks between semesters.
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MEALS
Housing includes two meals per day.
Santiago, Chile Where You'll Study
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CIEE SANTIAGO AT UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE
Santiago
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PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE CHILE
Santiago
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UNIVERSIDAD DIEGO PORTALES – School for Social Sciences
Santiago
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
Founded in 1992, this program is designed to support students with high proficiency Spanish language skills as they further their studies by enrolling directly in courses at three of Latin America’s and Chile’s top universities – Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and Universidad Diego Portales. All courses are taught in Spanish by faculty with PhDs.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
4 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent)
Program Requirements
Students enroll in 4-6 courses per semester, choosing from:
- CIEE elective courses and CIEE Spanish language courses.
- Host Institution courses at any of the following Chilean universities: Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and Universidad Diego Portales.
Program Credit
Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE elective courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- CIEE language courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
- Host Institution courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits, unless otherwise noted
Academic Culture
Chilean academic culture differs from a traditional U.S. American academic culture; university professors in Chile do not have office hours although they can be reached by email, or students can set up an appointment with the professor according to the weekly schedule. CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Santiago when classes are in session.
Class Format
Classes are taught in Spanish, and scheduled Monday-Friday. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and planned co-curricular and cultural activities. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. CIEE courses are taught at the CIEE Global Institute – Santiago and are for CIEE students only. They’re supported by our e-learning platform, Canvas. At local universities, students take classes with Chilean students and other international students. Professors are primarily Chilean with advanced degrees from universities from around the world, resulting in a variety of teaching styles and perspectives.
Grading
CIEE courses: The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students' grades are based on attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. University courses: Students meet the same expectations as their Chilean peers. Assessment includes a variety of different types of evaluation, such as written and oral assignments, quizzes and a final paper or examination. The Chilean grading scale runs from 1 to 7, which CIEE translates into recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents. Graduating seniors and students with timing concerns: Note that 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.
Language of Instruction
English and Spanish
Courses
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Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenAll course selections are made in consultation with the CIEE Study Site Director and a designated staff person from each Chilean university. Not all courses are available every semester. The reality of the academic system in Chile is such that course listings and availability are not determined until immediately prior to the start of university classes in a given semester. The final list of courses is available during the first two weeks of the program in Santiago. Although a limited offering of English-taught courses is offered, CIEE participants must not enroll in these courses due to our goal of complete language immersion. The following list is a representative sampling of courses available at the sponsoring universities. Students may enroll in any course for which they meet the pre-requisites. In addition to the courses listed below, the host institutions offer a wide range of courses in many disciplines, including Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Anthropology, Archaeology, Architecture, Arts, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Cinema, Communications, Computer Science, Cultural Studies, Dance, Development Studies, Economics, Education, Engineering, English, Environmental Studies, Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, Geography, Health and Medicine, History, Humanities, International Relations, Latin American Studies, Law, Linguistics, Literature, Management Science, Mathematics, Music, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, Physics, Physical Science, Political Science, Psychology, Public Health, Public Policy, Religious Studies, Social Studies, Sociology, Spanish Language, Theater, Urban Studies, and Zoology
PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATÓLICA DE CHILE COURSES
Art
Advanced Engraving, Art in Chile, Basic Drawing, Latin American Painting, Metal Engraving
Geography
Cartography, Chilean Geography I and II, Cultural Geography, Environmental Geography, Introduction to Geography, Political Geography, Rural Development, Urban Planning
History
American National I and II, Ancient History, Chile 1964–2000, Contemporary History, Discovery and Conquest, Economic History, Europe in the 19th Century, Hispanic Chile, National Chile I and II, Pre-Columbian Cultures
International Relations and Political Science
Chilean Foreign Policy, Chilean Political Parties, Contemporary International Politics, Elements of Political Science, Fundamentals of Political Theory, Re-Democratization Processes in Latin America, Representation and Electoral Systems
Journalism and Communications
Contemporary History, Economic Journalism, Investigations, Journalistic Photography, Television Journalism, Visual Communication
Linguistics and Literature
Aesthetics of Neruda’s Poetry, Ancient Literature, Chilean and Hispano-American Narratives, Chilean and Hispano-American Poetry, Chilean and Hispano-American Theater, Contemporary Chilean Theater, General Medieval and Classical Literature, Hispano-American Literary Texts, Introduction to Linguistics of Text, Modern and Contemporary Literature, Nobel Prizes of Latin American Literature, Representation of Women in the Works of Maria Luisa Bombal, Marcela Serrano, and Manuel Puig, Spanish Classical Literature, Spanish Writing Workshop
Philosophy
Kant, Logic, Ethics, and Contemporary Philosophical Texts; Medieval Philosophy; Metaphysics; Philosophy of Science; San Agustín’s Selected Writings
Psychology
Community Psychology, Culture and Society in Latin America, Human Relations, Introduction to the Psychology of Jung, Principles of Learning in Adults, Psychology of the Chilean Adolescent
Sociology
Art and Religion, Biblical Initiation, Fundamental Principles of Christian Morality, History of the Ancient Church, History of the Church in Chile, Religious Psychology, Religious Sociology, Religious Studies, Synoptic Gospels and Apostolic Missions, The Person of Christ
UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE COURSES
Anthropology and Archaeology
Andean Culture, Anthropology of Development, Anthropology of Gender, Anthropology of Poverty, The Cultural Formation of Latin America, Folklore as Culture, Gender and Society, Judaism: Religion and Culture, Latin American Thought, Mapuche Culture, Rapa Nui Culture, Rural Anthropology, Sociological Theory and Structure in Chile, Urban Anthropology, Women in Latin American Society, Introduction to Anthropology
Art
Art History, Drawing, History and Analysis of Music of the 20th Century, Introduction to Art, Photography, Pottery
Geography
Geography of Chile -16th to 19th Centuries, Physical Geography-Climatology and Meteorology, Political Geography, Regional Geography of America, Social and Administrative Geography
History
Ancient History: Roman Empire, Chilean Political Parties, Chilean-Peruvian Relations, History of America: 17th Century, History of America: USA 1860–1920, History of Chile: 18th and 19th Centuries, Indigenous America, Introduction to History, Modern History: 17th and 18th Centuries, Pre-Hispanic History of America and of Chile, Revolutions and Social Movements in the 20th Century, Introduction to Chilean History
International Relations and Political Science
Chilean Public Administration, Contemporary International Conflicts, Government and Public Administration, Latin American Politics, Negotiation and Conflict Management, Political Ethics, Political Parties: Theory and Practice, U.S.- Latin American Relations, Introduction to Political Sciences, Introduction to Political Ideologies
Journalism
Comparative National and International Press, Contemporary History and Geography, Contemporary Latin American Art and Literature, Film: Cinematographic Analysis, International Relations, Latin American Communication and Thought
Law
Chilean Institutional History: 16th-18th Century, Indigenous Legislation in Chile, International Public Law
Linguistics and Literature
Contemporary Chilean Literature, Contemporary European Literature, Contemporary Hispanic American Literature, Contemporary Hispanic American Novel, Contemporary Spanish Literature, Don Quixote, Ethnic and Psycholinguistics, Hispanic American Narrative of the 1980s, History of the Spanish Language, Literary Theory, Medieval Literature, Medieval Women Writers, Modern Hispanic American Literature, Modern Spanish Literature
Philosophy
Contemporary Philosophy, Esthetics, Ethics, Introduction to Philosophy, Logic, Medieval Philosophy, Metaphysics, Philosophical Anthropology, Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Political Philosophy, Theory of Knowledge
Sociology
History of Social Thought, Human Rights, Introduction to Marxist Thought, Organizational Sociology, Political Sociology, Social History of Chile, Social History of Latin America, Social Theory in Latin America, Sociology, Introduction to Sociology
UNIVERSIDAD DIEGO PORTALES COURSES
History
American History I, American History II, American History III, Historical Writing, History of Chile I, History of Chile II, History of Chile III, Pre-Columbian Cultures, Research Seminar: America I, Research Seminar: America II, Research Seminar: Chile I, Research Seminar: Chile II, Sociocultural Anthropology
Political Science
Chile and the International System, Contemporary Political Theory, International Relations in Latin America, International System and Institutions, Modern Political Theory, Political and Economic Development of Chile, Political and Economic Development in Latin America
Sociology
Family, Gender, and Society, Political Sociology, Social Anthropology, Social Processes I: Americas, Social Processes II: Chile, Social Psychology, Sociology of Consumption, Sociology of the Media, Urban Sociology
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
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You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
What's Included
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Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Alejandra Herrera
Center Director
Alejandra Herrera is the Director of the CIEE Global Institute - Santiago and is responsible for the success of all programs.
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Víctor Muñoz
Finance Coordinator
Víctor Muñoz oversees the administrative and finance operations at CIEE Global Institute - Santiago.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.