Information for term Liberal Arts
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenDevelop 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 in 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.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
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 based upon population, and home to more than seven 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.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Santiago.
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 de chile, students might:
- Undertake a multi-day excursion to places like Araucania region, Atacama region or Chiloe island to broaden your perspective on Chile’s history and culture.
- Explore Chile's geography, natural richness and history through day-trips to neighboring towns/cities such as Curacavi, Isla Negra, Algarrobo, Los Andes, Viña del Mar, Valparaiso or Pomaire.
- Explore history and the arts of Chile with varied cultural activities including visits to museums, craft fairs, theater districts, walking tours in the varied and historic neighborhoods in the city recognized as landmarks of the city of Santiago
- Attend a Chilean folklore workshop led by local dancers to learn about the main folk expressions from the main regions in Chile, their cultural heritage and traditional outfits. Also learn about traditional food workshops and learn to make homemade sopaipillas, empanadas, pebre and Chilean hot dogs.

PROJECTS
Get to know Santiago de Chile 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, human rights, LGBTQI, sustainability initiatives and education.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestays. All students live with CIEE homestay families. Living with a Chilean family is your ticket to integration into life in Santiago de Chile as it provides an excellent opportunity for immersion into the local culture. Although families may be able to communicate in English, they foster communication in Spanish to motivate language learning.
Your host family provides a single room with a desk, laundry once a week, Wi-Fi, and a copy of the house keys. Students benefit from the proximity to subway stations, coffee shops, convenience stores, ATMs available in metro stations, restaurants, and connection to the city of Santiago by public transportation.
Students who are staying for a full year are responsible for their own housing and meals during breaks between semesters. -
MEALS
Homestays include two meals per day: lunch and dinner. Host families and students arrange their own meal schedules. Students are responsible for the remaining meal, either preparing them at home or eating in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city. Students who are staying for a full year are responsible for their meals during breaks between semesters.
Santiago, Chile Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE SANTIAGO AT UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE
Santiago
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PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE CHILE
Santiago
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C
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)
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
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.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
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 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 should 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.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
English and Spanish
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Fall 2022 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenCommunication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
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 de Chile. 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 AgustÃn’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.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers 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:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- 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
Click to OpenDates & Fees
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.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
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Fall 2022 19 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 1, 2022 | Dec 9, 2022 |
$17,250
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $13,461 ** Housing = $3,295 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $17,250Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,000 International Airfare = $1,000 † Local Transportation = $650 Books & Supplies = $225 Visa Fees = $160 †† Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $1,000 Other = $35 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,570Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes all meals † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† average cost ††† Covid test to return to the US, if required |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
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What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Alejandra Herrera
Center Director
Alejandra Herrera is the Center Director of CIEE Santiago and is responsible for the success of all programs.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.