Semester in Santiago
Do you have a deep wish to experience a Latin American metropolis so close to the sea and the mountains that you could literally visit both in one day? Do you crave a blend of language immersion and cultural exposure with academic success? CIEE Santiago de Chile has the perfect program for you! Enjoy a semester in Santiago taking courses at any (or all) of our three, Latin American-leading partner universities. This program gives you the opportunity to blend in with local college students and make new friends, be academically challenged, and explore global topics with a local taste in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Santiago de Chile boasts a plethora of amenities that cater to students studying abroad. The city's efficient public transportation system makes navigating its diverse neighborhoods a breeze, whether you're exploring cultural sites, dining at local eateries, or shopping for souvenirs. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the city's proximity to the Andes Mountains and to coastal cities provides ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, surfing and other recreational activities. Every term, our local team invites students to weekly cultural outings to nurture your curiosity and encourage your immersion, and trips are intended to give you a glimpse into Chile’s cultural and geographical diversity.
CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship
Apply to become one of 100 students to receive a full-funded CIEE Study Abroad program in Latin America for fall '25 or spring '26!
Unique Experiences
Take a deep dive into Latin American pre-Columbian and colonial art
with CIEE excursions to world-class specialized art museums
Take a cable-cart ride in Parque Metropolitano
the 4th largest metropolitan park in the world
Explore award-winning contemporary architecture
and enjoy breathtaking views of Santiago from the only Bahá’í temple in South America
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RENOWNED VINEYARDS LOCATED ONE HOUR FROM SANTIAGO, IDEAL FOR WINE TOURISM
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BEACHES LOCATED AT THE CENTRAL COAST OF CHILE, NEAR SANTIAGO
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OFFICIAL TRAILS TO TREK IN THE ANDES AND THE OUTSKIRTS OF SANTIAGO
Your Destination
Santiago de Chile is a city of wonders, where the past and present intertwine to create a tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. The city is framed by the majestic Andes Mountains, their snow-capped peaks providing a breathtaking backdrop to the urban landscape. Within the city, you will explore the historic neighborhoods of Barrio Lastarria and Barrio Bellavista, where colonial architecture blends seamlessly with modern art galleries, boutique shops, and vibrant street art. Santiago's culinary scene is equally rich, offering a tantalizing array of flavors, from traditional Chilean dishes to international cuisine, mixed with food offerings from all over Latin America! And when it’s time for disconnecting and recharging, Santiago's multiple parks and green spaces provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets.
As an international student, you will embark on your daily routines commuting by an efficient metro system or cycling along dedicated bike lanes with the Andes surrounding and providing a framework for your daily adventures. College campuses at partner universities offer an array of activities and opportunities to their students, and courses in English will allow you to pursue your required credits without the hardships of a language barrier. At lunchtime, the college cafeteria will surprise you with healthy, hearty, homemade food, and an opportunity to catch up with new friends. Afternoons are often spent exploring Santiago's cultural attractions, such as museums and art galleries, with friends or CIEE peers in customized cultural outings. Evenings in Santiago begin with the tantalizing aromas of fresh-baked bread and tea at “once” time with friends and family, to later enjoying gatherings in parks, cafés, or theaters to socialize and appreciate the city's rich cultural offerings, from live music performances to theater productions.
Whether exploring the city's historic sites, indulging in its culinary delights, or simply soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds it, Santiago de Chile is a city that never fails to captivate and inspire.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
- Visit Pomaire, a picturesque Chilean village known for its traditional pottery and rustic charm. A CIEE study trip to Pomaire typically includes a pottery-making workshop guided by experienced local artisans, with both direct sculpting work and pottery-wheel work. There also are opportunities to try Chilean delicacies and partake in a cooking workshop!
- Take a trip to Aconcagua Valley, a serene Chilean valley nestled in the Andes Mountain range celebrated for its agricultural heritage and scenic beauty. This study trip explores the history of Chile’s independence through walking tours along its old and picturesque streets. A short trek takes CIEE students to the top of a hill/art park where they enjoy views of the valley and fields. Given the agricultural nature of the area, previous trips have also included a stop by a local, small-scale vineyard to learn about and taste the terroir of Chilean wine.
- As part of the cultural offerings of our center, CIEE students may attend plays and performances reflecting artistically and aesthetically on current hot issues such as feminism, human rights, and ecology/sustainability.
- Santiago’s diverse “comunas” (districts) offer a peek into the lives and perspectives of a diverse body of citizens. Our local staff facilitates insightful tours into neighborhoods that foreigners may otherwise miss. One of them is the art district in San Miguel district, or a guided visit to explore historical migrations in Santiago’s Patronato neighborhood.
- Chile’s history unfolds around the exploitation of natural resources, from land to mines. Visits to selected museums advance this history to CIEE students in a friendly and approachable way, such as the Cousiño Palace Museum.
- While a predominantly Catholic country, Chile’s spirituality has drastically changed in the last 10 years. Students have the chance to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the topic by guided visits to spiritual centers such as the Cathedral of Santiago, the Baha’i temple, or the As-Salam Mosque.
- Join us in hikking activities, such as: Bosque de Santiago, Aguas de Ramón, San Carlos de Apoquindo or Quebrada de Macul. Be amazed by Chile’s biodiversity and natural landscapes.
Academic Projects
A for-credit internship (in English or in Spanish) allows students the opportunity to have practical work experience in a company or NGO within a variety of industry sectors. In addition, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience.
For-credit Directed Independent Research is for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by the CIEE Santiago Director and home institution and should ideally reflect a topic that is relevant to Chile. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with topic of exploration, significance of research topic as it relates to Santiago/Chile, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics.
Program Blogs
Study Abroad Chile: The Ultimate Guide
Ready to take your study abroad experience to the next level? Say hello to Chile, the long, skinny gem of Latin America, where adventure meets education in the heart of... keep reading
6 Best Study Abroad Programs in Chile
If you’re asking yourself, “Is Chile a good place to study abroad?” the answer is a resounding yes! Step off the plane into a city buzzing with life, where snow-capped... keep reading
What are the Best Places to Study Abroad in Latin America?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably ready to take your college experience to the next level with an extraordinary study abroad adventure. What better way to do than by discovering... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Santiago offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to residence halls, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. Homestays are ideal for students who wish to experience living with local families in apartments or houses. CIEE Santiago also offers non-homestay accommodations in residence halls for students who which to live with other Chilean and international students.
Standard Housing:
- Homestays: Includes a private room (single or double placement with another CIEE student) in the residence of a host family. Homestays feature weekly laundry, Wi-Fi, and two meals per day. Homestays are nearby subway stations and public transportation, coffee shops, convenience stores, and ATMs are available in metro stations, restaurants, and other amenities.
- Residence Halls: Includes a triple or double room in a residence hall, located within 30 minutes from the city center. Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and WiFi. Meals are not included.
Select Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall. Residence halls are located five minutes (on foot) from a subway station that connects with the rest of Santiago (30-minute commute to city center). Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and Wi-fi. Meals are not included.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Residence Hall (Standard housing non-homestay and Select housing): Meals are not included. Students can prepare their own meals in the fully furnished kitchen, which includes utensils and cleaning supplies. Students can also explore the myriad restaurants in the areas surrounding the residence hall.
Homestay: Students who live with homestay families receive two meals daily to be agreed upon with the host family (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). The third meal and/or any snacks are on the student. Students can make use of the kitchen space at the homestay and families will provide a cabinet or storage area to store their food, ingredients, etc.
Academics
Students have wide flexibility to design their own academic load-taking options from the following scheme:
- Courses taught in English at top Chilean universities: Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and Universidad Diego Portales
- For those proficient in Spanish, there is the option to take courses in Spanish at all three local universities
- Students can also opt for courses delivered in English and/or Spanish by CIEE
Before your arrival onsite, you will have a one-on-one academic counseling with local staff to review your options and decide whether your proposed schedule is logistically feasible (commuting between campuses may take between 30-45 minutes).
Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Academic Projects
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings in English through our partner universities and is subject to change. Some courses are offered once a year, in either the spring or fall semester.
| Universidad Diego Portales | *This brochure corresponds to 2024. |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Python for Engineers |
| Environment | Environment and Sustainable Development |
| History | Indigenous Population in Chile and the Americas |
| Astrophysics | Exploring the Solar System and Beyond |
| Zooming in and out: Scaling the Universe | |
| Social Science | Women’s Rights Movements: From Alaska to Patagonia |
| United States of America: A nation of Migrants | |
| Law | International criminal law |
| Current trends on migration | |
| International courts and politics | |
| Economy | Doing Business in Latin America |
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Introduction to gastronomic engineering
Fintech: financial applications
Number theory
Algebraic Topology
Research, innovation and entrepreneurship
Comparative Constitutional Law
Research seminar: International and Comparative Law
China: Business, Law, Technology and Society
Litigating Before International Courts and Tribunals
Persuasive Communication
English for Small Children
Strange Tales in Narrative and Film
Language and the Brain: Discourse Comprehension and production
English and Spanish Contrasts
English Phonetics and Phonology II
Applied Grammar II
Drama
Poetry
Classical and Medieval Literature
Narrative I
Research in Literature/Linguistics
Applied Phonetics II
Multimedia Journalism Workshop
| Universidad de Chile | |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Humanities | Chilean History and Culture through Literature and Film |
| American Culture Through Literature and Film | |
| Culture and Power: Mechanisms of Social and Cultural Control | |
| Government | |
| The Chilean Political Crisis | |
| Law | European Union and Latin American Integration Law |
| Agricultural Sciences | Nano Agriculture |
| Arts | History of Art: Chilean Heritage |
| International Studies | Latin American Politics and World Affairs |
| Business School | |
| Advanced Accounting | |
| The Economic Way of Thinking | |
| Urban Economics | |
| Environmental Economics | |
| Finance I | |
| Corporate Financial Management | |
| Business Intelligence and Analytics | |
| Business Intelligence and Data Base Applications | |
| Business Process Management | |
| Chilean Economic Development | |
| International Business | |
| Marketing | |
| Business Negotiations | |
| Latin America´s World Affairs | |
| Business Strategy | |
| Managing Multinational Corporations in LATAM | |
| Intercultural Business Challenges in Latin America | |
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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 & 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
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2025 19 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $17,950 | |
| Program Academic year 2025-2026 | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | ||
| Program Spring 2026 18 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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.
Program Fees
CIEE 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 protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $13,456 ** |
| Housing | $4,000 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $17,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $950 |
Financial Aid
CIEE 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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,008 † |
| International Airfare | $1,100 †† |
| Local Transportation | $160 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $15 |
| Visa Fees | $160 †††† |
| Personal expenses | $250 |
| Total Costs | $2,693 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $272 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††one round trip a day for the semester by subway
††††average cost
Program Fees
CIEE 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 protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE 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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE 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 protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE 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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Camila Soto
Program Coordinator
Camila Soto has a BA in Literature with experience in independent publishing, language teaching and international education. At CIEE she has worked at the Teach in Chile program and as...
Alejandra Herrera
Regional Director of Operations for Latin America, Interim Center Director, Santiago Chile
Alejandra is a passionate and experienced educator in higher education in Chile with more than 10 years in the field of International Education.
Get Started
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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.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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