santiago chile metropolitan cathedral at sunset
Santiago, Chile

Semester in Santiago

Study Program

Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

49 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

19 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Semester in Santiago program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Chilean culture. Live and learn in Santiago!

Unique Experiences

\

Take a deep dive into Latin American pre-Columbian and colonial art

with CIEE excursions to world-class specialized art museums

Explore award-winning contemporary architecture

and enjoy breathtaking views of Santiago from the only Bahá’í temple in South America

Take a cable-cart ride in Parque Metropolitano

the 4th largest metropolitan park in the world

Experience
  • Santiago, Chile cityscape hazy sunset

Your Destination

Santiago is Chile’s cosmopolitan capital, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s vibrant blend of modern urban life and natural beauty, iconic landmarks like Cerro San Cristóbal and La Moneda Palace, bustling markets, and a thriving arts scene create a rich backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Santiago is the perfect place to study abroad.

santiago intern students speaking with center director

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities. 
a pottery store in pomaire, chile

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Santiago will open doors for you to explore Chile’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.    

Samples of past excursions and activities:

  • Take a trip to Aconcagua Valley, a serene Chilean valley nestled in the Andes Mountain range
  • Visit Pomaire, a picturesque Chilean village known for its traditional pottery and rustic charm
  • Join us in hikking activities, such as: Bosque de Santiago, Aguas de Ramón, San Carlos de Apoquindo or Quebrada de Macul

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Study Abroad Chile: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

From CIEE

6 Best Study Abroad Programs in Chile

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

From CIEE

What are the Best Places to Study Abroad in Latin America?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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
Academics

Academics

CIEE Santiago: Study on the main campus of University Diego Portales (UDP), CIEE’s partner institution, surrounded by the beauty of Cerro San Cristóbal Hill. CIEE Santiago boasts a student-friendly campus with spacious classrooms, a comfortable lounge, quiet study areas, and common spaces for coursework and socializing with fellow students.

Universidad de Chile

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC):  Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. Founded in 1888, it is a private institution of higher education with strong ties to the Catholic Church, although its academic focus is secular and pluralistic. PUC has become a leading university in Latin America and is characterized by its educational quality, its high research standards and its contribution to the cultural, social, and scientific development of Chile and the region.

Universidad Diego Portales (UDP): Universidad Diego Portales (UDP) is a private university founded in 1982. Despite being a relatively young institution compared to other universities in the country, it has managed to stand out for its academic approach, its educational quality and its commitment to the social and cultural development of Chile.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: No 

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Semester in Santiago students take courses for a total of 12-18 semester credits. Students enroll in 4-5 courses per semester, choosing from: 

  • CIEE courses
  • Host Institution courses taught in English at any of the following Chilean universities: Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and Universidad Diego Portales. There is a commute of about 30-45 minutes between campuses to consider for final course schedule.
    • Students may choose to take host institution courses taught in Spanish if the student shows proof of language proficiency
    • Students may choose courses from any or all of the partner universities
  • Online Course Options: substitute up to two ASU online courses

Program Credit

Total of 12-18 semester credits/18-27 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours.
  • Host Institution Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits, unless otherwise noted. 
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours.
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours. 

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Courses taught in English at partner universities tend to gather local students who are enthusiasts of the language and want to practice more. Thus, the presence of international students in local courses is highly valued by instructors as they see it as an opportunity to add foreign perspectives to the local audience. On the other hand, CIEE-offered courses are exclusively for CIEE students across programs, and they are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Classes at host institutions are typically scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., while CIEE courses usually go from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Both CIEE and host institution classes tend to meet twice a week.

In terms of attendance, all three host institutions have a policy requiring students to attend more than 80% of class time. Additionally, some courses offer weekly complimentary tutoring sessions with a teaching assistant (TA). These sessions are sometimes considered part of the class attendance, or the tutoring session may be factored into the class's final grade. CIEE courses are ruled by similar policies. It’s worth mentioning that CIEE co-curriculars have mandatory participation (they are part of the course’s grade).

CIEE instructors use Canvas as their academic platform. Communications, notifications, along with assignments, grades, and readings are stored and disseminated through this means. Each host institution has its own platform. 

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

In general, the Chilean pedagogical teaching approach is more teacher-centered, with the instructor mainly leading the lectures and facilitating the course discussions. Instructors at local universities tend not to have office hours. Instead, they can be reached by email, the corresponding academic platform, or right after or before class time.  

Students usually have daily homework assignments and readings informed by the instructor in the online platform for the course, via email or orally during class time. Students are not required to buy books as most of the bibliographical materials are provided by the course facilitator on the online platform and they are usually available in the host institution library. In terms of co-curricular activities, CIEE courses have guaranteed co-curricular activities, but host-institution courses tend not to offer this type of opportunity to students.  

To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Santiago when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, 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. Just as with CIEE courses, final grades for local institution courses are a compound of components of a different nature, such as attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Primary assessments (assessments with more weight) are usually two or three part written exams. The final examination may be held in either oral or written format (or both) and is usually worth around 30% of the final grade for the course. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and/or 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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.
EngineeringPython for Engineers
EnvironmentEnvironment and Sustainable Development
HistoryIndigenous Population in Chile and the Americas
AstrophysicsExploring the Solar System and Beyond
Zooming in and out: Scaling the Universe
Social ScienceWomen’s Rights Movements: From Alaska to Patagonia
United States of America: A nation of Migrants
LawInternational criminal law
Current trends on migration
International courts and politics
EconomyDoing 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 HumanitiesChilean 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
LawEuropean Union and Latin American Integration Law
Agricultural SciencesNano Agriculture
ArtsHistory of Art: Chilean Heritage
International StudiesLatin 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

 

Program Options
Program Options

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

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
  • Fall 25 or Spring 26 Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $17,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 49 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date
Program Spring 2026 19 weeks Start Date End Date

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.

See Scholarships

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.

See Scholarships

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.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

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.

Request Info