Overview
Click to OpenSpend six weeks of your summer (or up to 12) studying abroad in Santiago, Chile's urban and vibrant capital city! Nestled in a bowl-shaped valley encircled by the towering Andes and the Cordillera de la Costa mountain range, Santiago provides exciting weekend outdoor adventures, such as hikes, skiing, or, in September, traditional kite-flying. This diverse, lively city alone hosts roughly half of the total population of Chile and is brimming with rich historical, social, economic, and cultural experiences.
When class is in session at CIEE Santiago, you'll take courses in a wide range of subject areas in the city's downtown area, blocks away from La Moneda Palace, the seat of Chile's president. Outside the classroom, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the city's storied culture, exciting sports, diverse entertainment, and plenty of outdoor activities. This exciting summer program invites you to discover all Santiago has to offer firsthand!
BUILD YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE
Designed for students who require a flexible summer abroad, CIEE's Summer Open Campus Block program was thoughtfully structured to be completely customizable. Select one or two six-week blocks at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Choose from Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, and Yucatan.
Unique Experiences
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Experience
classic Chilean cuisine via the “picadas” route – with stops at small eateries around the city.
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Discover
the economic potential of Chile by visiting a nearby vineyard and learning about wine production and export strategy.
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Spend
the morning hiking through the Andes and the afternoon enjoying the beaches at Viña del Mar and Valparaíso.
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STATIONS THAT MAKEUP SANTIAGO’S SEVEN-LINE SUBWAY SYSTEM
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HIGHEST ACTIVE VOLCANO IN THE WORLD - OJOS DEL SALADO
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WINERIES IN CHILE, THE FIFTH LARGEST EXPORTER OF WINE IN THE WORLD
100+
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Santiago is the capital of and largest city in Chile, as well as one of the largest cities in Latin America. Situated in the country’s central valley, Santiago hosts more than seven million residents. Downtown Santiago features 19th-century neoclassical architecture and winding side streets dotted by art deco and neo-gothic architecture. The cityscape is shaped by several stand-alone hills and the fast-flowing Mapocho River, lined by beautiful parks like Parque Forestal and Parque de las Esculturas. From most points in the city, views of the magnificent Andes can be enjoyed.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
All programs feature activities uniquely designed to complement your academic coursework. These may include:
- Exploring the city with CIEE-trained guides and staff to discover the culture and history of Santiago de Chile and its surroundings.
- Discovering Santiago’s neighborhoods and getting insider tips through CIEE-organized activities with cultural ambassadors.
- Visiting a natural reservation, like Cajón del Maipo, located merely 45 minutes from Santiago de Chile, and considering its contrasts with urban life.
- Seeing firsthand where Pablo Neruda, a Nobel Prize winner, lived and worked in Santiago de Chile and Valparaíso.
- Discovering the Open Sky Museum of San Miguel, with more than 5,000 square meters of outdoor graffiti and murals.
- An excursion outside the city to a vineyard and seeing why Chile is renowned as a top wine exporter.
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. You may have a single placement in a host family home or with another CIEE student in a double placement. Homestays are carefully selected to be close to subway stations, coffee shops, convenience stores, ATMs available in metro stations, restaurants, and connections to the city of Santiago by public transportation.
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MEALS
Local home family stays include two meals per day. Host families and students arrange their own meal schedules. Students are responsible for the remaining meal, either preparing it at home or eating in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city.
Santiago, Chile Where You'll Study
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A
San Cristobal Hill
The peak is the second highest point in the city, after Cerro Renca, and was named by the Spanish conquistadors for St. Christopher, in recognition of its use as a landmark.
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B
Plaza de Armas Square
The Plaza de Armas is the main square of Santiago. It is the centerpiece of the initial layout of Santiago.
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C
Barrio Lastarria
A historical neighborhood in the center of Santiago. Now a popular tourist hub, and a center for cultural activity, with cinemas, theaters, museums, restaurants, and bars.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
Students take two credit-bearing courses each block of attendance. Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Spanish course (non-credit) during a single block. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
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
All students must enroll in two credit-bearing CIEE courses per block.
PROGRAM CREDIT
- One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5 quarter credits
- Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
- lab courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact 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.
Academic Culture
Each course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. 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 excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends in-between blocks.
Class Format
Courses are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Thursday and meet two, three, or four times per week. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded 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.
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/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.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Course Notes
- Courses are listed below by block and track; course list is subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. “GI” denotes courses that are offered at multiple CIEE locations.
Language Classes
- During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be required to take a language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes. Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Spanish course (non-credit) during a single block.
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
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Block I 2023 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 15, 2023 | Jun 24, 2023 |
$4,950
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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 = $3,553 * Housing = $900 ** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $4,950Estimated 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 = $336 International Airfare = $1,300 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $20 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $150 Round trip airfare between locations = $1,050 †† Other = $100 Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $3,056Financial 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. * direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students ** includes two meals a day † Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Average cost between Buenos Aires and Cape Town |
| Summer Blocks I, II 2023 12 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 15, 2023 | Aug 5, 2023 |
$9,900
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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 = $7,603 ** Housing = $1,800 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $9,900Estimated 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 = $672 International Airfare = $1,300 † Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $40 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $300 Other = $200 Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $2,712Financial 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 two meals a day † Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Summer Block II 2023 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jun 26, 2023 | Aug 5, 2023 |
$4,950
Click to Close
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 = $3,553 ** Housing = $900 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $4,950Estimated 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 = $336 International Airfare = $1,300 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $20 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $150 Other = $100 Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $2,006Financial 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 two meals a day † Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Alejandra Herrera
Interim Regional Director of Operations for Latin America
Alejandra is a passionate and experienced educator in higher education in Chile with more than 10 years in the field of International Education.
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Maria Paz Montes Monsalve
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Maria Paz holds a degree in English from Universidad de Chile where she had the opportunity to spend a year abroad in the United States, which was a life-changing decision for her.
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Natalia Castro
PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
Natalia Castro holds a B.A. in English and a minor in International Business. Natalia has been part of CIEE Santiago and Valparaiso centers as an experienced facilitator of cultural activities and educational initiatives. She is currently a Programs Coordinator at CIEE Santiago in Chile. Natalia loves outdoor activities, biking, spending time with her family and friends, and reading Latin American literature.
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. -
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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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