Description

The Liberal Arts program aims to provide students firsthand knowledge of contemporary issues and cultural patterns in Chile. This is accomplished through an orientation program, supplemental cultural activities throughout the semester, and Chilean homestays. Students also have the opportunity to meet their academic and linguistic goals through direct enrollment at three outstanding universities in Santiago: the Universidad de Chile, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and the Universidad Diego Portales.

Academic Program
Founded in 1992, the CIEE Study Center in Santiago provides a supportive environment for students to directly enroll in three of Chile's top universities. Given the array of disciplines and courses available to participants, the program is suitable for undergraduate students from a variety of majors with strong Spanish language skills. All courses are taught in Spanish.

Academic Culture
Chilean universities convey knowledge through different strategies and methods; innovation, design, participation, memorization, and expositive lectures are part of the in-class academic culture. In most classes, a great deal of emphasis is placed on note taking. It can take a while to learn how to study effectively in the Chilean system, especially in terms of acquiring reading material and understanding professors' expectations. Chilean classmates are often an excellent source for help. Average class size is 20 to 30 students.

The atmosphere of the two host universities is quite distinct in terms of socio-demographic backgrounds of the student bodies, their political leanings, size of classes, and infrastructure. The opportunity to enroll in more than one Chilean university is quite unique and provides insight into the diversity of the Chilean educational system.

The first semester of the Chilean academic year begins in March and ends mid-July, and the second semester begins in mid-July and ends in mid-December. A year-long program of study in Santiago can begin either during the North American fall (academic year program) or spring semester (calendar year program). Academic year students who begin their study during the North American fall semester have a two-month break between semesters and are encouraged to travel in Latin America. There is a break of about two weeks between the spring and fall semesters for calendar year students. Students may also choose to spend a second semester at the CIEE Study Center in Valparaiso, Chile.

Highlights

• Take a wide range of direct enrollment courses at three prestigious universities
  
• Explore contemporary Chilean reality through innovative CIEE courses
  
• Take two, long weekend study trips - one to the northern-most region of Chile, where students visit the coastal city of Iquique and the Tarapacá Desert; and another excursion to the 9th Region in southern Chile where students learn about the Mapuche culture through intercultural and volunteer activities
  
• Enjoy cultural and educational activities such as Chilean movie night, hikes in the Andes foothills, and an urban bike tour with Chilean student ambassadors

In addition, there are two weekend study trips each semester - one to the northernmost region of Chile, where students visit the coastal city Iquique, known for its unique architecture and cultural heritage, as well as explore the nitrate ghost towns and ancient geoglyphs of the Tarapacá Desert. The second excursion takes students to the 9th Region in southern Chile - land of volcanoes, verdant forests, and the majestic Araucaria trees - where students experience different facets of the Mapuche culture through various intercultural and volunteer activities.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities
Non-credit volunteer and internship options are available, primarily in social service organizations and NGOs. CIEE students can volunteer with organizations involved in social policy, community service, and education. For advanced Spanish speakers, CIEE can arrange non-credit internships at both private and public institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, all meals, an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, immersion activities including language partners and volunteer opportunities, a comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, scheduled activities, field trips, host institution identity card, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 6 semesters of college- level Spanish or equivalent
• 1 spanish language course within the past year recommended

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947