Description

As migration and demographic shifts continue to transform the cultural composition of Chilean society, it is imperative that future professional health practitioners, policy makers and social activists gain an understanding of Latin American cultures within the health services field. Based in Chile's northern-most city of Arica, and including excursions to Tacna, Peru and the Mapuche territory in the southern part of the country, this program offers unique insight and exposure to healthcare politics in the region.

The program offers numerous opportunities for interaction with faculty members at the Universidad de Tarapaca, medical health professionals, local and national government health officials, urban and rural residents, herbalists, intercultural medicine practitioners, as well as local university students in both urban and rural settings. This interaction will contribute to students developing a comprehensive understanding of health and community welfare.

Highlights

Within South America, Chile has been recognized as having the highest quality of public health services validated by statistics, including the lowest mortality rates in the region. Recent public health policies have concentrated on family and community welfare by focusing on treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation. Epidemiological reports indicate a rise in nontransmittable diseases and mental health issues, and as a result health programs have been increasingly targeting issues such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, and schizophrenia. Traditional medicine is, however, still prominently practiced in territories where the indigenous population has a voice (Aymara in the north and Mapuche in the south), and the Chilean government has developed the Indigenous Health System.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

contact sponsor

Experience Required

yes

Previous college-level coursework in public health, development studies, community or social sciences, or other related fields. At least four recent semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in Spanish as assessed by SIT.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 10-15

Scholarships are Available

About one-third of scholarship applicants receive financial assistance to participate in our programs. Only SIT Study Abroad participants can be considered for SIT Study Abroad scholarships. Awards generally range from 500 to 5,000.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932