IFSA - Chilean Universities Program, Santiago

WHY STUDY IN SANTIAGO?

Santiago is the economic, political, and cultural heart of Chile and therefore an ideal location for a study abroad experience. The city enjoys modern infrastructure, diverse architecture, green parks, and a delightful Mediterranean climate. Its central location provides opportunities for travel throughout Chile and Latin America, while its wide range of cultural and entertainment options will make you want to stay in the city.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Propel yourself beyond your peers with a resume-enhancing internship or directed research as part of your study abroad program. Located in foothills of Andes Mountains, this program places you directly in the Chilean capital city of Santiago and invites you to join other advocates and leaders. Live a cosmopolitan, urban lifestyle as you put your penchant for social justice, politics, and law to work internationally in this emerging Latin American market. 

You may select from classes at three of Latin America’s top universities: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Chile, and Universidad Diego Portales. This program is ideal for students majoring in pre-law, political science, international relations, business majors, and more.

We offer semester study on the Chilean Universities Program in Santiago, where you’ll take classes alongside local students at up to three different universities. To complement your learning, we offer IFSA elective classes specially designed to increase your language skills and facilitate engagement in the local community. These classes, taught in Spanish by local professors, are intended to provide you with an understanding of the events and issues that make Chile what it is today.

• Advanced Spanish I or Advanced Spanish II
• Directed Research
• Exploring Community & Culture in a Global Cohort
• International Internship Seminar

To complete your course load alongside Chilean students at our local partner universities, you can explore their online course catalogs by visiting the Chilean Universities Program, Santiago on the IFSA website. You can choose to take all your classes at one university or select a mix from all three. 

• Universidad de Chile
• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
• Universidad Diego Portales

Direct Enroll Classes in English

Classes taught in English are open to you as an IFSA student provided you meet the stated prerequisites. However, prior to arrival you should discuss with your home institution’s study abroad advisor any academic requirements related to study abroad in a non-English speaking location. Featured classes include:

• Business Intelligence and Analytics
• Business Intelligence and Database Applications
• Comparative Constitutional Law
• Environmental Economics
• European Union Law and Latin-American Integration
• Intercultural Business Challenges in Latin America
• International Commercial Arbitration
• International Investment Law
• Introduction to European Law
• Latin American Politics and World Affairs
• Managing Multinational Corporations in Latin America
• Strategic Alliances, Mergers, and Acquisitions
• The Chilean Political Crisis: Tools for Political Analysis

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS

Program activities are designed to enhance your intercultural competence by developing your understanding of the local culture and people. Activities are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. They vary each term based on availability, but activities may include: 

• City-as-Text
• The Military Dictatorship and Human Rights
• Food, Local Culture and Supply Chain 
• Pandemic and the Economy

IFSA excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. They vary each term based on availability, but excursions may include:

• Pomaire Trip
• Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Trip
• Isla Negra Trip

SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID

We believe that study abroad should be within reach of every student, so we offer a wide range of funding opportunities for all our participants including scholarships, grants, the Work-to-Study program, the UpFront Advance program, and the Fill the Gap program. Additionally, IFSA accepts financial aid transfers and credit card payments. Explore how to fund your study abroad plans at IFSA-Butler.org/scholarships-financial-aid.

INCLUDED IN YOUR IFSA PROGRAM

• Academic Support
• Administrative Fees and Applications Fees
• Airport Pickup
• Activities and Excursions (including transportation and meals)
• Guaranteed Housing
• International Medical Insurance
• Internet Access in Housing
• Internship, Directed Research, and Volunteer Opportunities (on many programs)
• Meals (on some programs)
• Official Transcript with U.S. Credit Translation
• On-site Orientation
• On-site Staff Support (including in-person meetings and emergencies)
• Pre-arrival Advising
• Tuition

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on this program, please visit Chilean Universities Program, Santiago on the IFSA website. You may also reach out to us at studyabroad@ifsa-butler.org and 800.858.0229.

Application Procedure:

STEP 1: Investigate Programs

Use the Program Finder to explore the more than 100 IFSA study abroad program options. For guidance selecting the best program for you, call 800.858.0229 or schedule a 15-minute consultation with our Engagement Specialist.

STEP 2: Apply to Study Abroad with a Specific Program

When you find the right program, select Apply Now. You will create an account in the IFSA Student Portal, following the instructions to provide additional information as requested. Based on the program you choose, you will have a dedicated IFSA Program Advisor to help you through the application process. The application wizard will populate with items that you can get started on right away.

STEP 3: Complete Application Items

Be sure to complete all of the application items no later than your program’s deadline. Your home university may have internal deadlines as well, so be sure to check with the study abroad office.

STEP 4: Submit Your Application

Once all application items in the portal are complete, your IFSA Program Advisor will process your application and let you know about how long an admissions decision will take.

Every application will require the following:

• An official transcript for all college and university work you have completed to date.
• A passport valid for six months after your program end date.
• Program approval from your home university.
• Additional items based on the program you choose.
• Some programs may require an academic recommendation from a professor.