“I think about my time abroad ALL THE TIME, and believe it or not, it comes up in almost all of my conversations. It truly was the best experience of my life!”
Application Deadline
FALL : April 1
SPRING : November 1
Min. gpa for consideration
2.50 GPA
Typical credit load
15
Housing
Homestay
Language of instruction
English
Spanish
Spanish
About Chilean Universities Program, Santiago
MAXIMUM CHOICE AND IMMERSION IN THE CAPITAL CITY
Learn among like-minded advocates and leaders in bustling Santiago, in the foothills of the majestic Andes Mountains. Explore a sophisticated city, emerging as a major economic and cultural center in Latin America, as you follow your penchant for business, politics, law, or social justice.
Designed so you can live like a Santiaguino, this program allows you to learn local customs from a carefully selected host family and learn alongside Chilean peers. Ideal for pre-law, political science, international relations, and business majors, with the freedom to choose classes from three of Latin America’s top universities: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile,* Universidad de Chile,* and Universidad Diego Portales. (*Some classes available in English).
Hoping to get closer to Santiago’s issues and challenges? Community-based learning opportunities make it easy to do that – and deepen your understanding of Chilean people.
Thinking ahead to life after college? Add a resume-enhancing internship or directed research for a great window into career possibilities, plus experience employers will value.
Communicating in the local language is key to cultural learning. That’s why you can also team up with a language partner for conversational practice and work with academic tutors throughout the semester.
Academics at Chilean Universities Program, Santiago
Courses
Looking for specific classes? Explore CHART, our exclusive class database — if the Chilean Universities Program, Santiago is pre-approved at your institution, you’ll find classes recently taken by other IFSA students.
SPPRING 2022
We offer semester study on the Chilean Universities Program in Santiago, where you’ll take classes alongside local students at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. 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
While in Santiago, you can opt to continue your Spanish language study. A mandatory pre-arrival language assessment will determine your appropriate language level. Based on your score, IFSA may require you to take a Spanish language class to support your academic success in Spanish-taught, direct-enroll classes. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
International Internship Seminar
All internships include participation in the International Internship Seminar, which uses a blended learning framework with online and in-person components. Online modules provide structured opportunities to reflect on the practical experience of the in-person internship in Santiago and further develop the professional skills needed for a successful transition from undergraduate coursework into a career or graduate school. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
To complete your course load alongside Chilean students at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, you can explore its online course catalog. Keep in mind that these listings are subject to change.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUCC)
Access PUCC’s online course catalog from the previous semester.
- You can browse by Primer Semestre (U.S. Spring) and Segundo Semestre (U.S. Fall).
- You can narrow down a search by “Escuela.”
- You will work with IFSA resident staff on a pre-arrival registration process, but all class schedules are provisional until you arrive in Chile.
View the list of all majors offered at PUCC.
- Click on a major (carrera) of your interest.
- Select the most recent year.
- This malla curricular (degree plan) will show you a list of courses required for that major at the university.
If a particular course you are looking for is not listed, contact your IFSA Admissions Counselor for more information. Course availability changes every semester.
FALL 2022
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: the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Chile and Universidad Diego Portales. 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
While in Santiago, you can opt to continue your Spanish language study. A mandatory pre-arrival language assessment will determine your appropriate language level. Based on your score, IFSA may require you to take a Spanish language class to support your academic success in Spanish-taught, direct-enroll classes. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
COMING FALL 2022 – Directed Research
This option offers the chance undertake field research on a contemporary issue of your interest. Students interested in doing any research in Santiago must take this course and meet the following criteria: advanced Spanish proficiency, a research topic related to an available local faculty guide, and completion of the academic research project form. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
International Internship Seminar
All internships include participation in the International Internship Seminar, which uses a blended learning framework with online and in-person components. Online modules provide structured opportunities to reflect on the practical experience of the in-person internship in Santiago and further develop the professional skills needed for a successful transition from undergraduate coursework into a career or graduate school. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
To complete your course load alongside Chilean students at our local partner universities, you can explore their online course catalogs. You can choose to take all your classes at one university or select a mix from all three. Keep in mind that these listings are subject to change.
Universidad de Chile (UChile)
Browse through classes offered in previous semesters.
- You can browse by Primer Semestre (U.S. Spring) and Segundo Semestre (U.S. Fall).
- Courses listed are not guaranteed to be offered for your time abroad, but this will give you a good idea of what can be offered.
- All course schedules are provisional until you arrive in Chile.
View the list of all majors offered at Universidad de Chile.
- Select a major (carrera) of your interest.
- Scroll down to the middle of the page for the “Programa de Estudio” and corresponding courses.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUCC)
Access PUCC’s online course catalog from the previous semester.
- You can browse by Primer Semestre (U.S. Spring) and Segundo Semestre (U.S. Fall).
- You can narrow down a search by “Escuela.”
- You will work with IFSA resident staff on a pre-arrival registration process, but all class schedules are provisional until you arrive in Chile.
View the list of all majors offered at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
- Click on a major (carrera) of your interest.
- Select the most recent year.
- This malla curricular (degree plan) will show you a list of courses required for that major at the university.
Universidad Diego Portales (UDP)
- Click here to access Universidad Diego Portales’ online course catalog.
- Click on the Facultad in which you are interested.
- On the top, left-hand side of the page, click on the link for the “Escuela” to see course listings.
- Under Carrera, click on the subject (i.e. Historia)
- Click on Malla Curricular to see the core classes for each major. UDP also offers elective classes which you will be able to see during the program orientation in Santiago.
If a particular course you are looking for is not listed, contact your IFSA Admissions Counselor for more information. Course availability changes every semester.
Direct Enroll Classes in English
While we’ve designed this program to facilitate Spanish language immersion, we understand that there are some specific courses that might be beneficial to your degree plan 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
Course Restrictions
As an IFSA student, you may enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and space is available. Additionally, you may enroll in open courses as long as you meet any prerequisites and have the adequate level of Spanish. There are no restricted departments for IFSA students at any of the three universities with which we work. You can choose to take all courses at one university or a course at multiple universities associated with the program.
Keep the following in mind:
- Yearlong courses are open only to students who plan on taking both semesters of the course.
- Some courses are only offered during certain semesters. If a course includes an odd number to denote the semester it will be offered (i.e. I, III, V, etc.), that means it will be offered during semester 1 (corresponds to the U.S. spring semester). Even numbers correspond to semester 2 (corresponds to the U.S. fall semester).
- Course syllabi may not be available until the beginning of your semester.
- Fine art, studio art and music courses may require an audition or a portfolio.
Internships & Experiential Learning
INTERNSHIP
In Santiago, you have the opportunity to participate in a part-time, credit-bearing internship at sites that may include Chilean NGOs, local corporations, or government organizations. Interning in Spanish will build your resume and immerse yourself in the professional culture of Chile.
Working with an IFSA seminar instructor and your on-site coordinator, you will complete an academic paper, earning 3 U.S. semester credit hours. The placement process begins with the submission of the Internship Interest Form upon acceptance into the program, and typically concludes with an in-person interview in Santiago.
Applicants are encouraged to be flexible as IFSA makes every effort to place interns at companies or organizations that match the organization's needs with your skills, experience, and goals, including but not limited to your Spanish language level and communication skills, prior professional experience, and work competencies. Your personal goals are also taken into consideration, so that the internship experience meets your expectations.
Internships may include opportunities to:
- Observe and implement initiatives to improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups.
- Work on a team to prepare proposals for media campaigns and meetings to elevate awareness on violence against women and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Examine and source historical archives on humanitarian crimes to understand the context and support efforts to raise awareness and support human rights.
- Assist and support differently abled children through educational and recreational activities.
- Participate in projects focused on eliminating the gender gap in social, political, and economic arenas.
- Coordinate interactive activities to strengthen the relationship between the indigenous community and society at large.
COMING FALL 2022 – DIRECTED RESEARCH
Engage in individualized field research with faculty experts in Santiago on an academic topic of interest. Regular meetings with faculty will assist in the formation and execution of research plans, and they will guide you on how to thoughtfully and critically integrate academic research with experiential learning. You will sharpen your written and oral communication skills through the development of articulate and comprehensive research that is respectful to the sensitivities of the local culture. For more detailed information and examples of previous student placements, contact your IFSA Admissions Counselor.
VOLUNTEERING
IFSA Santiago organizes non-credit bearing volunteer opportunities throughout the semester, usually as one-time activities or events. On occasion, more sustained involvement may be possible. Opportunities vary, but may include helping with after-school programs and arts and crafts workshops for disadvantaged children, playing games with senior citizens at nursing homes, or participating on teams building homes with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
Transcript
After you return to the U.S., IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. credit system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost.
Activities and Excursions
Program Activities:
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: We will use the city of Santiago as the frame to understand socioeconomic aspects of the city, urban sprawl, and the transportation network system.
- The Military Dictatorship and Human Rights: This activity will provide the political context of Chile during the ’70s and how this influenced the Chile of today. After a lecture on human rights, you will visit the Museum of Memory to understand the military government and its consequences from 1973–1990.
- Markets of Santiago-Food, Local Culture, and Supply Chain: An expert will address central issues surrounding the importance of food and the challenges of food distribution in a country that spans 4,000 miles in length and where geography affects food variety and availability. To complement the talk, the group will visit the Mercado Central and La Vega Central Market.
- Pandemic and the Economy: This event will engage you in a discussion about how the pandemic was handled and the effects it has had on the local economy. A guest lecturer will address specific issues around how the population lived through this worldwide event.
Program Excursions:
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:
- Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Trip: Leave the mountain valley of Santiago behind for a trip to the coastal, maritime communities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Touring downtown Valparaíso will allow for ample opportunity to compare and contrast it with big-city Santiago.
- Isla Negra Trip: On this day trip, you will get to explore the emblematic site where Nobel Prize recipient and poet Pablo Neruda spent the final years of his life.
Dates and Fees
Dates and fees
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Late July 2022
Program End Date
Mid-December 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Admissions Counselor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
est. $13,225
Housing
est. $3,250
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
est. $16,475
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$1,700
Meals
$75
Books and Supplies
$100
Local Transportation
$300
Visa
$200
Personal Expenses
$425
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
est. $2,800
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Late July 2023
Program End Date
Mid-December 2023
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Admissions Counselor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
est. $13,225
Housing
est. $3,250
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
est. $16,475
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$1,700
Meals
$75
Books and Supplies
$100
Local Transportation
$300
Visa
$200
Personal Expenses
$425
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$2,800
Program DatesProgram Start Date
March 2, 2022
Program End Date
July 23, 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Admissions Counselor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
$13,225
Housing
$3,250
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
$16,475
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$2,000
Meals
-
Books and Supplies
$40
Local Transportation
$325
Visa
$200
Personal Expenses
$815
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$3,380
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Late February 2023
Program End Date
Mid-July 2023
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Admissions Counselor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
est. $13,225
Housing
est. $3,250
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
est. $16,475
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$2,000
Meals
$0
Books and Supplies
$40
Local Transportation
$325
Visa
$200
Personal Expenses
$815
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
est. $3,380
Meet Your Admissions Counselor
What Our Students Say
Sierra Buscher
,
Lisa Vetyuhova
,
“The IFSA advisors were extremely communicative and made an effort to learn about my interests and career goals. I couldn’t be happier with my internship placement in Prague!”
Elizabeth Smith
,
“I asked the study abroad office at my college which provider they recommended. My college mentioned that IFSA has done a wonderful job in the past with in-person internships and said they would be best.”
Sofia Boucher
,
“I chose IFSA because they stressed not only the scholarly element of studying abroad but the benefits of cultural exposure.“
Karen Takemura
,
“I chose IFSA because they had an independent study component implemented in the program. My Cultural Anthropology professor also recommended me the IFSA ISLE program because I could study primates there.“
Marisa Iannitto
,
“I chose IFSA because I was impressed with how well it was organized, how accessible the staff was, and how immersive the program was. I also really liked that IFSA organized excursions, making it easier to see Costa Rica’s highlights and hidden treasures.“
Katie Steates
,
“I now have a new sense of independence that has certainly stuck with me, and it will continue throughout my life. I can finally cook for myself!“
Priscilla Guillen
,
“IFSA Peru offered cool classes relating to my majors as well as a host family. I really appreciated having the ability to live in a city (it was a first for me) with a host family and learn how to navigate the wild transportation to the uni and other places in Lima.“
Annie Ahn
,
“I chose to study abroad in Lima, Peru with IFSA because of its community-based research and volunteer opportunities. I thought it would be fascinating to see how social work functions in developing countries.“
Sarah Ratzlaff
,
“I chose IFSA because of the interesting classes offered, the ability to hold an internship while abroad, and the organized group field trip to Western China. It was incredible to be able to learn both inside and outside the classroom!“
Claire Birk
,
“I chose IFSA for the comfort and security of knowing there are staff members there to help. I was impressed and surprised by the amount of support we had at orientation and throughout the semester and the opportunities the IFSA staff provided!“
Lucas Graden
,
“IFSA was there to support me along every step of my study abroad decision. Pre-departure resources made planning and preparing so much easier, while also working to support me in understanding how my personal identity might affect my time abroad.“
Madeleine Ross
,
“I chose IFSA because they did so much more than just send me abroad or provide basic services. They gave me innovative strategies and professional support for preparing to study abroad and understand my culture holistically.“
Danielle McKay
,
“While in Wales, take every chance you can to go to the countryside, explore the hills, learn about the miners, eat the foods. This was everyday life for most people.“
Zenith Rai
,
“I chose IFSA for the freedom it gives to students as well as its emphasis on cultural immersion!“
Stacie Walsh
,
“I chose IFSA because I was able to participate in computer science courses with a tight-knit group in a beautiful, central, and historic city. I also expanded my network with a professional internship. IFSA sets students up to be successful!“
Avery Allen
,
“I chose IFSA because of their standout dedication to immersion and their commitment to allowing students to explore with independence.“
Zoë Lynch
,
“Going abroad in London meant I had to conquer the city myself. London will forever be my city because I chose it and chose to conquer it to the extensive level that I did.“
Lauren Mauney
,
“I ultimately chose IFSA because of its unique option to study at University of Oxford, which I have wanted to do for a long time. Also, the level of support and guidance that I received throughout the application process was unparalleled.“
Ally Klein
,
“IFSA was super organized and helpful in my entire journey! It was so easy to go through IFSA’s program and I would highly recommend them! They quickly answered any question I had and made the whole process very smooth! “
Diala Abboud
,
“I chose IFSA because I wanted to live with a host family and direct enroll in university as well. I also wanted a more focused program that would be able to help and communicate closely with me as an individual.“
Ethan Ackerman
,
“IFSA allowed me to take classes taught by Chinese professors from several local universities while also directly familiarizing us with urban China. I also got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel around central China through an IFSA-led trip!“
Danielle Lodge
,
“I don’t know what my abroad experience would have looked like if I hadn’t chosen IFSA, but I am confident that choosing IFSA helped to make my semester abroad the best it could be!“
Grace Smith
,
“IFSA simplified the process with stories from previous students, help with the application and class selection process. From the first information pamphlet, to the lifelong friends, and the comforting knowledge that there was always support available, IFSA was a gift to my time abroad.“
Rachel Fishman
,
“IFSA allowed us to have so much independence and flexibility, which allowed us to engage with the local culture and explore the city right from the start.”
Jackson Cannon
,
“The biggest thing I learned is the value of immersing oneself in a culture unlike that which you come from. Even though Australia speaks English, the culture has taught me to relax and take everything one step at a time.”
Theo Prentice
,
“I enjoyed the academic and personal freedom of my IFSA program. Being able to take whatever classes I wanted/needed in order to satisfy my requirements for major and what happened to interest me set the foundation for my study abroad experience.”
Sloan Livaccari
,
“For two years, I have tried to manage and exist with depression and anxiety. Coming to New Zealand enlivened me and gave me the tools to function and create the life I want and need. I was able to live somewhere for the first time away from family and friends and thrive in it. It allowed me to realize my potential and ability.”
Taruni Donti
,
“I think I’ve learned a lot about myself and my behavior—how I tend to act and react in situations. I’ve also become more assertive, courageous, and confident through this experience.”
Cole Wilsey
,
“My IFSA program was amazing. They really do a great job making sure you adjust well and are well equipped for your time abroad.”
Wilnaphekie Taloute
,
“Through IFSA, I learned to enjoy the small things in life, was able to better understand a culture different from mine, developed intellectually through independent study, and improved my Spanish.”
Anne Ridenhour
,
“The connections I made during my time in Scotland was the most enjoyable aspect of my IFSA study abroad abroad experience. Being part of the St. Andrews basketball team really facilitated my relationship with the campus and its students.”
Erin Harris
,
“Through my IFSA program, I volunteered at a travel startup where I initiated and developed a six-month lesson plan for the first English teaching program in a Mayan community, created a cost plan for program volunteers, and translated itineraries.”
