“I chose IFSA for the freedom it gives to students as well as its emphasis on cultural immersion!“
Application Deadline
FALL : April 1
SPRING : November 1
ACADEMIC YEAR : April 1
Min. gpa for consideration
2.75 GPA
Typical credit load
15
Housing
Home Stay
Language of instruction
Spanish
About Chilean Universities Program, Santiago
Mix and match classes from among Latin America's top universities for business, history, sociology (and more) during the day, while taking in a vibrant, modern art scene by night. Want to be part of the café culture while working on research? You'll find yourself at home in Santiago!
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.
We offer semester and full year study on the Chilean Universities Program in Santiago, where you'll take classes alongside local students at up to 3 different universities: the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Chile and Universidad Diego Portales. To complement your learning, we offer an exclusively-designed program course and a directed research project option. 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: Grammar, Composition and Conversation (4 U.S. semester credit hours) This mandatory Spanish class is designed for especially for IFSA students on the Chilean Universities Program in Santiago. The main objective of this course is improving communicative competence and precision in speaking, listening, reading and writing (both formally and informally), while also taking integrating elements of Latin American and Chilean culture. Chilean instructors teach the course, which lasts the duration of the semester.
- Directed Research Project (6 U.S. semester credit hours): Students who have a special interest in a particular subject area may opt to complete a directed research project. By working closely with IFSA staff and Chilean university faculty members, students will be able to develop a substantial research project by the end of the semester. Students will attend methodology seminars and meet with their research sponsor during the semester.
To complete your courseload alongside Chilean students at our local partner universities, you can explore each of the three universities' online course catalogs. Keep in mind that these listings are provisional.
Universidad de Chile
Browse through classes offered in previous semesters.
- You can browse by Primer Semestre (US Spring) and Segundo Semestre (US 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 U.Chile.
- Select a major (carrera) of your interest.
- Scroll down to the middle of the page for the "Programa de Estudio" and corresponding courses.
Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile
Access PUCC's online course catalog from the previous semester.
- You can browse by Primer Semestre (US Spring) and Segundo Semestre (US Fall).
- You can narrow down a search by "Escuela."
- All course 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
Universidad Diego Portales
- Click here to access UDP's 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 Santaigo.
If a particular course you are looking for is not listed, contact your program advisor for more information. Course availability changes every semester.
*Students can choose to take all of their classes at one university or can divide them up between any of the three universities.
Courses taught in English:
We think you should be living your life in Spanish (after all, you're in Chile!), but we understand that there are some specific courses that might be beneficial to your degree plan in English. Our partner, the Universidad del Chile offers a portfolio of Business and Economics classes taught in English alongside Chilean degree-seeking students. You will only be permitted to enroll in one of these, and our resident director will discuss your options (and how to register) when you arrive.
Example courses:
- Finance 1 & 2
- Human Resources Management
- Intercultural Business Challenges in Latin America
- Globalization Treaties and Trade Agreements
- Latin America in the World's Affairs: Strategic Alliances
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Business Intelligence and Analytics Database Application
- Micro & Macro Economics
- Business Skill Sets for a Thriving Global Environment
- Marketing Metrics
- International Management
*If you think you may want to take one of these courses, be sure you have permission from your home college academic advisor to take a course in English while in Chile.
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.
Experiential Learning
DIRECTED RESEARCH
Each semester, a small number of highly qualified participants in our programs opt to conduct in-depth research on a contemporary issue of their choosing. Students work closely with IFSA staff to hone their proposals and identify suitable faculty sponsors to guide their work. Before students begin to conduct interviews and collect data, they attend two mandatory sessions on research methodology taught by a local faculty member. During the course of their research, students are also required to meet with their faculty sponsor every 15 days to assess progress and garner further advice.
Click here to download more specific information regarding the optional Directed Research opportunity.
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.
EXCURSIONS
Program Activities:
Program activities are designed to enhance your intercultural competence by developing your understanding of the local culture and people. They are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. Activities vary each term based on availability, but previous events have included Santiago city tours, a vineyard harvest tour, a visit to poet Pablo Neruda’s Isla Negra home, or an exploration of the city street art.
Program Excursions:
IFSA Excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. Excursions vary each term based on availability. Typically, students participate in a long weekend trip to the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Day trips in the region allow you to explore the desert, salt flats, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs.
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 Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
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
$370
Books and Supplies
$65
Local Transportation
$195
Visa
$200
Personal Expenses
$590
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$3,120
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Late July 2021
Program End Date
Mid-December 2021
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
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
$370
Books and Supplies
$65
Local Transportation
$195
Visa
$200
Personal Expenses
$590
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$3,120
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Late February 2022
Program End Date
Mid-July 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
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
$115
Books and Supplies
$45
Local Transportation
$350
Visa
$210
Personal Expenses
$1,290
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$4,010
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Late July 2021
Program End Date
Mid-July 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
Coming Soon!
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
-
Meals
-
Books and Supplies
-
Local Transportation
-
Visa
-
Personal Expenses
-
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
Please check with your IFSA Program Advisor for personal costs.
Potential Additional FeesMeet Your Program Advisor
What Our Students Say
Zenith Rai
,
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.“
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!“
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’ve learned about the culture my family comes from, more about the world in general, and the different ways there are to simply live. Above all, 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.”
Unpacked: Student Stories
