IFSA Chilean Universities Program, Santiago

We offer semester study on the IFSA Chilean Universities Program in Santiago, where you’ll take classes alongside local students at two different universities: the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad 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
Language of Instruction: Spanish
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)

Directed Research
Language of Instruction: Spanish
This class offers a unique opportunity for students to delve deeply into host context research projects. Students will be guided through projects that are both feasible in the study abroad context and relevant to their broader intellectual interests. The class is structured through regular individual meetings with a faculty mentor to discuss the formation and execution of a research plan and, depending on the specific project, the possibility to conduct field- or internet-based research. At the end of the semester, students present a formal research paper. Research opportunities are conducted in Spanish. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Internship Seminar
Language of Instruction: English
All internships include participation in the International Internship Seminar, which covers 15 hours of online asynchronous Canvas modules to provide structured opportunities to reflect on the practical experience of the internship, learn more about your host country’s business culture, and further develop the professional skills needed for a successful transition from undergraduate coursework into a career or graduate school. Plus, you will engage with an online global cohort of IFSA internship participants, gaining exposure to business cultures around the world. Internships are conducted in Spanish. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

CHART Your Course
Find the classes you need fast with CHART. Our easy-to-use tool shows you classes recently taken by IFSA students.

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 both. 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.

If a particular course you are looking for is not listed, contact your IFSA Enrollment 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 classes 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. Since class offerings change from term to term, check with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for class availability. Previously classes have included:

• Comparative Constitutional Law
• Environmental Economics
• Latin American Politics and World Affairs
• Strategic Alliances, Mergers, and Acquisitions
• The Chilean Political Crisis: Tools for Political Analysis

Lab & Field Trip Fees
Please review syllabi and course materials when registering for direct-enroll classes. Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee disclosed in the syllabus or during the first meeting of the class. These fees are not included in your IFSA program fee. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.

Language Requirement
To enroll in Spanish-taught classes, an internship, or directed research, you must have a specific language level. Please visit our Language Requirements page for more details. If you have questions about whether you qualify, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.

Class 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. You can choose to take all classes at one university or a class 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.

At the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUCC), the following academic restrictions apply for visiting study abroad students:

Architecture
Only 25 non-degree seeking students are admitted to this faculty. There is an internal selection process that requires each candidate to submit a portfolio of their work.

Art
Classes are limited to art majors and students pursuing art degrees. Practical classes require a materials fee for which the student is responsible, ranging from $120 to $175 per class.

Drama
Students interested in practical classes must submit a video of themselves performing in a scene or monologue in Spanish for review and consideration.

Health Sciences
Students may join theoretical classes in Nutrition, Applied Linguistics, and Physical Therapy as long as they meet testing requirements and have been specifically authorized. Internships in these specific areas are not available to non-degree seeking students.

Marine Biology
These classes are not available to non-degree seeking students.

Music
Students can join musical theory and appreciation classes, though practical classes are not available for non-degree seeking students.

Nursing
These classes are not available to non-degree seeking students.

Physical Fitness
Students must provide their own equipment, which varies depending on the nature of the course or sport involved.

INTERNSHIPS
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 are conducted in Spanish.

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.

DIRECTED RESEARCH
Engage in individualized field research with faculty experts on a contemporary issue 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. Research opportunities are conducted in Spanish. For more detailed information and examples of previous student placements, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.

New country, new way of learning!

Here’s what to expect at Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile:

• Common to have a large lecture class complemented by a smaller tutorial/lab for introductory-level classes.
• More emphasis on independent learning. More self-directed learning outside of class. Coursework outside of the classroom can vary per host institution. You will receive finalized syllabi once on-site.
• The universities follow strict policies and deadlines.
• Grades are often based on a single final exam or final paper, or on just a few assignments. Final exams are typically 30–35 percent of total grade.
• Grade inflation and curving are uncommon; fewer students get exceptional grades.
• Strong focus on critical analysis with supporting resources documented.
• Students cannot audit courses.
• Full access to the universities’ robust academic support system and resources: libraries, IT support, orientations, medical emergencies, class assistants. IFSA local staff are also available for individual help.
• More information can be found in the IFSA Student Portal under Resources – Helpful Documents and Links and Academics.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
• You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
• You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
• Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.

Recommendation Letter
Not required. An internship site may request a reference letter before placement is finalized.

Language Requirement
Four (4) semesters of college-level Spanish or an Intermediate II level proficiency is required.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.