CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Santiago, Chile

  Chile

• Santiago: 
Santiago

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Throughout the year 
Dates: Fall 22 weeks: mid-July-mid-December; Spring 21 weeks: mid-February-mid-July; Academic Year 52 weeks: mid-July-mid-July; Calendar Year 45 weeks: mid-February-mid-December

Description: The Liberal Arts program aims to provide students with first-hand knowledge of contemporary issues and cultural patterns in Chile, accomplished through an orientation program, supplemental cultural activities throughout the semester, and Chilean homestays. Its goals are also to meet the academic needs of students through direct enrollment at two outstanding universities in Santiago: the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile and the Universidad de Chile

Academic Program
Founded in 1992, the CIEE Study Center in Santiago, Chile provides a supportive environment for students who have at least six semesters of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent, to directly enroll in three of Chile's major universities. Given the array of disciplines and courses available to participants, the program is suitable for undergraduate students from a variety of majors with strong Spanish language skills. All courses are taught in Spanish. For academic year students, it is possible to obtain a Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile-issued Latin American Studies Certificate by studying and passing five courses eelated to Latin American studies.

The atmosphere of the three host universities is quite distinct in terms of socio-demographic backgrounds of the student bodies, their political leanings, size of classes, and infrastructure. The opportunity to enroll in more than one Chilean university is quite unique and provides insight into the diversity of the Chilean educational system.

Human rights Certificate- Upon successful completion of the Human Rights in Latin America and Chile and Recognition and Criminalization of Chilean Indigenous Rights courses, program participants qualify to receive a Human Rights Certificate. The Certificate is offered only to CIEE students by faculty from the School of Law at Universidad Central, one of the leading institutions in the study of human rights in Chile. Students can take just one as part of their regular course load.

Academic Culture
A great deal of emphasis is placed on memorization and note taking in most classes. It can take a while to learn how to study effectively in the Chilean system, especially in terms of acquiring reading material and knowing what professors expect. Chilean classmates are often an excellent source of help. Average class size is 20 to 30 students. The first semester of the Chilean academic year begins in March and ends mid-July, and the second semester begins in early August and ends in mid-December.

A yearlong program of study in Santiago can begin either during the North American fall (academic year program) or spring semester (calendar program). Academic year program of study in Santiago can begin either during the North American fall or spring semester. Academic year students who begin their study during the North American fall semester have a two and a half-month break between semesters and are encouraged to travel in Latin America or participate in the CIEE Intensive Language and Culture Program in Brazil. There is a break of about two weeks between the spring and fall semesters. Students may also choose to spend a second semester at the CIEE Study Center in Valparaíso, Chile.

Highlights:

• Interdisciplinary CIEE courses such as Historical Perspectives of Chile; Human Rights in 20th Century Chile; and Poverty and Development in Chile and Latin America, in addition to direct enrollment courses
  
• Non-credit community service and comprehensive internship opportunities in public and social service sectors
  
• Weekend field trips to nearby national parks including a long weekend in eco-tourism center, Pucón, with optional hiking, rafting, and outdoor activities

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes