Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment

  Chile

• All Other Areas in Chile: 
Temuco,  Putre,  Arica
• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Sept - Dec or Jan - May

Description: As migration and demographic shifts continue to transform the cultural composition of Chilean society, it is imperative that future professional health practitioners, policy makers and social activists gain an understanding of Latin American cultures within the health services field. Based in Chile's northern-most city of Arica, and including excursions to Tacna, Peru and the Mapuche territory in the southern part of the country, this program offers unique insight and exposure to healthcare politics in the region.

The program offers numerous opportunities for interaction with faculty members at the Universidad de Tarapacá, medical health professionals, local and national government health officials, urban and rural residents, herbalists, intercultural medicine practitioners, as well as local university students in both urban and rural settings. This interaction will contribute to students developing a comprehensive understanding of health and community welfare.

Highlights: Within South America, Chile has been recognized as having the highest quality of public health services validated by statistics, including the lowest mortality rates in the region. Recent public health policies have concentrated on family and community welfare by focusing on treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation. Epidemiological reports indicate a rise in nontransmittable diseases and mental health issues, and as a result health programs have been increasingly targeting issues such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, and schizophrenia. Traditional medicine is, however, still prominently practiced in territories where the indigenous population has a voice (Aymara in the north and Mapuche in the south), and the Chilean government has developed the Indigenous Health System.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: yes

Previous college-level coursework in public health, development studies, community or social sciences, or other related fields. At least four recent semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in Spanish as assessed by SIT .

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Chile Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 10-15

Scholarships are Available. About one-third of scholarship applicants receive financial assistance to participate in our programs. Only SIT Study Abroad participants can be considered for SIT Study Abroad scholarships. Awards generally range from $500 to $5,000.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932