Chile: Social, Economic, and Political Transformation

  Chile

• Valparaiso: 
Valparaiso

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: September to December/February to May

Description: Chile's economic development has been influenced by its fascinating historical trajectory, unique geographical situation, natural resource diversity, political dynamics, and social realities. Though often cited as a model economy of the South, Chile's integration with the global economy has not been without painful adjustment and resistance. The lessons that can be drawn from the Chilean case extend far beyond the nation's borders.

This program examines the political and social bases for Chile's export-oriented economy, including alternative responses to economic change. Your interdisciplinary seminar in the capital city of Santiago is complemented by field excursions to sites of local industry, forestry, mining, and nontraditional agricultural export production. Opportunities to meet with union activists, policy analysts, government officials, and community organizers further advance your understanding of the social, political, and environmental aspects of Chile's economic system.

Highlights: The program includes visits to several businesses, non-governmental organizations, and social institutions in the Santiago region, as well as field trips to a northern copper-producing region near Antofagasta, the forestry region near Concepcion, and the agro-industrial complex in the Maule region. Sessions are conducted with local faculty, industrial representatives, labor and community leaders, and governmental representatives.

A stay with a Mapuche community provides opportunity to consider different visions of development.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Chile Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship 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