The Santiago Study Abroad Program offers students the opportunity to pursue 15-19 credits in their designated fields of study through direct enrollment at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and the Universidad de Chile. Students will also be able to take advantage of courses, staff, facilities and cultural excursions offered by IES Abroad. While in Santiago, the political and financial capital of Chile, students will experience first-hand Chile’s rapidly developing economy and unique artistic and political traditions.
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Admissions requirements for all programs
- Students must also meet eligibility requirements for IES Abroad:
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins- some local university courses may not be available to sophomores
- 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
- Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date
Curriculum
Politics, Social Justice & Language Track
Students may enroll in a combination of courses offered by the IES Abroad Politics, Social Justice & Language Program and courses offered by local host universities.
Required Courses
- One IES-Taught Spanish Language Course
Elective Courses
Students can enroll in a combination of courses offered by IES Abroad, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), and University of Chile (UChile)
Health Studies Track
Students may enroll in a combination of courses offered by the IES Abroad Health Studies Program and courses offered by local host universities.
Required Courses
- Spanish for Health Care Practitioners
- Health Studies Program Seminar
Elective Courses
Students can enroll in a combination of courses offered by IES Abroad, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), and University of Chile (UChile)
IES Abroad Courses
- Social and Political Role of the Arts in Chile and Latin America
- Native Cultures
- The Transformation of the Chilean and Other Latin American Economies from the late 20th into the 21st Century
- Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations
- Human Rights in Latin America
- The Radical Tradition of Chile, Argentina, and Peru
- Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad
- Spanish for Healthcare Practitioners
- Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad
- Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad
Housing & Student Services
Homestays
- You live with a family or señora who helps facilitate your language learning and integration into Chilean society. Your homestay host provides two meals per day. Internet access and on-site laundry will be available.
Residence Halls
- The student residence hall offers a study room, printing lab, gym, pool, and more. You have the option to live in a single room with your own bathroom or in a double room where you share a bedroom and bathroom with another student. In both options, you also have shared access to a living room and kitchenette. No meals are provided. Limited placements are available.
Program Dates
- Fall: late-July to mid-December
- Spring: mid-February to early-June
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester: February 15
- Spring Semester: October 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
In addition to completing the standard BU Study Abroad application, students must apply through the IES Abroad online system. The IES Abroad application may not yet be available for your chosen semester.
Please note: Non-U.S. citizens must contact BU Study Abroad prior to submitting an application
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2023/2024 Tuition & Fees: $25,915
Cost includes tuition, housing, program related activities, administrative fee, overseas medical insurance and emergency evacuation coverage. - Budget sheet, including cost of living expenses
- Grants and Scholarships available
