Overview

The CIEE program in Santiago is a supported enrollment program offered during the fall, spring, and academic year to students with at least 6 semesters of Spanish. Students are able to take a wide variety of courses from three different local universities. Students live with Chilean homestay families to deepen their intercultural experience.

For the most up-to-date information about this program, please click here

Academic Program

This program is designed for students with a strong command of the Spanish language from most majors. After an initial course on Contemporary Chile, students enroll in a language class, and regular university classes alongside of their Chilean peers. Students may take classes at the Universidad de Santiago, USACH, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, "la Católica," and the Universidad de Chile, "la Chile" for a wide array of educational setting and course options. The opportunity to enroll in more than one Chilean university is quite unique and provides insight into the diversity of the Chilean educational system.

Please note that the first semester of the Chilean academic year begins in March and ends mid-July, and the second semester begins in mid-July and ends in mid-December.

Program Features

While in Santiago, students live with carefully selected host families.  Housing, three meals per day, and laundry services are included in the program fee. 

Studens take two weekend study  trips—one to the northern-most region of Chile, where students will visit the coastal city Iquique and the Tarapacá Desert; and another excursion to the 9th Region in southern Chile where students will learn about the Mapuche culture through intercultural and volunteer activities. Students are also about to participate in community service, non-credit internships, and volunteer opportunities and can get involved with the local community through volunteer projects, campus groups, and activities.

For Columbia student evaluations of the program, please: Click here

 

Eligibility

All students should consult the OGP eligibility page to ensure that they meet all specific academic requirements for each school (CC, GS, SEAS) to study abroad.

Application Instructions

There is a two-part application process for this program: an internal Columbia approval process called 'clearance' and an external admission application submitted directly to this program. Click "Start an Application" above for instructions and to begin.