Santiago, Chile

Politics, Social Justice & Language

Study Abroad

Program Options:

Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship

•

Length:

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level Spanish; enrollment in a Spanish course in the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Our Politics, Social Justice & Language program allows you to fully immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of Chile while studying the Spanish language and political topics. Explore the intricacies of the Chilean sociopolitical landscape: student activism, the arts as a form of resistance, human rights issues, and an impressive literary culture (via world-renowned authors like Pablo Neruda and Isabel Allende). Your studies and extracurricular adventures will without a doubt allow you to embark on a real-life case study of Chile’s thriving society.

Learn from Esteemed Faculty

IES Abroad courses are taught in Spanish by distinguished professors.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Add international work experience to your résumé with an internship.

Santiago Will Be Your Classroom

Our courses take advantage of the city’s many sites.

Study at a Local University

Choose from course options in a wide variety of disciplines.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

July 30 - December 13

Application Deadline:

Apr 11, 2024

Estimated Cost:

18,462

Program Dates:

Late February - Mid June

Application Deadline:

Nov 7, 2024

Program Advisor

Lindsay Smith

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level Spanish; enrollment in a Spanish course in the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Destination

Metropolitan Cathedral in Plaza de Armas, Santiago's main square

Why Santiago?

As the capital of Chile, a country with one of the strongest economies in Latin America, Santiago is the industrial and financial center. Home to more than 6.5 million people, Santiago is an ideal place to observe rapid development and its effects on culture and society. Experience first-hand how historic and modern architecture, fine and folk arts, a dynamic business sector, and fascinating history come together in this electrifying metropolis.

Learn More About Santiago

Get to Know Your New City

Bite Into a Chilean Empanada

Visit a panadería to try this savory local dish.

Hike Cerro Pochoco

Get a taste of the Andes Mountains right in Santiago’s backyard.

See the Street Art

Have lunch and stroll through the art-covered barrio of Bellavista.

Visit Sky Costanera for a 360° View of Santiago

Take an elevator to the top of Sky Costanera for the city's best views.

The Student Experience

Amanda Mohamed

Amanda Mohamed, Dec 30, 2023

San Pedro de Atacama & Paraguay

My trips in Atacama and Paraguay

Leaving Chile

Study Abroad Reflections

View All Blogs

Housing Information

Homestay
Residence Hall

Homestay

You'll live with a family or señora who helps facilitate your language learning and integration into Chilean society, and you'll have a room to yourself. Your homestay host provides two meals per day. Internet access and on-site laundry will be available.

Residence Hall

The student residence hall offers a study room, printing lab, gym, pool, and more. You'll have the option to live in a single room with your own bathroom (additional fee applies) or in a double room where you share a bedroom and bathroom with another student. In both options, you'll also have shared access to a living room and kitchenette. No meals are provided. Limited placements are available.

Academics

Partner Institutions

Students sitting outside and smiling at the camera. Trees and modern architecture are behind them.

PUC
UChile

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Chile’s largest private university, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), offers courses to international students in the disciplines below.

The campuses of PUC are located in different parts of the city, all very close to public transportation. The commute time from the IES Abroad Santiago Center to PUC is about 30 minutes by public transportation.

Visit Website

Universidad de Chile

The Universidad de Chile (UChile) is a prestigious public university known for its outstanding research initiatives and undergraduate curriculum.

The Universidad de Chile has six campuses and faculties around the city. The commute time from the Universidad de Chile to the IES Abroad Santiago Center is approximately 30 minutes by public transportation.

Visit Website

Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15–19 credits per semester.

IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits)
IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)
Spanish-taught courses at local universities (required* and optional, 3-5 credits each)
Community-based learning placement and seminar (optional, 4 credits)
Internship placement and seminar (optional, 4 credits)

Courses are listed by US fall (Chilean Semester II) and US spring (Chilean Semester I) semesters.

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.

*In order to receive visa sponsorship, you must take at least one course at PUC

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (14)

Anthropology (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AN 322 - Native Cultures	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Art History (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
LT/LS/AH 231 - Social and Political Role of the Arts in Chile and Latin America	Spring	Spanish	3

Economics (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
PO/IR/EC 342 - Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations	Fall	Spanish	3
EC 322B - The Transformation of the Chilean and Other Latin American Economies from the late 20th into the 21st Century	Spring	Spanish	3

Environmental Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
ES/SO 360 - Designing the Sustainable City	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Health Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
Health Studies Program Seminar - 395	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4

History (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
HS/PO 340 - Human Rights in Latin America	Fall	Spanish	3
PO/HS 372 - The Radical Tradition of Chile, Argentina, and Peru	Spring	Spanish	3

International Relations (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
PO/IR/EC 342 - Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations	Fall	Spanish	3

Internship Seminar (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CB/IN 395 - Internship and Community-Based Learning Seminar	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4

Latin American Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
LT/LS/AH 231 - Social and Political Role of the Arts in Chile and Latin America	Spring	Spanish	3

Literature (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
LT/LS/AH 231 - Social and Political Role of the Arts in Chile and Latin America	Spring	Spanish	3

Political Science (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
PO/IR/EC 342 - Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations	Fall	Spanish	3
HS/PO 340 - Human Rights in Latin America	Fall	Spanish	3
PO/HS 372 - The Radical Tradition of Chile, Argentina, and Peru	Spring	Spanish	3

Sociology (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
ES/SO 360 - Designing the Sustainable City	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Spanish (4)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
SP 320 - Spanish for Healthcare Practitioners	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 403 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 303 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 353 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4

Community-Based Learning (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CB/IN 395 - Internship and Community-Based Learning Seminar	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4

Partner Institution Courses

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC)

Santiago universities release their official course offerings just before the start of each semester. For this reason, you cannot officially register until you arrive on site. Some courses may require prerequisites or a qualifying interview, audition, or special exam. University course offerings vary by semester. The IES Abroad Santiago Academic Coordinator will work with you to discuss university course recommendations based on your Spanish level and home university requirements.

PUC usually requires a personal interview before approving course enrollment. Some courses have prerequisites.

Select Facultades y Carreras, then the link for your academic area of interest, and then Cursos. 

Visit Website

Universidad de Chile (UChile)

You may take any course at UChile provided you meet prerequisites.

Visit Website

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Santiago, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

Chiloé

3 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Visit Chile’s largest island to learn and experience more about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the tourism industry. And don’t miss your chance to see the cute penguins!

A student lies on a wall that says "we are not hippies, we are happies"

Valparaíso & Viña del Mar: Orientation

1 Day Fall, Spring & Summer

You will discover the culture of two of Chile’s most beautiful coastal towns: one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the other is home to one of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poets, Pablo Neruda.

Part-Time Internships

Placement Examples

Business

student teaching on a summer internship program

Education

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

Government & Politics

Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer in Santiago, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.

Past volunteer opportunities in Santiago include:

Indigenous Community Support

Working with low-income families of indigenous descent to strengthen culture

Technology & Translation

Providing tech support and practicing translation skills at a not-for-profit

Labor & Employment

Collecting and conducting data analysis to provide aid for contemporary labor issues

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition

14,465

Housing

3,405

Insurance

230

Total

18,100

Spring 2024

Santiago - Politics, Social Justice & Language Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$14,465
Housing & Meals	$3,405
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
Premium (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Premium Plus (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$230
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$18,100

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing & Meals
Premium Plus	$1,500
Premium	$750
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required Visa Extension fee (paid to Chilean Government upon arrival)	$100
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$900-2,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$50
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$2,100
Premium Plus Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$3,700
Premium Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$3,700
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$760
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$0
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,300
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

February 25 - July 12

Application Deadline:

Nov 9, 2023

Estimated Cost:

18,100

Fall 2024

Tuition

14,744

Housing

3,473

Insurance

245

Total

18,462

Fall 2024

Santiago - Politics, Social Justice & Language Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$14,744
Housing & Meals	$3,473
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
Premium (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Premium Plus (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$18,462

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing & Meals
Premium	$750
Premium Plus	$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Visa Extension fees	$100
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$800-1,500
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$30
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$3,000
Premium Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$5,200
Premium Plus Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$5,200
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$720
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$600
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

July 30 - December 13

Application Deadline:

Apr 11, 2024

Estimated Cost:

18,462

Academic Year 2024

Tuition

26,525

Housing

6,945

Insurance

550

Total

34,020

Academic Year 2024

Santiago - Politics, Social Justice & Language Academic Year Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$26,525
Housing & Meals	$6,945
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
Premium (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Premium Plus (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$550
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$34,020

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing & Meals
Premium	$1,500
Premium Plus	$3,000
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Student Visa	$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,000-1,800
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$60
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$6,000
Premium Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$10400
Premium Plus Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$10400
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$60-300
Local Transportation	$1,440
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$600-1,200
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$4,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

Late July - Mid July

Application Deadline:

Apr 11, 2024

Estimated Cost:

34,020

Spring 2025

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

IES Abroad Santiago Staff

María del Carmen Cortés Arce

IES Abroad Santiago Center Director

Read Full Bio

Caroline Dierksheide

Student Affairs Coordinator

Ángela Schaaf Gutierrez

Assistant Director & Academic Coordinator

Paola Riquelme

Administration & Finance Coordinator

Orientation

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

February 25 - July 12

Application Deadline:

Nov 9, 2023

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

July 30 - December 13

Application Deadline:

Apr 11, 2024

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Late July - Mid July

Application Deadline:

Apr 11, 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Late February - Mid June

Application Deadline:

Nov 7, 2024

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

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

Application Requirements

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Foreign Language Assessment — Fill out and sign the top portion of the PDF form and give the assessment form to a college-level language professor who has taught you in the target language.
Passport Copy — Submit a copy of your valid passport that expires no less than six months after to the end of the IES Abroad program.
Student Photo — Submit a photo of you taken within the last six months.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, include the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Professor Recommendation — The recommendation must include a professor's opinion of the applicant's academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country and any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, this essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.

Apply Now

Passport & Visa Requirements

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

Chile does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.

Once you arrive in Chile, you'll work with our staff to apply for a Student Visa.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email within two weeks.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes abroad?

The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.