Santiago, Chile

Summer - Health Studies

Study Abroad
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay

Credits:

7 per Summer

Language of Instruction:

Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

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

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

You will participate in a Health Studies Seminar and improve your communication skills through a Spanish course for health care practitioners. 

All courses are conducted in Spanish and designed for students with advanced language skills. In addition, the program provides opportunities for holistic growth, including activities that will enhance your interpersonal and intercultural learning while in Chile. 

The observation aspect of the program has two distinct tracks to choose from: through Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) or EPES, a community health NGO. 

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Clinical Observation

Observe patient care in diverse health care facilities.

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Health Care Seminar

Understand the state of Chile’s community-centered public health.

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Travel in Chile

Join an IES Abroad field trip.

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Cultural Events & Activities

Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Santiago.

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

June 10 - July 27

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
7,633

Program Advisor

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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

About the Destination

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

Why Santiago?

Santiago is the capital of Chile, a country with one of the strongest and most diverse economies in South America. Because Chile has a community-centered public health care system, studying in Santiago allows you to gain public health-related experience and an appreciation for culturally based health care practices.

Learn More About Santiago

Get to Know Your New City

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Bite Into a Chilean Empanada

Visit a panadería to try this savory local dish.

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Hike Cerro Pochoco

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

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See the Street Art

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

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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

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Housing

Students sit around a patio table with their host family at a Santiago homestay.
  • Homestay

Homestay

You'll 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.

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible, which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

We offer unique courses that explore Spanish language, Chilean health, and culture through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. 

Courses

To supplement your classroom learning, this program has a uniquely immersive component where you will participate in clinical observations at medical facilities.  According to the Chilean Ministry of Health, this means you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including two booster shots (four doses total).

You'll enroll in the following two required courses: 

  • HL395 Health Studies Program Seminar (required, 3 credits)

    This course includes a seminar and an observation component. The seminar examines the global perspectives of Chilean health and health care systems and provides the framework for your clinical experience. For the clinical observation component, you will observe clinical practices in public and private healthcare settings, or rural healthcare settings. Experience and study the diverse responsibilities held by a variety of health care professionals. You have two options for the practicum:  Clinical Observation (visit private and public clinics/hospitals and interact with different health care professionals) or Community Health (Work with a non-profit organization that works in underprivileged neighborhoods to promote health education and improve living conditions. You will be matched according to your skills and experience).

  • Spanish for Healthcare Practitioners (required, 4 credits)

    This intensive Spanish language course reviews fundamental aspects of culture and grammar and introduces you to vocabulary related to health care in Chile. The course will allow you to improve your Spanish in a Chilean health care context, further preparing you for a successful experience in this program. 

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

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.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (2)

Health Studies (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
HL 395 - Health Studies Program Seminar Summer Spanish 3
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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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. 

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.

Summer 2024

Tuition
$
5,843
Housing
$
1,655
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
7,633

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.  

The IES Abroad Santiago Center is located in Providencia, a vibrant residential neighborhood in central Santiago. Whether you’re in between classes, studying in the open-air courtyard, or eating in the shared kitchen and dining area, the Center is your study abroad hub.   

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Santiago
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Santiago. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Santiago before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

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

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CISI International Health Insurance

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

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24/7 Emergency Support

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

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

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

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Location-Specific Information

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

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

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

Program Dates

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

June 10 - July 27

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent 
  • Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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