Santiago, Chile

Summer - Internship

Full-Time Internship
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay

Credits:

3 or 6 per Summer

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English

Language Prerequisites:

None; Spanish knowledge preferred for select placements

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Internship

Before you depart, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter, hone your networking and interviewing skills, and prepare for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed an unpaid internship in Santiago, where you'll intern at a local business or organization working at least 32 hours per week.  

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Academic Internship Seminar

Enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar.

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Personalized Placements

We help you find a match aligning with your goals.

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Spanish Language Course

Enrolling in a 3-credit Spanish language course.

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Cultural Events & Day Trips

Spend your free time getting to know Santiago through field trips.

Internship Program Advisor

Alexis Watson headshot

Alexis Watson

Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare for your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, 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  ✉️ internships@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

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

Why Santiago?

Witness the continued economic growth that has transformed this capital city into a financial, political, and cultural hub for Chile and South America. Our program guarantees you an internship placement to help you develop professional skills that will jump-start your career and make you more attractive to employers in today’s competitive job market. IES Internships’ unpaid, academic internships place Santiago interns at local companies, while also showing them the sights and sounds of Chile.

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

While your priority may be gaining professional experience, we also know how important it is to build community where you can reflect and learn about the work world with other students. That's why--during your semester--we offer placements in a wide range of disciplines, and a supplemental required 3-credit seminar.  

Before you go, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter, and hone your communication and interview skills as we prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed a placement at a local business or organization that fits your professional interests.

To supplement the real-life work experience you'll receive during your internship, you will also participate in a required 3-credit internship seminar. You should work with your current college or university to learn about how this credit will transfer back to your school. 

Placement Examples

a student plays rock, paper, scissors with children in Cape Town

Charities & Nonprofits

NGO providing high-quality education to lower-income populations in Santiago.

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

Government & Politics

Government agency committed to transportation safety and standards.

tourists visiting an art museum in Rome

Art & Culture

University archive focusing on Latin American documents and art.

Courses

While working in Santiago, you’ll also enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in the workplace.

Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, resolving conflicts, understanding new cultures, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Santiago and when you return home.

You may also enroll in an optional 3-credit Spanish language course taught at the IES Abroad Santiago Center. 

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)

Internship Seminar (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.

Learn More
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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. 

Internship 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
$
4,225
Housing
$
1,990
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
6,350

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.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

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.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin your internship with activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, reflective coursework, and support from our dedicated student staff.
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.
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.

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 02 - July 28

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)
  • At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
  • Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 12 months after their graduation date (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
  • Non-US citizens attending school outside the US: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
    • Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam.
  • Previous study of the Spanish language is not required; 4 or more semesters of college-level coursework, basic comprehension and conversational ability is strongly recommended for competitive placements.

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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