College of Charleston in Santiago, Chile
Program Overview
The College of Charleston study abroad program in Santiago, Chile is designed for students who major or minor in Spanish or who are interested in earning up to 12 credit hours of upper level Spanish. It is also designed for students who major or minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies or International Studies, or for students from any academic discipline interested in developing fluency in Spanish and maintaining normal progress towards graduation.
Program Dates
August 30 - December 8, 2012
Program Director
TBD
Program Requirements
- Interested students must have completed, or be currently registered in, at least one 300 level Spanish course (SPAN313, etc.) prior to participating in the program
- Students must have at least a 2.5 overall GPA
- Students must either already possess a valid passport or be able to obtain a valid passport
- A student visa issued from the Consulate of Chile is required for the program
Program Highlights
There are many opportunities for students while studying for a semester in Chile. One of the program highlights is that students live with Chilean families during their semester in Santiago. The families are selected by staff that work for the College of Charleston in Santiago, and placement is based on answers provided by students on a questionnaire. Living with families provides students a great opportunity to learn about Chilean life and culture.
During the semester, students will take two excursions as group to locations that provide rich cultural and historical experiences. The first excursion is to Peru in early October. Students will spend approximately one week visiting the cities of Lima, Cuzco, and touring one of the wonders of the world, Macchu Picchu. The second planned excursion is in early Noveber to a small city, Pucon, located in southern Chile near Lake Villarrica and the Volcano Villarrica. Here students will experience various outdoor adventures.
Courses Offered
Students must enroll in at least 12 hours (4 courses) while in Santiago, to maintain their full-time student status at the College of Charleston. The courses offered are actual College of Charleston classes; therefore students will earn grades just as they would if they were offered on-campus. Grades earned will factor into the student's GPA at the College. Classes are held at the Universidad Diego Portales (UDP), one of Chile's finest institutions, located in the center of Santiago. All courses are taught by faculty at UDP. Classes are generally held Monday-Thursday each week, providing students long weekends to explore Santiago and to travel throughout Chile and Latin America.
Courses taught in Spanish (tenative)
- Spanish 320: Introduction to the Study of Hispanic Literature
- Spanish 326: Latin American Civilization and Culture I
- Spanish 328: Spanish Language Study Abroad
- Spanish 344: Advanced Grammar and Lexicon
- Spanish 372: Survey of Spanish American Literature II
- Spanish 490: Special Topics in Hispanic Literature: Chilean Theater, study and Practicum
Courses taught in English
- LACS 104: Introduction to Contemporary Chile
- POLS 321: Politics of Latin America
Note: Students should meet with their academic advisors to verify which courses meet the requirements for their major or minor.
Program Costs
Students will pay their normal College of Charleston semester tuition plus a program fee. The program fee of $5,600 (estimated for Fall 2012) includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Charleston to Santiago, Chile
- Housing with Chilean families
- Two (2) meals a day provided by the families
- Comprehensive international medical insurance
- International Student ID Card (ISIC Card)
Also included in the program fee is the cost for the two planned program excursions, including travel, lodging, two meals a day, and entrances into sites/museums.
Additional costs NOT covered by the tuition and program fee are:
- Passport fees
- Student visa fees
- One meal per day not covered by the family or during excursions
- Any personal travel and personal expenses/spending money during the semester
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Any financial aid a student currently utilizes at the College of Charleston will apply for their semester abroad in Santiago, Chile (i.e. Life scholarship, Presidential scholarship, Academic scholarships, Federal student loans and grants, etc.).
Additionally, the Center for International Education awards semester study abroad scholarships that are worth up to $2000. Click here to learn more and for application materials.
Application Process
Application deadline is April 13, 2012 for the Fall 2012 program. Students must submit a completed study abroad application to Julie Swigert, Study Abroad Coordinator, at the Center for International Education. Applications can either be picked up at the CIE office or downloaded from our website. A $250 deposit will be posted to the student's MyCharleston account once the application has been submitted to and approved by the CIE.
