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Immersion - Chile Universities

EAP's two host institutions in Santiago are among the top universities in the country and each has different strengths, which makes it possible for all UC students to advance their studies. With the Andes visible in the background, the stately architecture of 19th-century Europe mingles with towering skyscrapers in the expansive metropolis of Santiago. Ample parks in the downtown areas offer respite from the rush of the city. Santiago's many international research institutes, nongovernmental organizations, libraries, and museums enliven the city's intellectual scene and provide opportunities for independent study or internships. Access to these opportunities is well organized by the EAP Study Center. Public transportation is excellent within the city and throughout the country.

Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Course Opportunities

​This program offers regular university courses. Use the EAP Program Search Engine and the other links below to discover differences in academic strengths and organization between the two institutions.

Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
 

Units

​ILP: 3 to 4.5 UC upper-division quarter units
Term: 18 UC quarter units per semester

 Most students enroll in four courses per semester to meet the minimum unit requirement. All students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.

Language of Instruction

Spanish


Language Study

Spanish
The program begins with a three-week Spanish intensive language program (ILP). Spanish language study is available at the University of Chile, but not required during the semester.


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

​The Study Center in Santiago is particularly active in arranging internships and independent study opportunities for qualified students; it has one of the most extensive and well organized internship programs in Santiago, making internship placements possible in a wide variety of fields and activities. Internships and other special studies enable you to become better integrated in Chilean society while developing Spanish language skills in practical settings.

In the past, students have been placed in a wide variety of institutions including government ministries, research foundations, banks and business, human rights and women's rights groups, AIDS prevention and public health programs, and indigenous rights and ecology programs. Students have also participated in projects and conducted research in the fields of education, the arts, business and economics, environmental resource preservation, gender studies, and the documentation and preservation of local cultures. 

Find out more...

If you have a special interest, approach the Study Center staff after arrival with a proposed project plan to see if placement is possible.

Duration

​Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Fall :  
​late June to mid-December

Spring :  
​mid-January to mid-July

Year :  
​mid-January to mid-December

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You may extend your EAP participation from the spring option to the year or from the fall option to the spring. ​

Housing

ILP housing will be prearranged for you in a Chilean home in one of Santiago's most pleasant neighborhoods: Providencia, Nuñoa, or Las Condes. Hosts are carefully selected by EAP and most have received international students in the past. Following the ILP, you can choose to make your own housing arrangements. Options may include staying with a Chilean host family, renting a room in a private household or pensión (boarding house), or sharing an apartment or house with other students. You may live with a Chilean family, international students, or Chilean students.
​

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. In Santiago, an on-site UC faculty Study Center Director and experienced on-site staff help students integrate into Chilean culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
​
See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).​

Host Institutions

​Each of the two Chilean universities has its own particular strengths, but both universities are considered among the most prominent education institutions in Chile and Latin America. The academic calendars of both are based on a semester system that runs from March through December, with a semester break in late July. Each facultad (equivalent to a college or school) at the University of Chile may follow a slightly different calendar, which may stagger registration and term dates if you take courses across different departments or schools. If you seek further language training, you may enroll in advanced Spanish courses offered at the University of Chile.

To select a university, you may indicate your preference for either the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile or the University of Chile on your EAP application. To ensure that you are placed at the university that will best meet your academic needs, final placement is made by the Study Center Director. The final placement is based on your academic interests as listed on your application and the availability and academic strengths of each university.
 

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago
The Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, known simply as La Católica, is a highly ranked private institution of approximately 16,000 students, including more than 600 international students. La Católica offers strong academic course work in most disciplines. With a unified central administration, it functions much like a US university even though its 16 facultades (roughly equivalent to a college or school) are distributed on four campuses throughout Santiago. Most of these campuses are near subway stops, and the EAP Study Center is located at the Campus Oriente.
 
 

University of Chile, Santiago

University of Chile, Santiago
Home to many of Chile’s major scholars, the University of Chile is a top research institution that enrolls over 17,000 students. The university is located on several campuses spread throughout Santiago and offers unique academic opportunities in many fields. Course work is available in agronomy, architecture, anthropology, biology, economics, history, international relations, Latin American studies, language and linguistics, and programs of drama and dance. Some disciplines are better organized and have more resources than others, so it is best to review your plans with the EAP Study Center after arrival in Chile.
 

Estimated Cost

​
Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2011-12. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2011-12 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
  • Round-trip transportation from California
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at host institution in Santiago
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation at Campus Oriente
  • Intensive language program instruction and homestay
  • Estimated room and board for the semester
  • Excursions to Villa Grimaldi, El Teniente mine, and Neruda's houses
  • Additional excursions organized by the Study Center to a choice of destinations
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Year
  • $18,900
  • $16,400
  • $27,900
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

Spanish
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 2 years (6 quarters / 4 semesters) with a minimum language GPA of 2.85.

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: