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Chilean Universities

Program Overview

UCEAP's two host institutions in Santiago, the University of Chile and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, are the top universities in the country, and all UC students can find what they need at one or the other.
 
On a clear day in Santiago, the Andes are visible in the background, and the stately architecture of 19th-century Europe mingles with towering skyscrapers in this expansive metropolis.
 
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. Public transportation is excellent within the city and throughout the country.
 
Join the EAP students who "sand-board" in the Atacama Desert or backpack through the peaks of Patagonia!
 
Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Language of Instruction

Spanish


Language Study

 
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.


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. ​


Extracurricular Activities

​Santiago, Chile has for many years been an important center for public and private organizations devoted to health and development. The UCEAP Study Center in Santiago is especially well organized to place UC students in internships. Some 75% of all program participants engage in internship activity, either to replace a course or for partial units.

Through UCEAP’s internship placements, students work hands-on with women’s health organizations, indigenous health issues, construction of housing in underserved areas, environmental agencies, Christian social agencies, and many others as a complement to their courses in development studies, economics, social work, and other social sciences.

Volunteer activities outside the academic program are also an option.



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.
 
EAP has a long relationship with both host universities; Study Center staff have years of experience in assisting UC students to reach their goals. ​

Meet our staff...
 
See the EAP Program Guide 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).​
​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. The EAP Intensive Language Program (ILP) precedes each semester. 
 
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.
 
Click on the host institution links at the end of this page to learn more about each university and decide which one you will choose when it comes time to apply!
 

Host Institutions


Select a host institution for specific information on courses and credits.
* Indicates quarter term
Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

Use the following resources to familiarize yourself with the EAP catalog or go directly to the specific links below to learn more about the host institutions, courses and credit:
 
  • EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
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  • MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.

Units

ILP: 3 to 4.5 UC upper-division quarter units ~ 2 to 3 semester units
Term: 18 UC quarter units per semester ~ 12 semester units
 
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.
​
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 below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall2522.515$8,750$9,750
Spring2522.515$8,750$10,750
Year4640.527$15,150$18,350
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

​
These expenses are estimated for 2011-12. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2011-12 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
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
While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

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.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and 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.