USAC in Santiago
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About this Program
Our Santiago, Chile program is ideal for students who wish to experience the charm and physical beauty of Chile. USAC students study intensive Spanish language and take complementary courses taught in English or Spanish in such subjects as political science, anthropology, economics, history, and the arts. Students who are qualified can apply for internships. The USAC program is located at the National University Andres Bello. Week-long field study tours and several field trips are organized by the USAC Chile Program staff members each semester giving you a chance to see and experience many of the country's historical, cultural, and scenic sites. The valley of Santiago is flanked on the east by the lofty Cordillera de Los Andes with its snow-covered peaks, and on the west by the Cordillera de la Costa. Santiago is a city of contrasts where historic colonial houses stand side-by-side with modern skyscrapers and tranquil plazas and parks create oases in the midst of urban bustle.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Spanish
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Study Center Program
- Volunteering Opportunities
- Apartment
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 12-18
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 4-6
- Credit Per Course: 3
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: University of Idaho or University of Nevada
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 18-27
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $0
- Spring Semester: $0
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to USAC on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by USAC. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (September to November): Mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F).
- Summer (December to February): Hot and dry, especially in central regions. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
- Autumn (March to May): Cooler and rainy in the south, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
- Winter (June to August): Cold, especially in the southern regions, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 12°C (32°F to 54°F).
Travel Resources
- Air: Major airports include Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez), Antofagasta, and Punta Arenas.
- Train: Limited train service; mainly used for regional travel, particularly between Santiago and Chillán.
- Public Transport: In cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, public transport includes buses and metro systems. Shared taxis, called "colectivos," are also common.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Iconic sites include Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Torres del Paine National Park, Atacama Desert, and the capital city of Santiago.
- Language: The official language is Spanish. English is spoken in some tourist areas, but proficiency varies.
- Festivals: Celebrations include Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day), the Tapati Festival (on Easter Island), and the Santiago International Film Festival.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Traditional dishes include empanadas, asado (barbecue), pastel de choclo (corn pie), curanto (seafood stew), and fresh seafood from the long Pacific coastline.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available in urban areas and tourist regions, but rural areas may have fewer choices.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Santiago: Av. Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago (Phone: +56 2 2330-3000)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Major cities like Santiago are increasingly accessible, with wheelchair-friendly public transport and accommodations, though rural areas may lack facilities for those with disabilities.
- LGBTQ+: Chile is progressive and accepting, particularly in urban areas. Same-sex marriage has been legalized, and the country has anti-discrimination laws in place. LGBTQ+ travelers will find supportive communities, especially in Santiago.
- Religion: Chile is predominantly Roman Catholic, but religious freedom is respected, and there is a growing diversity of Protestant and non-religious communities.
- Race & Ethnicity: Chile's population is a mix of indigenous peoples like the Mapuche, people of European descent, and immigrants, though indigenous communities may face social and economic disparities.
- Gender: Gender equality in Chile is progressing with strong legal protections and increasing female participation in various sectors, but traditional gender roles and wage gaps still influence society.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by USAC.
U.S. passport holders will not apply for a student visa prior to your departure. (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). You will, however, need to prepare documents to present to Immigration upon arrival in Chile. Immigration Officers at Border Control have the authority to grant or deny admission, and to decide on the duration a person may remain in the country. USAC will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in USAC’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.