About The Program
As a student at the University of Chile, you'll have opportunities to explore and connect with all of Chile's cultural and ecological treasures. Study alongside Chilean students in Spanish in almost any subject or, for Business or Economics majors, take coursework in English. Attending La Chile (as the University of Chile is known) is a deep dive into the heart and soul of Chilean intellectual, social and political life. Each one of its 14 facultades—departments are called—operates autonomously so you can get to know an different educational system. This is an independent experience, but you have full access to the support of the UCEAP Study Center in Santiago.
Where you'll study
Most Chilean thought leaders—including presidents and Nobel Prize-winning poets—are alumni of La Chile, as the University of Chile is known. Serving all majors, this top research institution allows you to craft your own course schedule. The university has five campuses and many interdisciplinary centers spread throughout Santiago and the country. Fostering a culture of sustainability and a commitment to social justice, the University of Chile is attractive to students who want to solve critical national issues like constitutional reform, climate change adaptation, renewable energy development, and engineering for earthquakes across the world. Using the city of Santiago as your home base, you can explore the breadth of Chile's landscapes from the towering Andes mountains to deep green forests and turquoise lakes. Within the city, cultural venues like museums, theaters, and sports centers complement the immersive education you’ll receive in class.
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TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
The study center arranges field trips and activities to introduce the local culture and special features of your host country. There may be other optional excursions, which you can explore after arrival.
Trip to Cartagena
Orientation includes a tour in Santiago
Ceramics workshop in Pomaire
Trip to an indigenous Mapuche house
Intern in an organic garden
From The Californian Abroad
Standing in front of a class and teaching in Spanish for an hour was a great way to improve my language level and increase my confidence. I also gained more clarity on the roles and responsibilities of a teacher. To experience the dynamics of a classroom was a goal I was able to achieve through my internship abroad.
My time of growth will not conclude with my time in Chile. I intend to embody the lessons I learned as I venture forward on my educational and career journey.
This was my first time working in an all-Spanish environment, and I had some difficult times. I'm grateful I was able to push through the challenges because it allowed me to advance my Spanish skills and reminded me that there will be times in my professional development when there are challenges to overcome.
My internship in Chile with Labfon was one of my favorite experiences from my time abroad because I learned to be proactive in my education. I now have greater belief in my own abilities when challenges arise.
My internship in Chile is the closest I’ve ever been to finding my calling, and I am incredibly thankful for the time and the love that people showed me.
Studying abroad is like receiving a blank canvas, and each day brings new colors and brush strokes to create experiences and lessons that are impossible to paint at home. Every encounter and discovery adds another stroke to the masterpiece!
One aspect of teaching I hadn't expected was dealing with uncertainty and developing improvisational skills. Students would sometimes ask questions I hadn't prepared for or couldn't entirely answer. At times, the class wouldn't be as engaged as I'd like. These experiences informed my ability to adapt and find a way to modify my communication in a way that could engage the students. I have intentions to continue teaching as a TA, and feel my ability to synthesize a lesson and hold meaningful discussions will greatly benefit my future. Not only that, but for the rest of my life, I will be on better footing to handle situations that deal with ambiguity or uncertainty. Regardless of my future career, I will be able to adapt and communicate in a way that informs and inspires.