The Santiago Politics, Social Justice & Language program gives students with advanced Spanish language the opportunity to fully immerse in the daily life and culture of Chile, while studying Spanish language and political topics. Students explore the intricacies of the Chilean sociopolitical landscape: student activism, the arts as a form of resistance, human rights issues, and an impressive literary culture (via world-renowned authors like Pablo Neruda and Isabel Allende).
Students take 15-19 credits in their designated fields of study through direct enrollment at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and the Universidad de Chile. Students will also be able to take advantage of courses, staff, facilities and cultural excursions offered by IES Abroad.
While in Santiago, the political and financial capital of Chile, students will experience first-hand Chile’s rapidly developing economy and unique artistic and political traditions.
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Admissions requirements for all programs
- Students must also meet eligibility requirements for IES Abroad:
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins- some local university courses may not be available to sophomores
- 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
- Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date
Curriculum
Students choose form a unique set of courses that explores the Spanish language, Economics, Political Science, and culture through an in-depth and hands-on approach.
Students may enroll in a combination of courses offered by the IES Abroad Politics, Social Justice & Language Program and courses offered by local host universities. All courses are taught in Spanish.
Required Courses
- One IES-Taught Spanish Language Course
Elective Courses
Students can enroll in a combination of courses offered by IES Abroad, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), and University of Chile (UChile)
Below is a sample of IES Abroad course offerings. Please note that a minimum enrollment is necessary for an IES Abroad course to be offered for the semester, and availability is subject to change. All courses are taught by local faculty.
- Social and Political Role of the Arts in Chile and Latin America
- Native Cultures
- The Transformation of the Chilean and Other Latin American Economies from the late 20th into the 21st Century
- Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations
- Human Rights in Latin America
- Designing the Sustainable City
- The Radical Tradition of Chile, Argentina, and Peru
- Spanish Language in Context
- Spanish for Healthcare Practitioners
See full course listings on IES website.
Housing & Student Services
Students can choose from two housing options:
Homestays
- You live with a family or señora who helps facilitate your language learning and integration into Chilean society. Your homestay host provides two meals per day. Internet access and on-site laundry will be available.
Residence Halls
- The student residence hall offers a study room, printing lab, gym, pool, and more. You have the option to live in a single room with your own bathroom or in a double room where you share a bedroom and bathroom with another student. In both options, you also have shared access to a living room and kitchenette. No meals are provided. Limited placements are available.
Program Dates
- Fall: late-July to mid-December
- Spring: mid-February to early-June
Application Timeline
This program follows
rolling admissions
and
may fill before the official deadline.
Fall Semester
- Applications Open December 15
- Applications Deadline February 15
Spring Semester
- Applications Open June 1*
- Applications Deadline October 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
In addition to completing the standard BU Study Abroad application, students must apply through the IES Abroad online system. The IES Abroad application may not yet be available for your chosen semester.
Please note: Non-U.S. citizens must contact BU Study Abroad prior to submitting an application
Cost & Financial Considerations
