From the top of the Andes to the Southern Cone, this two-site program is your gateway to the tremendous cultural, historical, political, and ethnic diversity of South America. Begin your learning adventure in Cuenca, Ecuador, where you’ll advance your Spanish language skills among the largely indigenous people of this charming city (optional for advanced language students). Then you’re bound for Santiago—Chile’s vibrant capital where you’ll observe great contrasts not only in architecture and geography, but also in lifestyles, traditions, and even the way in which Spanish is spoken. Note: the pre-requisite for the Santiago program is SPA 201 OR three semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent).
The SU Santiago program is located at the University of Chile - a prestigious public university with a diverse population of 24,000 undergraduates, 5,500 graduate students, and 600 international students. Students enroll in classes alongside their Chilean peers in a wide range of disciplines, including business administration, environmental studies, international relations, Latin American studies, humanities and social sciences, and visual and dramatic arts. Students can also take classes at the Catholic University, with offers a strong political science and international relations focus.
The Syracuse dual-location program allows students across language levels to customize their Latin America learning experience. Students choose from two options:
The Cuenca Intensive Language Program: Required for students who have completed less than two years of college-level Spanish who need additional language instruction and/or review prior to study in Chile. Also recommended for students who have already completed two years of Spanish language study and who seek an alternative pre-semester immersion experience in Cuenca.
The program begins with four weeks of intensive Spanish language study at the CEDEI Institute in Cuenca, Ecuador. A small, artsy city, Cuenca is known for its breathtaking mountain geography and the warmth of both its climate and indigenous peoples. After the Cuenca program, you'll spend the remainder of your semester Santiago, with your choice of classes at the Universidad de Chile.
Santiago semester only: For students with more than two years of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) who choose to go directly to Santiago for their semester abroad.
During the fall semester (mid-July to mid-December) graduate students and advanced undergraduates have the option to enroll in an intensive, professional development internship in Santiago. Challenging internships and research placements have included NGOs, governmental agencies, and private sector offices involved in international trade, commerce, and banking.
Undergraduate students also have the opportunity for community engagement in NGOs, local schools, or community-based organizations.
SU Abroad's summer program, Ciudades del Sur: Landscape Urbanism and the South American City travels to Chile and Brazil. Earn credit and explore the cities of South America for four weeks in summer!
Complete this form to to request a viewbook for our programs or get more information about SU Abroad through email.
Rachel Matheson, an international relations and Spanish double major with a minor in world political economy, studied in Chile in fall 2012. She loved learning about recent Chilean history from Santiago program director Mauricio Paredes. Visit our Santiago Global Ambassadors page to meet more alumni ready to share their advice and experiences with you.
Programs which include study at local universities may not have a break or may have different break and exam periods and program end dates. All students receive detailed program calendars upon arrival abroad. Most students start their semester in mid-June with the Cuenca Immersion program. All students arrive in Santiago mid-July and must be prepared to stay through the end of the final exam period in early December. Key dates will be announced here once confirmed with the publication of the Chilean universities' academic calendars. Students receive a detailed program calendar upon arrival abroad.
Santiago Fall 2013 Program Dates
Santiago Spring 2013 Program Dates
Language and Culture Immersion, Quito and Cuenca, Ecuador
January 17-February 17, 2013
All students arrive in Santiago
Fenruary 18, 2013
Contemporary Issues Signature Seminar
February 20-27, 2013
First day of classes
March 6, 2013
Program end date
July 13, 2013