SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development
- Location(s): Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, Chile
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
SIT Study Abroad
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(For American Students)
Live in ethnically diverse Arica, Chile, home to many different cultures and healthcare practices as well as unequal access to health services. From this strategic location near the borders of Peru and Bolivia, you’ll learn about transnational iss... read more
All Reviews
I became more independent, more go with the flow, and got a broader perspective in seeing the bigger picture. Definitely worthwhile. Sydney Segal - Duke University View Entire Review
My Spanish definitely improved, and through the independent project I gained confidence in myself and my research and writing abilities. It was worthwhile. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Absolutely worthwhile! Learned so many life skills and how to juggle everything that it throws at you. A student - Barnard College View Entire Review
Yes! I learned so much. From how to cook, how to use Chilenismos properly, how to avoid natural disasters, and how to set up a doctor's appointment in South America. Emily B - Dickinson College View Entire Review
Being abroad taught me so much about my ability to navigate a new city independently. I learned a lot about myself, honed my Spanish skills, and developed relationships with an amazing family. I would recommend that anyone that has a chance to study/live/work abroad does so - it is life changing! A student - Trinity University View Entire Review

Because you meet people from all over the world you get a better understanding of the world from multiple perspectives, this gave me time to think about myself and not only will I be learning about my new host country but at the United States. Cristal H - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned that when things get hard, the best thing is to keep going and put yourself as deeply in the thick of things as possible. I realized that I could have observed Chile and my host family or I could jump in, make a lot of mistakes, but also get so much more out of it. This program was incredibly worthwhile and special. I ... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was definitely worth it, and I only wish I could've extended it to a full year. Susan P - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned about an entirely new culture and how Chileans live and the things they care about and the issues that they are fighting for. Mary B - Trinity University View Entire Review
With SIT, you learn a lot inside and outside of the class. All of the lessons are very interactive. For example, when learning about the economy we visited various mines, talked to miners, as well as high level mining engineers. Lisa D - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
SIT does a great job of providing students with family interaction and educating the participants on historical and current issues relavant to Chile that in some ways apply to most of South America. The opportunity increased my interest in international development work, and the ISP played a large roll in my interests there. I... Michelle E - Tufts University View Entire Review
A more worldly view and a better grasp of the Spanish language. Definitely worthwhile. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
My experience was absolutely worthwhile. It was a wonderful learning and growing opportunity, academically and personally. I made great friends, gained a new and wonderful family and had a fabulous experience. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned how to engage in a new kind of community I had never experienced before; living with an indigenous group really alters the way we understand our roles within the world and especially from the US. I have never been more continually shocked by US involvement in Chilean politics and never been more impressed by the openne... Amy M - The College of Wooster View Entire Review
I learned that my experience is really what I made of it. I also learned that sometimes, many things can go wrong, and to learn to accept that possibility and deal with it. Jenny C - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Above all, language skills! International exposure, participation in and knowledge about a new culture, connections and friendships with Chileans… Yes! It was definitely worthwhile! A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Absolutely, if only for the Spanish language skills I acquired and the tools to conduct independent research. Christopher C - Fordham University View Entire Review
yes Rory C - Ithaca College View Entire Review
I think I grew a lot as a person because I was alone a lot and had to create my own happiness many times. I definitely learned some about the host country, but I do not think it changed any of my interests/plans/awareness. Hannah P - Middlebury College View Entire Review
My experience abroad confirmed my love of travel, cultures and experiencing new things. I know now that I can live outside of the United States, navigate public transportation in a foreign country, become conversant in another language and have an amazing time doing it! After coordinating meetings, listening to lectures and writ... Taylor J - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I'm going to live in Valpo. Kirsty P - Pacific Lutheran University View Entire Review
Definately. However, I would have liked some more academic interaction with people from my houst-country. One thing that really stands out in this program is the 2 week North/South excursion. I lived with a Mapuche (indian) family, experienced life on their farm, learned about their culture and was able to see a side of Chile... Julia L - Rice University View Entire Review
About
SIT’s program in Chile offers the opportunity to earn a minor in Latin American studies or sociology. Through this program, you will explore Chile’s recent political and social history and how Chileans are reconciling with the past to bring about social justice and create a more equitable and culturally inclusive society.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- Spanish
Language Requirement(s):
- Spanish
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Latin American Studies
- Spanish Language, Literature
- Social Sciences
- Political Science and Government
- History
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
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SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
Students who are Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars will receive a $2,000 award for SIT Study Abroad semester or summer programs.
$2,000
To recognize and support alumni of EIL summer high school programs who also participate in SIT Study Abroad programs. $1,000 for semester programs and $500 for summer. A $400 scholarship is also available to students who indicate that they have an immediate family member who has participated in an EIL or its College Semester Abroad program.
$400 - $1,000
For students enrolled at Hispanic-serving institutions, including member institutions of HACU who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $3,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program and $2,000 for a summer program.
$2,000 - $3,000
For students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $2,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program or $1,500 for a summer program.
$1,500 - $2,000
To recognize students participating in this community service program. Upon receipt of confirmation from a student’s Bonner mentor, SIT will award $2,500 for semester programs and $1,000 for summer programs.
$1,000 - $2,500
To recognize students participating in the National Security Education Program (NSEP) funded award, which focuses on study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Upon receipt of the student’s Boren confirmation letter, SIT will award a $1,000 scholarship.
$1,000
For students enrolled at Big 10 Academic Alliance universities. Eligible students demonstrating financial need will receive a $1,500 scholarship for semester programs and a $750 scholarship for summer programs.
$750 - $1,500
This is an automatic scholarship to recognize and support students who participate in two or more SIT Study Abroad programs, including alumni of short-term summer programs. The scholarship will be applied to a student’s second full term of study with SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500 - $1,000
An average of $4,500 (amount varies) is awarded to one female student, 22 years of age or younger, who demonstrates international awareness and a desire to create a more peaceful world through international exchange. This scholarship is available for summer programs only.
$4,500
These scholarships ($30,000 divided between several students annually, with an average award of $3,750 per student) are for students who wish to study in Latin America or East Africa and focus primarily on women’s reproductive health and/or other topics such as girls’ education, poverty, social justice, ecology, or regional integration. Preferred SIT East Africa programs are those based in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or Tanzania.
$3,750
This $10,000 scholarship opportunity is for one student per year. The student must demonstrate extreme financial need, attend an HBCU (or other minority-serving institution), be a first-generation college student, and have never previously traveled abroad.
$10,000
SIT matches Federal Pell Grant funding up to $2,500 for semester students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SIT program. Students utilizing their Federal Pell Grant for SIT Study Abroad summer terms receive up to a $1000 match.
$1,000 - $2,500
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