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)
Explore Chile's recent political and social history and discover how Chileans are working to reconcile with the past and create a more equitable and culturally inclusive society.This program examines the political, economic, and social changes tha... read more
All Reviews
I gained a lot of confidence and self assurance. So so worth it. Alessandra F - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Before studying abroad, I had no idea what to expect. I knew very little about Chile or what it would be like to live and study in a country I'd never been to before. That being said, I think this program was the best one I could have chosen for where I was. It gave me the knowledge I needed to be aware, the support system I nee... Eritrea Temesghen - Duke University View Entire Review
I learned who I am and what I really want to do in my studies and career. I learned about the beauty of cities, the unique risks and challenges that Chile is facing, and the joy of living next to the ocean. It was worth every penny, every scary moment, every awkward first encounter, every sacrifice, every second. Dana Kulma - Amherst College View Entire Review
I learned about Chile’s History like the Dictatorship, the constitution, its neo-liberal system, privatized system, marginalized groups, issues that oppress citizens. I learned about the indigenous communities: Aymara and Mapuche. I learned about afro descendents, new waves of immigrant groups. I learned the manner in which ... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself. I pushed myself academically and excelled more then I ever knew I could. I will never forget this experience. This experience will never not cross mind. Kaitlyn N - University of St. Thomas - Minnesota View Entire Review
I gained confidence in myself. The confidence that I can move to another country alone with a huge language barrier and come out with not only American friends I will have for a lifetime, but a Chilean family who I love with my whole heart. I learned a lot about how I deal with stress and how I deal with challenges that come wit... Olivia Arback - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
I learned a new language and about gender and race politics in other countries. Atia Butts - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile! I learned about the connections we have with people from different places and how to learn from one another's values. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Language skills, cross cultural communication abilities, greater independence Alex Cohen - Trinity University View Entire Review
It was incredibly gratifying to integrate into another culture (and another language!) and learn about the social issues that exist in Chile. I felt like every travel experience was purposeful and taught me something about Chilean culture and society. Emily - Vanderbilt University View Entire Review
What I am capable of. How much I can depend on myself and how valuable I am to myself. Independence and how to face what may seem daunting with calm and clarity and proceed. A student - Claremont McKenna College 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
How to rely on others, the importance of putting personal issues with other students aside for the sake of the program, how to advocate for myself Rynn P - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I was able to go out of the country for the first time and learn so much more about Chile. I feel like I really learned about myself and was able to get a non-western perspective of life and social conflicts. I'm so grateful for this opportunity. Hulda F - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My Spanish improved immensely, I went from not feeling comfortable speaking in front of others to being able to have hours-long conversations. It was definitely worthwhile in the context of my academic interests and growing as a student. Charlie Boddy - Occidental College View Entire Review
I am now more comfortable in who I am as a person. I learned what my goals are and I was able to do this abroad because of the lack of experience and comfort many have in a foreign place. I had to really reflect and evaluate what I wanted to put out into the world and this opportunity encouraged me to do that. Emily P - Bates College View Entire Review
I gained insight in understanding other cultures and their political history. My Spanish skills also improved exponentially. Brooke Ballard - University of Tennessee - Knoxville View Entire Review
I gained so many cultural insights, improved my Spanish astronomically, and met really interesting and vibrant people. A student - Smith College View Entire Review
It was 100% worthwhile, and I'm so glad I chose this program. It was the perfect blend of topics of history, politics, economics, anthropology, social justice, community development, culture, and more. I learned more outside the classroom than within it, and am so grateful for the experiential learning structure that is emphasiz... Alexandria - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained confidence in myself speaking a second language and exploring a new country/city both on my own and with new friends. I will forever be grateful for this experience because while it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, I learned *so* much about myself and other Ashlin Ondrusek - Sewanee: The University of the South View Entire Review
I learned not only how to navigate a new city and learn a new language, but I also learned a lot about myself and my identity. I would say that my experience was extremely worthwhile and I would love to do it again. Hailey - Colby College View Entire Review
Chile offers something for everyone since it is an extraordinarily diverse country. One can find fast-paced city life in the capital of Santiago, or a more laid-back experience in Valparaiso. We also had the opportunity to travel to rural communities in both the North and South of the country, which offered another special persp... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
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
About
Explore Chile's recent political and social history and discover how Chileans are working to reconcile with the past and create a more equitable and culturally inclusive society.
This program examines the political, economic, and social changes that have shaped Chile, including its cultural identity, community fabric, and development. You will experience the social, cultural, and political means by which Chileans today are seeking new ways of representation, communication, and identification.
Major topics of study include:
- Chile’s "successful" economic model, development, and social inequalities
- Community responses to Chile's socioeconomic changes
- The Pinochet regime, human rights violations, and Chilean history
- Truth, justice, and reconciliation
- Current civil society expressions
- Challenges facing Chile's indigenous peoples
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
- Spanish
Language Requirement(s):
- Spanish
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Latin American Studies
- Spanish Language, Literature
- Social Sciences
Website
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SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad awards need-based scholarships and grants. We do not offer merit-based awards at this time. Average awards range between $500 and $5,000 for our semester programs, and between $500 and $3,000 for our summer programs. Our scholarships and grants are available to all students accepted into an SIT Study Abroad program irrespective of citizenship, national origin, or home school. We do not require a separate scholarship application for each scholarship fund; eligible students will be evaluated for all funds for which they are eligible. Please note: SIT Study Abroad scholarships and grants are only applicable to tuition and room/board fees billed by SIT Study Abroad. We do not award scholarships or grants to cover any other expenses, including, but not limited to, immunizations, visa fees, books, or study abroad fees charged by your home school. If your home school has an established billing agreement with us, it is your responsibility to communicate with your home school as to how your SIT scholarship or grant will be passed on to you by your home school. For a list of available scholarships and grants, click here.
$500 - $5000
