SIT Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, & Community Development

» General Information

Location:

Valparaiso, Chile (Population: 270,000)

Description:

This program is based in the engaging seaport city of Valparaíso and neighboring Viña del Mar. Local excursions, intensive Spanish courses, field study activities, and a homestay with indigenous families provide a deeper appreciation of the attitudes, behaviors, practices, and values encompassed within the diverse Chilean landscape. Students explore Chile's recent political and social history and discover how Chileans are working to reconcile with the past while struggling to create a more equitable and culturally inclusive society.

Terms:

Fall Semester (Fall Quarter), Spring Semester (Winter/Spring Quarters)

Sponsor:

School for International Training (SIT)

Website:

SIT Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, & Community Development


» Related Links

» Other Programs in Chile

Language Requirements

Required: 1.5 years (or equivalent) of recent college Spanish and the ability to follow coursework in Spanish, as assessed by SIT.

Northwestern Requirements

  • To understand the requirements of the Independent Study/Research Project abroad for credit, be sure to read our Independent Study/Research Project guidelines.
  • If you think you might declare a major or minor in the Spanish or Portuguese, either before studying abroad or once you return, meet with a study abroad adviser in the Department before you leave. To arrange an appointment, please call 847-491-8249.

Academic Specialties

Along with an intensive language study course, students will take program courses that generally include the following topics: history and politics, human rights, economics and development, and first nations. The Field Study Seminar prepares students for their Independent Study Project, which in the past has addressed issues such as community development, public health and educational systems, folkloric roots of Chilean music and indigenous belief systems and traditions.

Course Type

Field-based, experiential learning in program courses, with an independent study component.

Additional Information

  • Along with the 4-week independent study portion, students will also spend 5 days with an indigenous family and 1 week in either Temuco or Arica. Educational excursions also take place throughout the program.
  • Volunteer opportunities are available in various local Valparaiso communities.

Housing

Home stay (7 weeks), Rural visit (5 days), hostels, private homes or small hotels during the Independent Study Project (4 weeks)

Program Costs

Estimated Costs:  Fall 2011
For the most updated program cost information, please refer to your program provider’s website.

  • Tuition:  $15,039
  • Room & Board:  $4,263
  • SAAF:  $2,355
  • Transportation:  $1,725
  • Books & Supplies:  $75
  • Personal Expenses:  $1,725
  • HTH:  $134
  • Visa:  $200
  • Total Estimated Costs:  $25,516

Additional Information:

For more information on billing and financial aid, visit the Financial Considerations section of the website.

Approximate Program Size

15-35 students

Application Requirements

Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:
  1. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
  2. SIT program application, available on the SIT web site.
SIT programs tend to fill up before their deadlines. Be sure to submit the SIT application well before the program deadlines.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.