SIT Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development
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.
SIT programs are ideal for highly motivated students who embrace cultural challenges and seek the deepest possible immersion in a foreign setting.
Course Type
Field-based, experiential learning in program courses, with an independent study component.Additional Information
Additional Enrichment Opportunities:- 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 six different local Valparaiso communities.
- Students can interact with Anamuri, a rural and indigenous women's organization, that promotes and defends their rights as female laborers.
Housing
Home stay (7 weeks), Rural visit (5 days), hostels, private homes or small hotels during the Independent Study Project (4 weeks)Program Costs
Fall 2009: $24,534
This includes estimated tuition, room, board, books, transportation, personal expenses and SAAF. The sample costs provided are for the fall term; for other terms and for the most current cost, contact the sponsoring organization.
Approximate Program Size
15 studentsApplication Requirements
Prior to receiving an application, all Northwestern students must complete the following steps:- Complete the mandatory Study Abroad 101 Quiz on Blackboard. Call 847-467-6400 or e-mail studyabroad@northwestern.edu (include your name and netID) to register for this quiz.
- After receiving a score of 90% or above, students can pick up the Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad at the Study Abroad Office. This application it is not available online.
- SIT program application, available on the SIT web site.
- Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
- SIT programs tend to fill up before their deadlines. Make sure to submit your SIT applications well before the program deadlines.
- Accepted students should start their visa process as early as possible because obtaining a Chilean visa can take a long time.
