Chile Public Health Summer Program

» General Information

Location:

Santiago, Chile

Description:

**Due to the current State Department Travel Warning in Mexico, Northwestern University will offer this program in Chile for the summer of 2011. See Northwestern's Travel Warning Policy here**

This program introduces students to the Chilean public health system through seminars, lectures, and hands-on research projects. Research and classes are conducted under the supervision of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, a top-rate Latin American research university. Students conduct public health research on a wide variety of topics and in different medical specializations. In addition to learning conducted in the classroom, this program takes organized excursions in order to expose students, through local and historical sites, to the various periods in Chilean history.  Past excursions have included Isla Negra, the home of Pablo Neruda, and Valparaiso, a coastal city with a rich cultural history.



Terms:

Summer Term: June 19- August 14, 2011

Sponsor:

Northwestern University Office of International Program Development (IPD), ), in partnership with Universidad Panamericana

Website:

Public Health in Mexico

Program Contact:

Karey Fuhs, IPD Study Abroad Coordinator, International Program Development Office 1800 Sherman Ave., Suite 4-700 Phone: 847-467-6953

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Summer Application

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» Other Programs in Chile

Language Requirements

  • No language requirement; non-language courses taught in English
  • If you are majoring or minoring in Spanish or you think you might declare a Spanish major or minor, either before studying abroad or once you return, you should meet with an adviser in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese before you leave.  To arrange an appointment, contact the Department at 847-491-8249.

Program Requirements

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Academic Specialties

Global Health, Pre-Med, Social Policy, Research, Cultural History, Spanish language.

Course Type

This is a Northwestern program offering a set curriculum, so students must enroll in the courses listed below:

History and Culture of Chile (1 credit)

This course provides a general introduction to Chilean history and culture as a basis for understanding contemporary Chile.  Lectures will offer a theoretical context, while field trips will serve to help learn and better understand the Chilean culture. Past excursions have included visits to such sites as Isla Negra, La Moneda Palace, Villa Grimaldi, and various cultural museums.

Public Health Research Project (1 credit)


Students will participate in a supervised research project while in Chile. Project areas may include: HIV, indigenous public health, youth and adult addiction, and economics and the healthcare system.

Public Health in Chile Seminar (1 credit)


This seminar consists of a series of lectures, in English, intended to provide a global vision of the Chilean healthcare system and the main issues and challenges associated with both healthcare and public health related research.

Spanish Language (1 credit)


While there is no language prerequisite to participate in the Chile summer program, students are required to take intensive language training while in Chile.  Four levels are offered, depending on the student’s skill level.

Additional Information

Policies:
  • Read about the refund, cancellation and withdrawal policies for Northwestern's summer study abroad programs
  • All students who participate in Northwestern Study Abroad programs are required to purchase HTH health insurance. Read about HTH costs and enrollment.
  • All students who participate in Northwestern Study Abroad programs must register prior to their departure with International SOS, a free travel and security assistance program. For registration instructions, click here.

Housing

Home stays; students live with host families near campus.  Meals provided by the host family are included in the price of the program.

Program Costs

Summer 2011 fees = Please refer to the IPD program website.

Transportation to Course Site: Students arrange their airline tickets in conjunction with the Office of International Program Development.

Financial Aid: Northwestern students receiving financial aid during the academic year may be eligible for summer aid for this program. If funding is available, it may count as one of their 12 quarters of aid. For more information, please contact Leah Chamberlain, Assistant Director of Study Abroad Financial Services, at 847-491-7400. Non-Northwestern students should contact the Financial Aid Office at their home institution.

    Approximate Program Size

    25-30 students

    Application Requirements

    Students applying to this program must:

    1. Download the Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Application.
    2. Call the IPD office at 847-467-6953 to set up an interview with the IPD study abroad coordinator, and specify which program(s) you are interested in. These interview sessions are intended for students who are ready to apply and are an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions. Group interview sessions are held regularly at the IPD office (check IPD's events calendar for the schedule), and you are encouraged to call and reserve a place in a timely manner. Non-Northwestern students and off-campus students may arrange for interviews via phone. Final decisions on acceptance will not be made until after March 2nd.
    3. Submit the following to the IPD office by March 2, 2011.
      1. Completed Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Application
      2. Completed IPD Program Application
      3. 4 official passport photos
      4. A copy of your passport. Make sure your passport is valid through February of the following year.  If you are planning to apply to this program and you do not yet have a passport (or need to renew your current passport), you should begin this process as soon as possible so that it is completed by the time of application. The processing time for a passport application is approximately 6-8 weeks.  For more information on how to apply for or renew a passport, please visit the State Department’s passport web site.

    Contact Returnees

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