Syracuse Abroad is excited to announce a new addition to the Santiago Center program. Reintroducing the intensive Spanish immersion program, students will now have the opportunity to begin their semester in Argentina, as part of a prequel course prior to arriving in Chile. This new immersion will prepare students for the Spanish language program in Santiago, while introducing them to the modern culture and iconic city of Buenos Aires.
Prior to arriving in Santiago, students enrolled in the immersion program will spend three weeks fine-tuning their Spanish skills in Buenos Aires. Students will take a second-level Spanish course or a course on contemporary Argentine culture. Both courses will help students connect with the vibrant porteño culture, exploring topics that range from tango, fútbol and fine arts to contemporary issues in LGBTQIA+ rights and immigration, in a city known for being a melting pot.
The Buenos Aires Immersion program is required for students who have completed less than two years (four semesters) of college-level Spanish for additional language instruction prior to study in Chile. This program is recommended for students who have already completed two years of Spanish language study, who seek an alternative pre-semester immersion experience in Argentina. Students who participate in this immersion will have a unique opportunity to compare and contrast life in two Southern Cone countries: one on the Pacific coast and one on the Atlantic.
Following the immersion component of the semester, as well as the Signature Seminar, students continue on to Chile. Strategically located with easy access to the Pacific coast and the Andes mountains, Santiago offers a diverse and lively cultural experience. In the near vicinity there are ski slopes, mountain hiking trails, beaches and small rural towns that provide a fascinating contrast to the bustling capital city. While studying in Santiago, students will venture to Patagonia, San Pedro Atacama desert and many other sites as part of all-school field trips. In both Buenos Aires and Santiago, students will spend the semester living with host families delivering an enhanced cultural experience.
While in Chile, students will take classes at its top two universities, Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Catolica. For the fourth consecutive year, Times Higher Education has ranked Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile as the top university in Latin America. Since 2009, Syracuse University and PUC have maintained a bilateral exchange and have cultivated a close working relationship. Students studying in Chile take a majority of their courses at PUC and are based at one of its Santiago campuses.
Syracuse Abroad is also pleased to announce a funding opportunity for Santiago students. All students
participating in the Spring 2023 Santiago Center program will automatically receive a $2,000 location grant. Funds will be applied to students’ program costs for the semester. This grant funding is in addition to existing merit and need-based funding that is available for all center programs.
Students can apply now for Spring 2023 programs–the application deadline is Oct. 1 and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as some programs have limited space. For specific deadlines, students should refer to each program’s individual application page.
For more information, students can schedule an appointment with an international program advisor or make a general advising appointment to explore multiple options. Syracuse Abroad will continue to offer virtual advising appointments along with in-person sessions at the start of the academic year.
