Faculty-led Program in Chile- Winter

Through this immersive faculty-led program in Chile, students will learn from local organizations in Santiago, and UNI's partner school, Universidad de los Andes, about the importance of understanding contemporary families as they exist in their cultural context in Chile. During the two weeks, participants will attend seminars on topics about public health initiatives, family theories, and normative transitions across the family life cycle, as well as learn about the Chilean healthcare system and its approach to family services. In addition to the professional development aspects, the program includes cultural excursions and activities to help participants gain a deeper appreciation of Chilean culture and landscape.

Overall, this study abroad program aims to enhance participants clinical skills, cultural awareness, and understanding of global health issues to help prepare them to provide compassionate and effect care.

city in Chile

Dates & Deadlines

App Deadline: September 15, 2025
Program Dates: January 4 - January 17, 2026* (tentative dates)

To get started click the link below to schedule a meeting with an advisor. If you would like to schedule a meeting between May 14th-30th, please follow the second link to view availability.

Schedule First Steps Meeting First Steps May 14th-30th

Interested in studying abroad in the winter of 2026 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. If you are still deciding where or when you want to go abroad, you can also schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about the programs we offer and find one that works best for you!

Faculty-Led Program Waitlist Schedule Info Meeting

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

Course Leaders

Bill Henninger

Department: Family, Aging, and Counseling
Phone: 319-273-6383
E-mail: william.henninger@uni.edu
Campus Address:

My areas of expertise are in social-emotional development and interpersonal relationships. I believe the best kind of growth (both personal and professional) happens when you are outside of your comfort zone. That is why I love to travel. As an undergraduate, I studied in Ireland for a year. Professionally, I have traveled to and worked with universities in Kosovo and Taiwan. Personally, I have traveled through most of Europe and Japan. I am thrilled to share my love of learning and travel with students on this trip to Chile. Chile is a beautiful country with a rich history and has so much to teach us about how families are constructed and operate.

Nathan Taylor

Department: Family Studies
Phone: 319-273-2702
E-mail: nathan.taylor@uni.edu
Campus Address:

My expertise is family dynamics, with my research focused on improving individual, family, and community wellbeing in underserved areas. I love to travel and am always dreaming of my next adventure. I have had the opportunity to study abroad in China and Australia, and have conducted research in Brazil. I am ecstatic for this opportunity to take students to Chile because I know it will be a transforming experience as you will expand your understanding of how families function and thrive, both your own family and families around the world.

Academics

Family Services 1020: Family Relationships (Study Abroad in Chile) (3 credit hours)

This course will count towards the UNIFI Human Condition Domestic category or as a Connect elective
This course also meets one of the required courses for the Mental Health Minor

Students will explore a range of identities, communities, cultures and conceptions of the human condition, within the United States and the world. This course seeks to understand contemporary families as they exist in their cultural context, explore how families change and adapt to normative and non-normative challenges and an application of family theory and current research in order to understand family dynamics.

Students who have already completed this course can take the alternative Family Services 4198, which will still count as an elective in the mental health minor.

Talk to your academic advisor about how this course would work for you!

No prerequisites. All majors welcome. Participation in this program requires several class meetings during the fall semester, although the course is scheduled as a winter session course. The Study Abroad Center will enroll participants in the course. Please contact the program's course leader for more information on academic requirements.

NOTES:

Winter session courses are billed tuition and fees.

Students attending colleges and universities other than UNI are welcome to participate in this program. If you are not currently a UNI student, but would like to participate in this program, please contact the UNI Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application.

Itinerary

Tentative Program Dates: January 4, 2026 - January 17, 2026

Sample itinerary is subject to change.

Day 1: Students arrival in the vibrant capitol city of Santiago, Chile

Day 2-3: Enjoy the first few days abroad through some welcome events including a campus tour of UNI's partner school, Universidad de los Andes, hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city, and simulation activities in relation to the course content

Day 4: Escape the city for a day trip to Cajon el Maipo. Nestled in the heart of the Chilean Andes is this stunning canyon carved by the Maipo River that offers a stunning landscape and spectacular views of the mountainous and glacial surrounding area.

Day 5-6: Visit various organizations and clinics around the city to learn about the healthcare system in Chile, and the impact of this on social and cultural determinants on the health of Chileans.

Day 7-8: Enjoy your weekend exploring the bustling city of Santiago. This lively city offers a plethora of activities and attractions to cater to all interests including museums, art galleries, markets, shopping, parks/outdoor activities, great entertainment, and more!

Day 9-10: Return to the Universidad de los Andes to dive into the interprofessional care in patients with multimorbidity and Chile's health policies

Day 11: Another day trip to Valparaiso to further learn and experience Chilean culture. Valparaiso, often referred to as "Valpo" by the locals, is a captivating coastal city, renowned for its bohemian vibe, colorful houses, and artistic spirit. This visit will consist of a boat ride around the harbor, lunch in one of the Valparaiso hills restaurants, and a guided tour to learn about the local history and hills of this beautiful region.

Day 12: One last organizational visit to a Chilean health center to learn about the medical services they provide. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner with the entire group.

Day 13: Students depart to return back to the United States

Participant Info

Meet your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Scotland, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Jamie will help you every step of the way.

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Chile

Housing & Meals

Students will stay in hotels arranged by the Study Abroad Center while abroad. The cost of these hotels are included in the "Program Cost" line item of the program cost estimate. A few meals are built into the "Program Cost". Students will pay for the remaining meals out-of-pocket while traveling and are encouraged to try the local foods.

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost: $6,031-$6,881

*estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors

Estimated Total Program Cost	$6,031-$6,881
Estimated U-bill Charges	$5,146-$5,996
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs	$885

Estimated Budget Sheet (PDF)

For additional scholarships for your program, click here.

What's Included

Tuition and Fees	Housing and Meals	Program Activities
Pre-Departure Advising	Travel Health Insurance	Transportation

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study Abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). To view eligibility requirements, click here.