Chile: Universidad Andres Bello (USAC)

This unique program to Santiago, Chile is offered through UNI's partnership with USAC (University of Study Abroad Consortium). As one of USAC's Specialty Programs, students will live and study on the campus of Universidad Andrés Bello, but take courses taught by USAC professors. They will also have the option to connect with up to 60 other US students before the start of the semester who will also be participating in this program.

‌There are a range of courses to choose from in both English and Spanish, and students will still have access to all the same resources offered by the university, such as language partners, cafeteria's, campus activities, clubs, and more.

Not only will UNI students be advised through the process by the UNI Study Abroad Center, but they will also receive help and support from USAC staff as well. Because USAC has an office on Universidad Andrés Bello's campus, they will have on-site staff available upon students arrival in Chile for the entire duration of the program!

Dates & Deadlines

Term: Summer and Fall 2025
App Deadline: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Program Dates: TBA

The application cycle for Spring 2025 is currently closed. Summer and Fall 2025 applications will open later this semester. Students can click the link below to schedule this meeting beginning in November.

Schedule First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the summer of 2025 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. 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!

Study Abroad Waitlist Schedule Info Meeting

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

Location

The university itself has about 30,000 students and is considered to be a very important private college throughout the entire country.

USAC's office and classroom spaces are located at the downtown Santiago campus, which is easily accessible by public transportation. This campus is located in a student hub of multiple universities, and several institutions, creating a fun mix between the daily life of Santiago's citizens and university life for students.

Academics

In order for students to be considered full-time at UNI during their semester abroad, they will take 4-6 courses per semester, for a total of 12-18 credits. It is required for participants to take at least one Spanish language class during their program, but it is recommended for them to take more than one. However, students do not need to be proficient in Spanish in order to participate in this program though, as an elementary Spanish level course will meet this requirement.

Along with this, students will have a variety of courses taught in English to choose from as well. There are a range of English taught course subjects including business, journalism, international studies, and more!

Participant Info

Meet your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Finland, 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.

Immigration Information:

Students going to Chile for more than 90 days will need to apply for a student visa or an extension once in Chile.

Your Study Abroad Advisor and USAC will help you through this process but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the latest updates related to their destination country.

Housing & Meals

Students will have the option to live in a homestay or shared apartments during their time abroad.

Homestay

With this option, students will live with a Chilean host family. This provides a great opportunity for students to practice and enhance their Spanish skills, learn customary Chilean culture, and is highly recommended. All host families are located within a 30-50 minute commute to the university campus, and students will be provided with a room, breakfast, and dinner daily. Lunch will be available to purchase in the neighborhood near campus.

Shared Apartments

There are apartment complexes located downtown Santiago as well that are only a 10 minute commute from campus. Depending on availability, students may have the option to choose between a private bedroom or shared bedroom, as well as a private or shared bathroom. However, all apartments contain a small study area and a kitchen. Some apartment buildings also offer additional facilities, such as a laundry room, gym, swimming pool, bikes, or a grill for barbeques. All students who choose this housing option will live with other USAC students.

Summer School

There are two sessions offered over the summer. Students can participate one or both sessions, and can take 1-2 courses per session (3-7 credits). There are a variety of course subjects to choose from including Spanish, business, journalism, international relations, Latin American culture, and more.

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost will vary

Costs for the USAC program to Thailand will vary depending on students preferences and necessities. Students will go over projected costs with a UNI study abroad advisor during their First Steps meeting.

USAC is a nonprofit, so they make it a priority to keep costs affordable to allow more students to gain an international experience. They also offer a wide variety of scholarships, grants, and discounts to students, as well as assistance to students who need help applying for financial aid.

UNI study abroad center also has many scholarship resources available for students. Visit our "Finances and Scholarships" page for more information.

Cost of Studying On Campus at UNI*

*per semester, estimated, will vary per person

Tuition & Fees	$4,864
Room & Board	$4,824
Books	$400
Personal Expenses	$887
Transportation	$350
Total	$11,325

Source: https://admissions.uni.edu/cost-aid

Pending Updates for UNI Fall 2024

‌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). Additionally, students must meet all of the following in order to be eligible to study abroad:

‌Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application and maintain this cumulative GPA prior to departure and throughout the study abroad process
If your cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, submit the following to the Study Abroad Center (103 East Bartlett):
- Letters of reference from two academic contacts (e.g. academic advisor and former or current professor) supporting your pursuit of study abroad. If you are attending a faculty-led study abroad program, one of the letters must be from a course leader. However, if the program has two course leaders, only one of the letters can be from one of the course leaders.

‌Must be over the age of 18 years old
Must meet the course prerequisites (participation in the program is dependent upon meeting these)
Must be in good standing with the university
UNI's partner institutions may require additional eligibility requirements to be met, these vary from institution to institution. Please consult with the Study Abroad Center staff to discuss these additional requirements, if applicable.
Applicants traveling to a region of a country or a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel) will not be eligible.