Academics

Academic Program

SIT semester programs include the following components: one-week orientation, intensive language study, homestay (in urban and rural areas), thematic seminar, field methods seminar, independent study project (last month of program), and program evaluation.

Economic Development and Globalization
Explore the political and social underpinnings of Chile’s export-oriented economy. The country’s fascinating history, distinct geography, natural resource diversity, political dynamics, and social realities have all shaped its economic development.

Though often cited as a model economy of the South, Chile’s integration with the global economy has not been without painful adjustment and resistance. Lessons to be learned from Chile extend far beyond the nation’s borders.

Based in the capital city of Santiago, students take field excursions to sites of local industry, forestry, mining, and nontraditional agricultural export production in northern and southern Chile. Opportunities to meet with union activists, policy analysts, government officials, and community organizers further develop understanding of the social, political, and environmental aspects of Chile’s economic system.

All students take the following courses:

• Economic Development and Globalization Seminar.
• Intensive Language Study: Spanish.
• Field Study Seminar.
• Independent Study Project.

A listing of courses and syllabi can be found at:   Coursework: Economic Development and Globalization.

Education and Social Change
As migration and demographic shifts change the cultural composition of US society and schools, tomorrow’s educators, policy makers and social activists benefit immensely by having an understanding of Hispanic cultures and the role of education in promoting social change. Based in the self-declared international educational capital of Santiago, Chile, with an extended excursion to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Southern Chile, this program examines the ways that educational politics, strategy and pedagogy influence, and are influenced by, society.

Both Chile and Argentina have long been renowned for their high educational levels, sustained governmental engagement in educational policymaking and implementation, and solid cadre of committed educators and intellectuals, albeit they have each pursued different policy approaches towards education in recent decades. Various innovative approaches to educational delivery have been the hallmark of both nations’ school systems and non-formal instructional networks, ranging the gamut from privatization to popular educational programs.

These days, the forces of globalization, on the one hand, and local and ethnic voices, on the other, present new challenges, especially in regards to meeting the needs of marginal and/or disenfranchised sectors of the population. The Spring 2006 massive wave of protests in Chile regarding the nation’s educational system unexpectedly mobilized nearly a million people, underscoring the importance of education for the Chilean populace as well as the controversy surrounding educational funding, content and delivery.

During the course of the program, participants will learn more about the issues surrounding education and engage in topics such as education and equity, popular education, intercultural education, and education and human rights. Extended visits to Buenos Aires, Argentina and a Mapuche community in Southern Chile provide opportunities to compare differing educational policies and approaches. Engagement at local primary and secondary schools shed light on the actual educational realities for the nations’ citizens.

All students take the following courses:

• Education and Social Change Seminar.
• Intensive Language Study: Spanish.
• Field Study Seminar.
• Independent Study/Practicum Project.

A listing of courses and syllabi can be found at:   Coursework: Education and Social Change.

Summer Program

Advanced Field Research in Chile and Argentina
Conduct advanced field research in the social sciences, environmental policy, education, or public health in the dynamic nation of Chile. This program is designed for students with previous field study experience who wish to probe more deeply into a specific area of interest. Participants will receive the support of a solid team of advisors drawn from premier universities, research centers, and nongovernmental organizations in Chile and Argentina. Possible themes for research include: education, political economy, politics and democratic theory, globalization and culture, First Nation peoples, the environment, public health, and gender studies.

Based in bustling Santiago, Chile, program participants can choose to conduct their field research anywhere in Chile or in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires and its environs.

All students take the following courses:

• Contemporary Issues Seminar.
• Advanced Social Research Methods.
• Advanced Research Project.

A listing of courses and syllabi can be found at:   Coursework: Advanced Field Research in Chile and Argentina.

Registration and Credits

Students participating in this program will be registered at the University of Oregon and will receive UO credits for courses taken on SIT programs. Students' course work will be reviewed and evaluated by appropriate academic departments at the UO. Students must keep everything pertaining to the independent study project.

Students are responsible for making sure that the courses they plan to take abroad will meet major and minor requirements. Students are advised to consult with their academic advisor about their plans to study in this SIT program.

Course Equivalencies

Courses in this program are approved on a periodic basis. The attached course equivalency shows the most recently approved courses. Courses that do not appear on this sheet will be approved for UO credit.

SIT Equivalencies

Host Program Website

For general information on SIT Study Abroad:  http://www.worldlearning.org/323.htm

Back to Top