CASA Santiago provides students with the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Chilean culture and the Spanish language while receiving credit to apply towards their undergraduate degree.

What is unique about this program?

Students attend classes with Chilean university students and can choose from a wide variety of classes offered at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) and Universidad Diego Portales. In the past, students have also taken courses at the Universidad de Chile (UCH).

Additionally, students can explore a variety of social, cultural, political and professional opportunities beyond the classroom. Students can also participate in non-credit internship opportunities, linked to the students' area of academic studies, such as in community and grassroots organizations, cultural, health, and environmental institutions, and international agencies.

CASA Chile staff work closely with the local university exchange programs so that students are included in all orientations, dinners, sports teams, and other organized social events. Students are also matched up with Chilean host students who show program participants around the city, and introduce them to a Santiaguino and broader Chilean culture.

In addition to the academic, social, and cultural support provided to the students, CASA-Chile coordinates activities and trips. A three-day long trip to Patagonia offers a unique experience to gain insight on different aspects of Chilean culture, as does a three-day trip to San Pedro de Atacama located in the Atacama Desert, which is the driest non-polar desert in the world. 

What is unique about Santiago, Chile?

Santiago, the capital of Chile, is located in Chile’s central valley, geographically equidistant from the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. Founded in 1541, Santiago’s rich history offers cultural and historic sites throughout its many different neighborhoods, from the 19th century neoclassical architecture and winding streets of the downtown area to the city’s Parque Forestal, which offers Chileans a vast green space to exercise, meet with friends or family, and attend concerts and other cultural events. About 40% of Chileans reside in one of the 20 different communes/districts of Santiago, making it one of Latin America’s most populated cities and Chile’s cultural, political, and economic center.

Academic Calendar

• Fall Term (their Semester 2): Late July to Early December
• Spring Term (their Semester 1): Late February to Mid July

How do I learn about CASA Santiago?

• Learn more about CASA Santiago's coursework and partner institutions
• Explore CASA Santiago's activities page to learn more about orientation, overnight trips and cultural excursions
• Review CASA Santiago's Health and Safety Page
• Browse other program related resources

Things to Consider Before Applying

• Review the information on the Education Abroad Office’s Get Started page for important considerations on academics and finances, and a guide to the next steps
• Find answers on the Education Abroad FAQ and resource pages for Cornell study abroad policy, health, and safety updates
• Still have questions?  Visit the Get Advice page and learn how to connect with an Education Abroad Advisors
• Want to keep up to date with Cornellians Abroad? Follow Education Abroad on social media, @cornelliansabroad, @CornellEducationAbroad

How do I apply?

The Cornell application is the application for both Cornell approval and program admission. Applications are approved by the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this webpage.