Overview
Abundant in natural resources, Chile is internationally recognized as one of the most stable, open, and competitive economies in Latin America. Its dramatic terrain, wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountain range, uniquely covers everything from the driest desert in the world to massive glacial fields with volcanoes, geysers, beaches, lakes, fjords, and countless islands in between. Through this immersive study abroad course, you will be able to witness firsthand how Chile weathered the global financial crisis and begin to develop expertise in business and culture in Latin America in general, and Chile in particular.
The program begins with three class meetings during the Fall 2011 semester to study the Latin American and Chilean economies. To review the specific class meeting dates and times, please visit the Office of the Registrar website. Then, you’ll travel to Santiago, Chile in January (before Spring classes begin) to visit domestic and multinational firms across manufacturing, service and financial sectors. You’ll spend eight days immersed in meetings with senior managers, company tours, and interactive follow-up discussions, as well as the cultural and historical highlights of the region.
The instructor, Heather Elms, Associate Professor of International Business, has extensive international professional and academic experience, specializing in corporate strategy, governance, and social responsibility.
Please note that students are responsible for reserving and purchasing their own airfare to and from Chile.
Travel timeline
Students should depart the US on Friday, January 6, 2012, to arrive in Santiago (SCL) on Saturday, January 7. The group departs Santiago via an overnight flight on Saturday, January 14, arriving in the US the following day. A single group transfer to and from the Santiago airport is included in the program fee and will be communicated in the weeks prior to the program.
Please note that students are responsible for reserving and purchasing their own airfare to and from Chile, and may choose to arrive early or stay an extra day for personal travel in the region before the Spring semester begins on Tuesday, January 17.
Credit Hours
This program is a 2-credit Fall course (IBUS-244-001) and standard AU tuition applies. A 3-credit section of the course is also available (IBUS-244-002).
Cost
Students are responsible for the following costs of the program:
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Tuition: Costs for tuition are based on the number of credits (2 or 3), calculated per the tuition and fee schedule posted on the Student Accounts website. Full-time students not exceeding 17 total credits for the semester will not incur additional tuition charges. Any tuition charges that do apply will be billed by and paid directly to AU.
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Program Fee: The $1,850 program fee includes double occupancy room, ground transportation as part of the program, company site visits, and meals and cultural activities as outlined on the program itinerary. Due to possible exchange rate fluctuations, the final program cost may need to be adjusted and will be confirmed 30–60 days in advance of departure to Chile. This program fee is billed to your Student Account, minus a $300 non-refundable deposit which is paid to AU through the Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs.
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Travel: Students are responsible for the reservation and payment of air travel from the US to and from Chile.
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Passport & Visa: Students are responsible for obtaining a passport, visas, or other immigration documents required to enter and exit Chile, including related fees. The Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs will support students with any required letters from AU.
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Incidentals: Expenses for shopping, personal activities, meals, and local transportation not included in the program itinerary are the student's responsibility.
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Financial Aid: Students planning to use financial aid should consult with the Financial Aid office to determine coverage and eligibility.
Passport & Visa
Students are solely responsible for obtaining a passport and any visas or other immigration documents required to enter and exit Chile, including any related fees. The Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs will support students in this endeavor with any required letters from AU. Students should contact the Chilean Embassy as well as the Embassy for their home country to validate entry and exit requirements. US citizens are currently not required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival to Chile. However, upon arrival in Santiago, US citizens are required to purchase a Tourist Card valid for a stay of up to 90 days for a fee of approximately $140. Payment can be made in US currency or by credit card. Details regarding entry and exit requirements for US citizens and other pertinent information can be found on the US State Department website.
Registration
The deadline to register for this exciting program is October 15, 2011. To reserve your spot, please complete the registration process (steps 1-5 below).
- Complete the online registration form
- Print and complete the program consent form
- Print and complete the program payment form
- Photocopy the photo/biographical information page of your passport
- Deliver items 2, 3, and 4 (along with a $300 non-refundable deposit) to the Kogod Office of Global Learning mailbox in KSB 106
Once your deposit and paperwork have been received, you will be registered for either IBUS-244-001 (2 credits) or IBUS-244-002 (3 credits) based on your online registration form. You do not register yourself. Once registered, your student account will be charged for the balance of the program fee.
Questions?
Contact the Office of Global Learning at (202) 885-1940 or email ksbabroad@american.edu.
