Program Overview

Fifty years after General Pinochet’s military dictatorship (1973-1990) violently overthrew President Salvador Allende’s democratically-elected revolutionary government, Chile stands as an international symbol of the horrors of state terrorism, the power of grassroots mobilization, the struggle for justice, and the challenges of forging democracy after dictatorship. Permeated by the legacy of Pinochet’s social and economic reforms, Chile today encapsulates tensions between the neoliberal status quo and powerful social movements led by students, indigenous peoples, and other groups whose goal is to curb discrimination and deep socioeconomic disparity. This program introduces students to the battles being waged over history, the courage of human rights activists, the quest for truth and justice, and the role social movements have played. Students will live with host families; interact with some of the country’s most important politicians, activists, artists, and academics; and work toward a complex vision of Chile today. Classes will be taught at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile), the top university in South America, and will include interactions and discussions with Chilean students and professors. Field trips include visits to important historical sites, the homes of Nobel poet Pablo Neruda, and Chilean wine country. No knowledge of Spanish is required, though students will be exposed to Spanish as part of the homestays. Full program details.

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