<p>My daughter is looking to study in Chile 2nd semester sophmore/1st semester junior year. The program that her college reccommends is COPA Butler. They have programs in Santiago and Valperaso. Does anyone have any experience with this program or Chilean study? Thanks.</p>
<p>No experience (yet) but D is looking at studying in Chile next fall as well. Her school's program is run in Santiago through CIEE. There are two universities there from which to choose: the Universidad de Chile and the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. I'd appreciate hearing any pros and/or cons. Thanks!</p>
<p>I have no experience with the program but I do have experience with Chile as most of my family lives in Santiago and I have been to Chile many times over the past years. My son (high school senior) spent summer between 10th and 11th grade living with his cousins in Santiago taking intensive Spanish lessons and volunteering in a school. He had a blast. Santiago is very safe. My ds, a suburban boy, who had never taken public transportation, navigated the Santiago subway system, which he learned the 2nd day of his trip. I assume 2nd semester woulkd be January, February etc. - remeber southern hemisphere - seasons reversed - so there is no school during these months. If she is a snow skier I recommend that she goes to Santiago during our summer (July, August). The skiing is fantastic - I think the best in the world - and only 45 minutes driving time from Santiago to major ski resorts.</p>
<p>PM me if you need additional help. Good luck</p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>The Butler programs have all the elements of good, serious study-abroad programs. All coursework in Spanish. Enrollment in regular classes at Chilean universities. Homestay living arrangements with Chilean families. </p>
<p>As a parent, I would be supportive of that idea. Santiago is, by all reports, a wonderful city, very European. Shouldn't present any problems whatsoever.</p>
<p>Thanks to all. I am also wondering about the merits of a year long vs. a semester abroad. On the one hand, a year long program would totally immerse her in the culture. On the other, perhaps she could get just about as much out of a semester and be able to do a summer internship in another country.</p>
<p>I'll weigh in... DD now been in Chile for 5 months through IES - in Santiago. Just had her wallet pickpocketed on the bus, but says she feels safe. Does know of several kids robbed at gunpoint and/or knifepoint but not injured. She is at the Pontificia- she says that she decided to attend it, over the universidad de Chile, because it is better organized and run. (Syllabus online, etc.) Also there are lots of strikes at U de Chile, professors sometimes cancel class without informing students, etc. The Pontificia has quite a lot of experience with study-abroad students. DD is having a great time, and is about to head off to Peru and Bolivia after finishing a 20-page paper for one of her classes. She'll be home the end of December (yeah) for about 8 days before returning to her college.</p>
<p>Thanks, anxiousmom. I did read in the paper about a bus in Santiago that overturned due to mudslides (rainy season) and (I believe) killed all, including two Americans, on board. I'll be sure to point my D toward Pontificia.</p>