• Find a Program
  • Find an SIT Study Abroad Program
• Academics
  • Academics Overview
  • Accreditation
  • SIT Study Abroad Faculty and Staff
  • Program Partners
  • Coursework
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Credit Transfer
• SIT Study Abroad Admissions
  • Apply Now
  • Choosing a Program
  • SIT Study Abroad Admissions Process
  • SIT Study Abroad Application Forms
  • Tracking Your Application
  • Program Availability
  • Program Dates
  • Credit Transfer
• Health, Safety, and Security
  • Health, Safety, and Security
• Scholarships and Fees
  • Program Costs
  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarships
  • Other Funding Sources
  • Billing
  • Withdrawal and Cancellation Policies
• Experience Our Programs
  • Experience Our Programs Overview
  • Program Model
  • Program Schedule
  • Educational Excursions
  • Homestay Profiles
  • Coursework Highlights
  • Health, Safety, and Security
  • Student Services
• Admitted Students
  • Predeparture Information
  • Confirmation Materials
  • Web Advisor
  • Medical Review Process
  • Health, Safety, and Security
  • Alumni Mentors
• Alumni
  • Request a Transcript
  • Connect
  • Next Steps
  • Events and Announcements
• Parents
  • Parents Overview
  • Benefits of Study Abroad
  • About SIT/World Learning
  • Health, Safety, and Security
  • Funding Study Abroad
  • Contact and Communications
  • Student Services Overview
  • Visitors Policy
  • What's Next for My Student
• Advisors and Faculty
  • Advisors and Faculty Overview
  • Services For Colleges and Universities
  • Admissions Information
  • Accreditation and Academics
  • About Health, Safety, and Security
  • About Student Services

Chile: Economic Development and Globalization

Program Overview

The Chile: Economic Development and Globalization study abroad program explores the political, social, and geographic dynamics affecting Chile's economic development. Students examine industries such as forestry, mining, agriculture, and tourism to develop a panoramic understanding of how the global market and local and foreign policies impact Chile’s export-driven economy.

Students interact with policy analysts, government officials, union activists, and community leaders to learn about the broad influence of globalization on Chile's multinational companies as well as small-scale cooperatives and micro-enterprises. Intensive Spanish language study and homestays with host families in Santiago and Valle de Elicura connect students with Chilean culture and facilitate cross-cultural communication and field study.

Leading the way in South America
Amidst changes in the world economy, Chile has remained one of the most economically stable countries in South America over the past decade. Boasting the second-highest HDI (Human Development Index) in the continent, Chile excels in terms of population life expectancy, literacy, education, and standards of living.

Although Chile's booming global economy has been touted as a model economic system for South America, rapid modernization has significantly altered the lifestyles of Chilean residents and exacerbated problems such as poverty and health care inequities. Students explore these socioeconomic challenges through coursework and discussions with policy makers and government officials about the role of policy to address social concerns. Students also interact with rural and urban residents throughout Chile to gain insight into the regional effects of economic development and globalization.