Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development

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In the words of a recent alum Spring 2009 student Michelle Eilers (Tufts University) describes her experience studying abroad in Chile with SIT. Michelle was awarded the first Alice Rowan Swanson fellowship to return to Chile to conduct a month-long study focused on a maternal health and birthing program for Aymara women. This work will build upon the research Michelle conducted through her Independent Study Project.

Examine the political history of Chile in a contemporary cultural context. Gain insights into the forces at play as Chile works to reconcile with its past while moving forward politically, socially, and economically.

Read the blog of our student correspondent.

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Chile's return to civilian rule after 17 years of military dictatorship has generated international interest. Efforts to prosecute human rights violations that occurred during former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet's rule have met with mixed results.

Chile's relative political and economic stability has drawn worldwide attention. Recent elections, economic policies, and the actions of increasingly vocal indigenous groups have fueled further debate about democratic participation, social equity, and multicultural identity.

The program is based in the engaging seaport city of Valparaíso and neighboring Viña del Mar. Local excursions to nearby Isla Negra and Santiago, intensive Spanish courses, field study activities, and a homestay with indigenous families provide a deeper appreciation of the attitudes, behaviors, practices, and values encompassed within the diverse Chilean landscape. Excursions focused on the indigenous Mapuche (southern Chile) and Aymara (northern Chile) communities explore the unique needs of Chile's indigenous populations.

In country resources and program partners generally include:

• Universidad Santa María in Valparaíso
• COTRA  in Viña del Mar
• Kimsakalko in Putre
• Observatorio Ciudadano in Temuco

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research