Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development

In the words of a recent alum
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.

Explore Chile’s recent political and social history and discover how Chileans are working to reconcile with the past while struggling to create a more equitable and culturally inclusive society.

Class on Mapuche cosmovision at the Lago Budi community-based Mapuche tourism project

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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 dictator Augusto Pinochet's rule have been 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 seaport city of Valparaíso and neighboring Viña del Mar. Local excursions to 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. An excursion focused on the indigenous Mapuche (southern Chile) community explores the unique needs of Chile's indigenous populations.

In country resources and program partners generally include: