The Universidad Adolfo Ibañez Viña Del Mar, Chile, Exchange Program

Overview of Program

The main objective of the undergraduate student exchange program with Universidad Adolfo Ibanez in Vina del Mar, Chile, is to provide a small number of business and MOS students with the opportunity to study business courses at a prestigious university in South America. Students participating in this exchange program will not only interact with Chilean professors and students but also with students who come from different parts of South America and Europe. Established in 1988, Universidad Adolfo Ibanez is organized in four main fields of study: Business Administration, Law, Science and Technology, and the Humanities. The business programs has the objective of forming business persons and professionals who are capable of cooperating efficiently in the development of businesses and who will strive to reach their maximum human potential in the countries where they work and live.

Presently, the program is limited to 3 students each year.

Benefits of Program

Students participating in this semester-long program will benefit academically, professionally and personally. First, they will benefit academically by taking business courses with local professors who are knowledgeable about business from both a Chilean and a global perspective. Second, the program will allow students to improve their Spanish skills since all classes are in Spanish. Third, students will be able to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the Chilean culture by living with Chilean families. Finally, the attractive location of Vina del Mar on the Pacific coast will make it relatively easy for students to visit other parts of Chile and neighboring countries.

Vina del Mar is a resort city on the Pacific coast and within a two-hour drive of Santiago. From this location students can take excursions to the northern and southern parts of Chile, or to Buenos Aires in Argentina. Because the university has exchange programs with major universities in the U.S. and Europe, visiting students have the opportunity to interact with persons from a variety of national and cultural backgrounds.

Structure of Program

• Admission to program: Admission to the program requires the completion of an application form, a series of interviews (to determine the appropriateness of the program to the needs of the individual students), and the completion of the required documents. The process begins in the fall of the preceding academic year.
• Selection of Courses: The student meets with the Program Director to select business courses equivalent to courses typically taken at St. Mary’s University. The selection of courses is done in collaboration with the student’s advisors.

Calendar/Schedule of Program

This program is offered every FALL semester. A Spring semester can be arranged, but these are very rare, since Chilean semesters do not coincide with U.S. spring and fall semesters.

Students are required to take four courses. All courses are in Spanish.

Students have opportunities to travel during the semester break. Short trips on weekends are also possible.

Application Procedures and Documentation Requirements

Eligibility qualifications:

• Social, interpersonal skills.
• Sophomore status (minimum), junior status prefered.
• Spanish fluency (both oral and writing) in the language is required.
• Students with a high GPA will be given priority since the business programs at Universidad Adolfo Ibaiiez are very demanding.

Documentation requirements:

• Balance sheet or transcript.
• Formal Application form.
• Two recent passport-size photos.
• Health Information form and proof of health insurance.
• Proof of travel insurance.
• International student card.
• Valid passport for period in Chile.

Interviews with Ms. Minita Santizos, Director of International Education Programs, upon application to the program, with the Program Director during the preceding Fall or early Spring semesters, and with Program personnel for formal admission upon completion of application process.

Program Expenses

The main expense of the program is St. Mary’s tuition for one semester. Since this is an exchange program, students pay the normal St. Mary’s tuition for the semester they spend in Chile.

Additional expenses:

• Round-trip airfare 
• Accommodation and meals
• Other personal expenses

Costs for additional expenses vary over time with exchange rates and price fluctuations, especially for airfare.