Chile: Universidad de los Andes

An overlook scenic picture of the capital city of Chile; Santiago

Program Overview

‌Situated next to the Andes Mountains in the capital city of Chile, Santiago, University of Los Andes (UANDES) offers a variety of courses for students to study in English. The campus combines modern architecture with green spaces for learning and extracurricular activities. There are many clubs to get involved in as well as many services provided by the international office. Founded in 1989, the UANDES focuses on research, innovation, and development. The school’s 8,000 students can choose from 25 undergraduate and 73 graduate programs.

Dates & Deadlines

Spring Semester

App Deadline: October 1
Program Dates: March - July

Fall Semester

App Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: August - December

Location

The campus sits at the foothills of the Andes Mountains outside of metropolitan Santiago. As the largest city in Chile, Santiago acts as a cultural and political hub. “It's a wonderful place for strolling, and each neighborhood has its unique flavor and tone. Head out for the day to take in the museums, grand architecture and pedestrian malls of the Centro, before an afternoon picnic in one of the gorgeous hillside parks that punctuate the city's landscape. Nightlife takes flight in the sidewalk eateries, cafes and beer halls of Barrios Brasil, Lastarria and Bellavista, while as you head east to well-heeled neighborhoods like Providencia and Las Condes, you'll find tiny restaurants and world-class hotels.” – Mark Johanson

Academics

UANDES offers 24 undergraduate programs with over 8,000 students on campus. Class sizes are 18:1, similar to UNI, and offer hands-on opportunities. Classes are offered in English and Spanish, so students do not need to know the language. UANDES is great for majors in: Business, Health, Communication, Education, Family Sciences, History, and the Humanities.

Students who apply to a regular exchange semester and whose native language is not Spanish should demonstrate an upper-intermediate level of Spanish. The UANDES Business Exchange Semester is completely taught in English.

Classes are available in the fields of: 

  • Health
    • Dentistry
    • Physiotherapy Campus facility
    • Medicine
    • Nursing
    • Psychology
    • Nutrition and Dietetics
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Obstetrics and Midwifery
    • Speech therapy
  • Business and Administration
    • ​Business and Economics
    • Service Management
  • Engineering
    • ​Civil
    • Computer
    • Industrial
    • Environmental
  • Humanities
    • ​Advertising
    • Audiovisual Communication
    • Education
    • Family Services
    • History
    • Journalism
    • Law
    • Literature
    • Philosophy

Getting Involved: UANDES holds an orientation week prior to the start of classes. This includes opportunities to learn about the culture and participate in various immersive activities. You will also participate in the Buddy Program, which is a great chance for students to learn how to get involved on campus. There is also a student organization that partners with Chilean and international students to help them learn about campus and help them throughout their stay. UANDES also offers a wide range of sports, cultural, and entertainment activities through their ICLUB program. 

Credits: (Uses ECTS credits) 6 ECTS = 3 credits at UNI
If credit hours are listed as contact hours, take the Chilean contact hours and divide by 15 to get the ECTS credits.

Grades:
6.0 - 7.0 = A
5.0 - 5.9 = B
4.0 - 4.9 = C
Less than 4.0 = no transfer credit

Housing & Meals 

Los Andes does not offer on-campus housing, but there are many options outside of this. Students can live with a host family, in residences, or shared flats. Los Andes sends a list of recommended housing options to students once they are accepted to the program.

Health & Wellbeing

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend talking to your healthcare provider early. At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

  • Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
  • Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
  • Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

Feel free to connect with the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility & Study Abroad:

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern, whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs, we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Important Information to Review

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Chile, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more.  From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Chile. 

Eligibility Requirements

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). View eligibility requirements.

Program Cost & What's Included 

We estimate program costs to include anything and everything you need for the experience abroad to live like a student in comparison to on campus at UNI. 

Here is what's included in the program cost:  

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Housing & Meals
  • Immigration & Airfare
  • Pre-Departure Advising
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • Local Transportation
  • Personal Expenses

Study Abroad Scholarships

Scholarships for study abroad are readily available from a variety of sources. Check out the scholarship opportunities available to UNI students for study abroad.

Financial Aid

For a semester abroad, students can use their semester aid package for their study abroad experience. Financial aid for studying abroad is available, but you'll want to begin planning as early as possible. Work with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships prior to committing to study abroad.