Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Santiago lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how Chile's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Santiago while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Santiago!
Unique Experiences
Discover the island of Chiloé
to experience its cultural heritage and explore sustainability efforts like self-sustainable farms and water-cleaning mussel farms
Tour the Diga Project in La Pintana
to learn about a groundbreaking recycling initiative that promotes circular economy practices and advances sustainability in Chile's communities
Visit a clean energy park
to witness renewable energy production in action and see why Chile is a global leader in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power
Your Destination
Santiago is a sustainable smart city known for its commitment to renewable energy, green spaces, and innovative public transport systems. The city integrates smart technology, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning to improve the quality of life. Students can explore vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks like Plaza de Armas and San Cristóbal Hill, and a growing tech and entrepreneurial scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Santiago offers an inspiring and forward-thinking study abroad experience.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Santiago will open doors for you to explore Chile’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Explore Parquemet, Santiago's Metropolitan Park that promotes sustainability through biodiversity conservation, water-efficient management, and recycling initiatives
- Visit Parque Bicentenario de la Infancia, a green urban space focused on biodiversity, eco-friendly design, and environmental education
- Discover La Vega Central, a market promoting local and organic produce, supporting sustainable agriculture
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
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Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Santiago offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to a residence hall, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: Standard housing includes a private room in a homestay or a double or triple room in a residence hall.
- Homestays: Homestays include a private room (single or double placement with another CIEE student) in the residence of a host family. Homestays feature weekly laundry, Wi-Fi, and two meals per day. Homestays are near subway stations and public transportation, coffee shops, convenience stores, and ATMs are available in metro stations, restaurants, and other amenities.
- Residence Halls: Residence halls include a double or triple room, located within 30 minutes of the city center. Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and WiFi.
Select Housing: Select housing includes a single room in a residence hall. Residence halls are located within five minutes (on foot) of a subway station that connects with the rest of Santiago (30-minute commute to city center). Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and Wi-fi. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Homestays: Two meals per day included.
- Residence Halls: Meals are not included.
Academics
CIEE Santiago: Study on the main campus of University Diego Portales (UDP), CIEE’s partner institution, surrounded by the beauty of Cerro San Cristóbal Hill. CIEE Santiago boasts a student-friendly campus with spacious classrooms, a comfortable lounge, quiet study areas, and common spaces for coursework and socializing with fellow students.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC): Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. Founded in 1888, it is a private institution of higher education with strong ties to the Catholic Church, although its academic focus is secular and pluralistic. PUC has become a leading university in Latin America and is characterized by its educational quality, its high research standards and its contribution to the cultural, social, and scientific development of Chile and the region.
Universidad Diego Portales (UDP): Universidad Diego Portales (UDP) is a private university founded in 1982. Despite being a relatively young institution compared to other universities in the country, it has managed to stand out for its academic approach, its educational quality and its commitment to the social and cultural development of Chile.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) | Universidad Diego Portales (UDP) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Sustainability and Development in Chile Territory, Interculturality and Education for Sustainability Planning for Local Sustainability in a Global Age | Environment and sustainable development Sustainable cities: challenges in Latin America | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
Academic Projects
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
The following lists of courses constitute a representative sample of course offerings through the host universities and are subject to change. In some cases, prior background knowledge may be required to enroll in a class.
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile sample courses:
- Sustainability and Development in Chile
- Territory, Interculturality and Education for Sustainability
- Planning for Local Sustainability in a Global Age
Universidad Diego Portales sample courses:
UDP courses: Course offering for 2025-1
- Environment and sustainable development
- Sustainable cities: challenges in Latin America
- Python for Engineers
- Doing Business in Latin America
- Indigenous Population in Chile and the Americas
- Exploring the Solar System and Beyond
- Zooming in and out: Scaling the Universe
- Women's Rights Movements: From Alaska to Patagonia
- United States of America: A nation of migrants
- International courts and politics
- Current trends on migration
- International criminal law
- Topics in Latin American politics
- Social Movements in Chilean recent history: 1970-2011
- Borders and Social Movements: Identity and Resistance in American Culture
- COIL Methodology: Collaborative Online International Learning
- Introduction to Linguistics
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Santiago's fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative work scene focuses on innovation, teamwork, and adapting to global trends. Key sectors include finance, tech, startups, mining, and agriculture. The city emphasizes sustainability and work-life balance within a modern, rapidly growing urban environment.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.
Finance
Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 18 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Victor Muñoz
Programs and Finance Manager
Víctor is passionate about studies. He graduated in Business and Economy, has a master's degree on Strategic Management and Project Evaluation, and certifications on Data Science in Python. He also...
Camila Soto
Program Coordinator
Camila Soto has a BA in Literature with experience in independent publishing, language teaching and international education. At CIEE she has worked at the Teach in Chile program and as...
Isabel González
Program Coordinator
Isabel is an enthusiast of helping students navigate their cultural experiences in Santiago. With a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree in linguistics, her areas of interests are sociolinguistics and...
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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