The program begins with orientation in Buenos Aires, where the first half of the program is held, followed by a week-long, program-related trip to Peru, and the second half of the program in Santiago.
Learn about the accelerated pace of globalization and economic growth in these markets while experiencing two very different cultures, complete with their own distinct institutions, laws, and business practices and cultures. Both cities serve as models for the pitfalls and opportunities surrounding economies in transition within the global marketplace.
Buenos Aires and Santiago Will Be Your Classrooms
Meet business professionals in Buenos Aires and Chile.
Improve Your Spanish Language Skills
Take an optional semester-long, 3-credit Spanish course.
Live in Homestays
Live in a furnished room in the home of a señora or family.
Travel Throughout South America
Travel to Peru, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Uruguay.
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
Early September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Lindsay Smith
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
Designed for students interested in Business, Economics, Sociology, and Political Science, this multi-location interdisciplinary program offers a unique comparative perspective of two of the most notable emerging economies in South America: Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile.
Get to Know Your Host Cities
Climb Cerro Santa Lucia
Take in Santiago at this hill located in the heart of the city.
See the Street Art
Check out street art as you stroll through the barrio of Bellavista.
Feast at a Traditional Argentine Asado
Try steak with chimichurri sauce, empanadas, and more.
Get Your Tango On
Attend a tango show at one of Buenos Aires’ many venues.
You have a furnished room in the home of a señora or family during your time in Buenos Aires and in Santiago. In Buenos Aires, your homestay provides breakfast and dinner during the week, and breakfast on the weekend. In Santiago, your homestay provides two meals per day each day of the week, including weekends. You will be provided all of your bed linens and towels in both cities. English-speaking hosts are available on a limited basis.
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore economics, South American history and culture, and other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 16-19 credits per semester. All IES Abroad courses are taught in English, except for the language course.
EC/PO/IR330 Emerging Economies: A Global Perspective of Opportunities & Challenges in Argentina & Chile (required, 4 credits)
Two IES Abroad English-taught courses in Buenos Aires (required, 3 credits each)
Two IES Abroad English-taught courses in Santiago (required, 3 credits each)
IES Abroad Spanish language course (optional, 3 credits)
Courses in Buenos Aires
IR/PO 353 Populism and Neo-Populism: Latin American Politics in a Changing World
HS321 Contemporary Argentine History: Politics & Culture in the Construction of a National Identity
IB340 Business Strategies in Latin America
FI356 International Finance
Courses in Santiago
EC235 The Wine Industry in Chile: The Challenges and Opportunities of Sustainability
EC/IR/PO342 Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations
ES/EC332 Chile: Sustainability & Business
HS362 Chilean Identity: History and Society
BS301 Social Entrepreneurship & Leadership for the 21st Century: The Latin American Context
Courses in Buenos Aires & Santiago
EC/PO/IR330 Economic Development in Latin America
SP221, SP321, or SP421: Level determined by Spanish Language Placement Assessment
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Buenos Aires and Santiago, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
7 Days
Fall & Spring
Peru
Travel to Peru, an economic powerhouse in South America, to learn about its emerging industries and economic development, with time to explore the cultural and historical richness of the country including a side trip to the famed Machu Picchu. Included is a visit with The Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development to learn about the realities, challenges, and opportunities that exist in Indigenous communities.
Luján & Local Estancia
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Visit the city of Luján, with its famous cathedral that attracts pilgrims from all over the country. Enjoy the open fields of the greater Buenos Aires province, then spend the afternoon at an estancia (cattle ranch).
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
1 Day
Fall & Spring
You will discover the culture of two of Chile’s most beautiful coastal towns: one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the other is home to one of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poets, Pablo Neruda.
Colonia del Sacramento
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Travel across the River Plate to Uruguay to visit the 300-year-old town of Colonia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic quarter of Colonia reflects the old Spanish and Portuguese colonial styles. Its narrow cobblestone streets and remnants of its...
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Multi-Location - Emerging Economies: Buenos Aires & Santiago Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
$14,675
Housing & Meals
$5,030
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (12 meals provided per week)
Health Insurance
$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$19,950
+
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,100-1,500
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$50
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay
$2,700
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$460
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$1,900
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Multi-Location - Emerging Economies: Buenos Aires & Santiago Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
$14,675
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
$5,030
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (12 meals provided per week)
Health Insurance
$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$19,950
+
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,400-3,400
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$50
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay
$2,700
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$600
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$1,900
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Centers are where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Buenos Aires Center is located downtown near neighborhoods known for their history and architecture. The IES Abroad Santiago Center is located in Providencia, a vibrant residential neighborhood. Whichever destination you’re currently closest to, the Center is your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Buenos Aires & Santiago Center Directors
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form.
Official Transcript(s) — Include a transcript for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:
You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends
Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.
Visa Requirements
Argentina, Chile, and Peru do not require US citizens to obtain a student visa while studying abroad for a period of less than 90 days.
Not a US citizen? You will likely need to attain a visa. Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
Here I talk about my experience studying abroad in Ireland and taking advantage of the opportunity to travel to various European countries during reading week...
