This program is open to Purchase College undergraduate in many majors. In order to be nominated, applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• Have an intermediate level (B2) of Spanish*
• Be in good academic standing (>2.5 GPA)
• Have completed at least two semesters at a college or university. Transfer students are eligible after they have successfully completed one semester of full-time study at Purchase
• Not be on disciplinary or housing probation during any part of the proposed period of studying abroad
• Receive approval from their academic advisor/department

* A Spanish placement exam can be taken online through Purchase College. Students will receive their score and placement level immediately following the exam. To take the exam, go to WebCAPE Foreign Language Placement Exam. Students may also take an intensive 4-week, 100 hour, Spanish course before the beginning of each academic semester to prepare for a semester in Spanish.

Students wishing to study at U Mayor have to be able to follow university lectures in Spanish, participate in seminar discussions and understand written material in their field. Therefore, students must have a certificate of Spanish proficiency (equivalent to level B.2 or 620 to 675 classrooms hours). To see what majors and courses are available visit explore the departments and majors page.

For students wishing to improve their Spanish prior to the start of class, Mayor offers an intensive 4-week, 100 hour, Spanish course before the beginning of each academic semester. Students typically live with Chilean families during the one-month Spanish course in order to maximize their learning experience. Families are pre-selected and live near the campus.

Learn about academics and the Spanish course from a student perspective in this video.

For general information regarding travel to this host country, please visit Chile's U.S. Department of State country information page. Make sure to also check out the C.I.A. World Factbook page on Chile to learn about the country's climate, people and society, government and more.

U Mayor does not offer student housing but will make recommendation and help students to find housing once they are accepted to the program. Students can choose to live with other students in an apartment in Santiago or to do a homestay and live with a host family for the semester. An external family coordinator will help arrange the homestays. The homes and apartments are in the downtown area and close to campus. Watch this video to learn about one student's experience living with a host family and another student's experience living in an apartment with other international students.

A one-month homestay is available for those who choose to complete the intensive Spanish course prior to the start of the semester.

The International Relations Office (RRII) at Universidad Mayor picks up international students at the airport prior to the start of classes. The International Relations office hosts a one day orientation for international students. The office hosts field trips and activities throughout the academic year for international students such as visiting other Chilean cities, cooking classes, museum visits, and cultural fairs. Watch this video to experience one of the field trips, a walking tour of Santiago. Here students talk about the international student fair.

Because of its central location, there are lots of options for eating such as cafeterias, bars, restaurants; most places are within walking distance of the University. Santiago boasts a very well developed subway line as well for convenient movement throughout the city.

Watch this brief video in Spanish or read these testimonials to learn about why students from around the world decided to study in Chile. 

The International Relations offices also recommends that interested international student review the LearnChile and ContactChile websites for more information about living and studying in Chile.

To learn about what it may be like to live and travel in Chile given your personal identity markers, review this helpful document.

Students pay Purchase tuition prices when participating in a Purchase semester exchange program.

After committing to the program, tuition, some fees,* and international medical insurance (through United Healthcare), will be billed directly by Purchase College Student Financial Services office. International health insurance is required for all students studying abroad. Review the Exchange Program Cost Sheet for detailed information.

The cost of travel to and from or within the country of study, and any expenses incurred when classes are not in session, for example, during semester break, are also the responsibility of the student. Day-to-day living costs will vary, based on accommodations, personal situations, and interests. Students should plan a budget to suit their needs, but make sure it's flexible enough to allow for changes in circumstances. Mayor estimates that a student should budget between $US700 and US$1100 per month for lodging, food, transportation, and miscellaneous costs. If you are interested in how the estimated cost of attendance for this program compares to a semester at Purchase College, visit Purchase's total cost of attendance page.

The financial aid students receive during the academic year will apply toward their semester term abroad as long as they are taking degree applicable courses. Students must speak with their academic advisor BEFORE selecting their courses to know whether or not the courses abroad will fulfill degree requirements. Institutional scholarships will carry over, but students who receive external scholarships will need to check with the awarding institution.

Review the Off-Campus Financial Aid page to learn more about how your financial aid can be used abroad. Please contact Student Financial Services with any questions regarding your financial aid award and disbursement.

If you're concerned about affording an education abroad experience, please click on the 'Funding Study Abroad' pages or contact us at study.abroad@purchase.edu to talk about best practices for financial planning.

*Students are charged the college fee, athletic fee, technology fee and transcript fee. They are not charged the transportation fee nor campus service fee. 

A Student Resident Visa is required to study for a semester in Chile. To learn more about the visa process, visit the Chilean consulate student visa page.

Students will receive additional visa process information/instructions from U Mayor after acceptance.

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Application deadline for Spring semester abroad: Rolling basis until October 1st

Application deadline for Fall/Academic year abroad: Rolling basis until March 1st

All students must complete a two-step application process:

1. Exchange application: Students must first complete the online exchange application form (below). Upon completion, the application will be submitted to your academic department for review. Finally, students complete an interview with the Education Abroad Coordinator. If approved, OGE will submit your nomination to the host institution. 
2. Host institution application: Once your nomination is received, you can expect to hear directly from the host institution with application materials and instructions; this may include a portfolio submission. The completed application must be submitted directly to your host institution. Host institutions have their own internal application deadlines and requirements. It is critical to follow all application instructions and strictly adhere to deadlines as this is a time sensitive process.

Once you are accepted, there are additional steps in the process including a post-acceptance stage that involves health and safety forms, pre-departure orientation(s), study abroad approval forms, visas (if applicable), and others. OGE offers support every step of the way. Click here to learn more!

 If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office for Global Education.