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SIT Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment

Students are conducting research on plants outside. They are being led by a local community member.
Skyline view of Arica during sunset, highlighting both the modern and old architecture.
four students are standing in front of a mountain range. they are all in activewear and are smiling at the camera.

Chile, Santiago

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review and admission of applicants occurs on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Offered through SIT Study Abroad, the Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment program is an approved UW affiliate program. On this program, you will gain unique insight into healthcare policies, politics, and delivery as well as traditional medicinal practices in Chilean communities. You will consider different conceptions of wellness and healing, including beliefs and health practices of the Aymara and Mapuche indigenous groups.

You will be working closely with both IAP and SIT on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the SIT website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Previous college-level coursework in public health, development studies, community or social sciences, or other related fields.

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Language Prerequisite(s):
    2nd Semester Spanish
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Social Science

Classroom Language

Spanish

Housing

Local Hosts

Program Duration

Fall: Late-August - Early-December
Spring: Late-February - Early-June

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 2/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 10/2/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the program, visit the SIT program page. Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents