City College is once again arranging the language-oriented study abroad program, but for the first time, students get the opportunity to go to Santiago, Chile.

“If you do go, you will go there to experience education. Not only in the classroom, but also when you go outside to do your homework,” said Dr. Sonia Zúñiga-Lomeli, Spanish professor and study abroad program director for the trip to Chile. “Also, if you have to go to a museum you will be learning, you will be immersed with experience.”

Participants in the semester long program will study and experience the Spanish language, Latin American culture and world literature at Escuela de Idiomas, located in Providencia, Santiago. Students will be living close to school with host families, who will provide a single room and two meals a day.

According to Zúñiga-Lomeli, to get the best out of the program the main language speaking during the semester will be Spanish, both in the students’ host families and in school.

The classes and study groups are small to support an easy learning technique, which is necessary for language education.  Students attend class Tuesday through Thursday and Fridays will include field trips with the cultural class to learn about Santiago and the South-American culture.

“The rich geography, history and culture make this destination unique and ideal for language learning,” said Honduran-born Zúñiga-Lomeli.

Students will be able to see the whole country during the three months of stay. Excursions to different parts of the country will be arranged, both weekend and day trips are included in the cost of the program.

Students at City College think this sounds like an interesting program and are excited about discovering a different culture.

“I think this sound like a good program, learning a new language in a totally new culture sounds like an amazing experience,” said student Sarah-Louise Nilsson.

Participants in the program must to be over 18 years old at departure date and need to have completed at least 12 college units with a grade point average of at least 2.5. The application procedure includes both paper work and an interview with Zúñiga-Lomeli.

The trip costs $7255 to $8500 and includes housing, the field trips, and basic travel insurance. Students can apply for financial aid and there are study abroad scholarships if they have financial needs.

After the program ends students will have a weeklong break to use for exploring the country or traveling abroad to nearby countries in South America.

“If you will go, you will get a good experience. But, like anything in life, you’ll get what you put in to it,” said Zúñiga-Lomeli.