Bing Overseas Studies Program

Chile's Pathway to a Sustainable Future

Program Quick Facts

Location: Santiago, Chile
Faculty Leader: Prof. Sharon Reid
Program duration: 4 weeks 
Number of Units: 4 units
WAY Designation: Social Inquiry (SI)

Arrival Date: August 1, 2025
Departure Date: August 30, 2025
BOSP Program Advisor: Ash Gauer - email or schedule an appointment.
General Eligibility Requirements: Application Process
Academic Prerequisites: N/A. The course will be taught in English.
Activity Level: Light. Activities may include walking tours, easy/short hikes, and other site visits.
Program Fee: $2,000 
Weather: The month of August is considered part of the Winter season in Chile.

General Description

This course will explore critical themes in the area of sustainability, namely global and local perspectives, urban sustainability, indigenous views on sustainability and conservation. Each week students will have the opportunity to analyze one of the themes in depth, with lectures provided by leading experts and practitioners in the area, field trips to relevant sites allowing hands on practice, selected readings, movie viewings and a period of reflection culminating in the submission of a final report. 

Living and Travel Conditions

Program participants live in a self-catering residence in the downtown area of Santiago near the presidential palace and government offices. Participants are required to share apartments as single accommodation is not available. They are housed in multi-unit apartments with shared kitchens and bathrooms. Each apartment houses up to 4 students. The residence includes a gym, laundry services, study room and other entertainment spaces.

Faculty

Prof. Sharon Reid has been a member of the local faculty at the BOSP Santiago Center for over 15 years and teaches a course on Global Change in Chile. She has a Ph.D. in Ecology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and her research focuses on biodiversity, ecology and the conservation of birds. Prof. Reid is passionate about natural history and sharing her expertise with students. 

Prerequisites and Expectations

Students are required to attend every session and actively participate in class discussions and activities. Students should come prepared and are encouraged to actively engage with all course materials, including readings, videos, and supplementary resources. Students are expected to treat their peers and instructors with respect.

Students should approach the program with an open mind, ready to explore diverse perspectives and engage in constructive feedback. Students must adhere to all academic deadlines.  Timely submission of work is essential to maintain the flow of the program and ensure equitable participation.

Grading Basis

Credit/No Credit. Grading will be based on class attendance and the timely completion of  4 weekly assessments (written report or presentation). 

Program Cost

Students pay a highly subsidized program fee based on the length of the program. This fee covers only a small part of the total costs and may increase in the future. Students are only charged the program fee and not per-unit tuition.

​​​​Stanford provides program participants with: 

  • Housing for the duration of the program
  • All meals for the duration of the program
  • Onsite transportation for all program activities
  • All program excursions and activities for the duration of the program

Stanford does not provide program participants with:

  • International travel costs to and from the program location
  • Immigration expenses, including passport and visa costs
  • Recommended immunization/vaccination costs
  • Course materials
  • Other incidental expenses (such as laundry and souvenirs or personal travel)

Financial Assistance

BOSP is committed to ensuring access for all students, regardless of financial circumstances, to global learning opportunities. Financial need will have no impact on program admission decisions. All applicants will be automatically considered for financial assistance towards the program fee and travel grant. Students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Financial Aid Office, will be notified by BOSP regarding their eligibility for a fee waiver of up to 100% of the program fee. Award amounts will be announced after acceptance, and students will have time to consider their plans before committing to participate. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant may be eligible for additional federal funding as determined by the Financial Aid Office.

Quarter-Length Programs

BOSP offers quarter-length programs in Santiago in Autumn and Spring quarters. 

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