Washington College of Law

The Universidad de Chile is an autonomous, public, national institution. It is the oldest and most important university in the country and one of the most prestigious in South America. Its professors and alumni have developed the laws, the institutions and the social, political, economic, artistic and cultural frame of Chile, and have been a strong influence in other Latin American countries.  The Universidad de Chile is located in Santiago, Chile's capital and center of political, economic, cultural and social activity.

The Faculty of Law, one of the oldest in the country, was founded in 1842 as the Faculty of Laws and Political Sciences.  As the premier law school in Chile, the Faculty of Law at the Universidad de Chile attracts some of the brightest minds in the country.  Its graduates include lawyers, politicians, diplomats and many other men and women that have contributed to the cultural and social fabric of Chile.  The school specializes in human rights law and environmental law.

Program Dates:

The program is offered in both the spring and fall semesters.

Fall: July – December
Spring: March – July

For exact program dates please see the Universidad de Chile academic calendar.

Language of Instruction:

The language of instruction at the Universidad de Chile is Spanish.  The university requires a command of Spanish adequate for academic work for admission. Students applying to the program must submit proof of Spanish proficiency.

1. Students with undergraduate or graduate studies in a Spanish speaking country must show the certificate or degree obtained within the last five years.
2. Students with Spanish majors (in the US) must have obtained their degree within the last five years and must provide a copy of their degree and undergraduate transcript(s). 
3. Students who are not in the conditions mentioned above are required to take a Spanish proficiency exam through the Language Department at AU and provide us with their results on the exam. and provide us with their results on the exam.  Students must complete the exam within 30 minutes and test into the Third Year (300 Level).

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Courses:

Students will receive up to 12 credits towards their law degree. Only the credits and not the grades will transfer per ABA requirements. The acceptance of any credit or grade for any courses taken at the Universidad de Chile, including externships and other clinical offerings, is subject to determination by the WCL, Office of the Registrar.  WCL students will be enrolled in courses specifically geared to exchange students.

The following is a selection of courses offered in the Faculty of Law. For a more complete list, please see the Universidad de Chile course information page.

• Bio ethics and Law
• Sociology of Law
• Telecommunications Law
• Military Justice
• Fundamental Rights
• Corruption in the Penal Code
• Consumer Rights
• Chilean Borders

Housing and Cost of Living:

The Universidad de Chile has no dormitories or housing facilities for visiting students. The Student Mobility Program offers information for lodging at private homes. The average monthly cost for lodging and meals is around USD$600.00.

Contact:

For general questions and concerns please visit the Semester Exchange FAQ page.

All other questions and concerns should be directed to:

Jamie Welling
International Programs Analyst
Semester Exchange Program
American University Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 355
Washington, DC, 20016 USA
Telephone: (202) 274-4177
Fax: (202) 274-4005
Email: studyabroad@wcl.american.edu

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