DATES:
Fall
(Semester 2 in Chile):
August - December
Spring (Semester 1 in Chile):
March - July
PROGRAM FEE :
Paid to Mason:
--
$125 Application Fee
--
$350 Administrative Fee ($550 for year long)
-- George Mason Tuition
Paid to UDD:
-- Housing (~$2500)
Not Included:
-- International Airfare
--
Passport Fees
--
Visa Fees (~$140)
-- Personal Expenses
Financial aid should apply, but you are recommended to discuss aid with your financial aid counselor when planning your study abroad.
NOTE:
If a student applies and is accepted into a direct exchange program and then drops out of the program,the $350 administrative fee is non-refundable. In addition, fees are subject to change.
ELIGIBILITY:
This program is open to Mason students ONLY with Spanish language proficiency of high intermediate to advanced. Students should have completed SPAN 309 or the equivalent level course before participation on this program. Students must also have completed at least 45 credits at the time of departure and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students should not study abroad the last semester of senior year if they plan to graduate on time.
CREDITS:
Students may enroll in a variety of courses and may transfer between 12-16 credits per semester back to Mason, provided the letter grade received is equivalent to a "C" or above. The courses are transfer credit, and therefore will not factor into the GPA of the participant.
Students can take courses in a variety of fields including:
-- Architecture & Art
--
Design
--
Communications
--
Economics & Business
--
Education & Humanities
--
Engineering
--
Government
--
Law
--
Psychology
HOUSING:
The International Relations Office at UDD provides information, contacts and advising for students, assisting them in finding the best housing in either Santiago or Concepción during their stay. Students may live in university residence halls, shared apartments, or family housing.
Contact
Email Daria Stepanova or call (703) 993-2154
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Now accepting online applications!
Fall Semester: March 8
Spring Semester: October 1
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
DEPARTMENTS AND COURSES
and HERE
LINK TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS GUIDE
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
The Universidad del Desarrollo has a vast international network, a flexible academic system, diverse student body, and a vibrant campus life. Chile provides exchange students with a perfect platform to explore Latin American culture.
UDD was founded in 1990 and has since been recognized as one of the top three private universities in Chile. In 2008 the MBA Program was ranked first in Latin America in Entrepreneurship for the second consecutive year, according to America Economia magazine. Students on direct exchange are administered by the Study Abroad Office while at the University.
Aerial view of downtown Concepción
The first graduating class of physicians of the Clinica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo School of Medicine earned second place in the National Medical Examination (EMN), making it one of the most prestigious Schools of Medicine in the country just 7 years after it was created.

Cafe on campus
UDD has two exciting campuses in separate cities, one in Santiago and the other in Concepción. Exchange students may choose to study at either campus. The university offers renowned professors with academic prestige and vast professional experience. Classes emphasize close contact with professional, economic, and cultural communities outside of the university and are equipped with modern facilities and Apple computers. Make sure to do your research and choose which campus you prefer as you will need to decide during the application process.

Typical student dorm room

Mason students working on a Habitat for Humanity project in Chile
VISA INFORMATION:
Once accepted into a program, it will be your responsibility to apply for a student visa and/or residence permit (if required, based on your citizenship). You will receive details on this with your acceptance letter. Do not apply for a visa until after you have been officially accepted. Visit the Embassy of Chile's website for further information. Please note that the process for acquiring a visa for Chile is a lengthy and detailed one. You will need to get a background check so it is important that you begin this process immediately upon acceptance into your program.
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
Santiago Travel Guide
Concepción Travel Guide
This is Chile - Official Website
U.S. State Department Travel Information
UDD Facebook Page
Follow UDD on Twitter @udd_cl
How to Apply
Consult the How to Apply section first and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for a direct exchange program. Next, attend a Direct Exchange program information session. Do this prior to starting an application to ensure that you understand how to choose the right program and what is expected of you during the application process.
Check the course offerings at the school you are interested in applying to and check to ensure that they match your course requirements. See “Choosing Courses Abroad” section below.
Once you’ve selected an appropriate program that offers courses that match your major, complete the online application and pay the $125 application fee. Please note that all supplemental documents are also required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please contact the program officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.
CHOOSING COURSES ABROAD:
There is no list of pre-approved classes for you to take on a direct exchange program. It is your responsibility to select courses and get them approved for transfer credit. Please refer to the “Departments and Courses” link on the left-hand side of this page for a list of course options on this program. You must then complete a Petition for Transfer of Credits Form to ensure that your courses will transfer back to Mason. Download a petition form here.
Consult your program officer regarding petition form instructions for UDD.
You can fill out the petition form prior to acceptance into a specific study abroad program and in fact, you should begin this process when you first consider applying. Identify courses at the host institution that are similar to those at Mason that you need to take. This will increase your chances of receiving transfer credit approval from the Departmental Advisors who must sign your petition form. Follow complete instructions from the link above and contact your program officer if you have questions.
**Note: Make sure you find plenty of primary AND alternate course options before deciding on a specific program. Schedules are subject to change and registration in your preferred classes is not guaranteed, so you should have sufficient alternate course options. Also, please keep in mind that you must enroll in the equivalency of at least 12 U.S. credits per semester.
*CGE reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.


