Chile's Pathway to a Sustainable Future

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 weekly assessments (written report or presentation). 

Financial Assistance

BOSP is committed to ensuring access for all students, regardless of financial circumstances, to global learning opportunities. In past years, roughly 50% of students participating in short-term BOSP programs have received financial assistance. Financial need will have no impact on program admission decisions. All applicants will be automatically considered for financial assistance towards the tuition and program fee. 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 all billed costs. Based on eligibility, some students may also qualify for an additional grant to be used towards the cost of travel. Award amounts will be announced after acceptance, and students will have time to consider their plans prior to their commitment to participate. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant may be eligible for additional federal funding as determined by the Financial Aid Office.