Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above
Location: Americas, Chile
GPA: 2.5

Program Overview

The Advertising and Public Relations in Chile is a six week program designed to give students a better understanding of trans-national media in the context of Chile and Latin America. The program includes a Global Culture course and a Global Campaign Strategies course which are tailored to the Chilean context and focus on the local wine industry as a case study. Students will learn how Chilean marketers appeal to consumers globally. Designed for students in media studies, advertising, public relations, and journalism, this program will teach you how to construct campaign and media messaging that is intended for domestic, regional and trans-national audiences. The Global Culture course and Global Campaign Strategies course are taught in English by Professor Chris Chavez of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication.

Included in the program are trips to regional cities, vineyards, and cultural sites.

The program is based in Viña del Mar, located on Chile's Pacific Coast. Viña del Mar is known for it's beautiful landscape and parks and is connected by bus to some of Chile's largest cities, like Valparaiso and Santiago.

Dates and Deadlines

 
 
Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Summer 2025 3/15/2025

6/19/2025

 7/31/2025

This program has a rolling admission application process: GEO staff (and the program faculty leader, if applicable) will complete a review of the application materials of complete applications in the order that they are submitted (“first come, first serve”). Decisions about acceptance will be made shortly after you submit a complete application. There are some programs that fill fast, some even before the deadline. Students are encouraged to complete applications and commit to programs early.

Acceptance is based on a holistic review of your application.  This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and the short statement. Some programs require a letter of recommendation from a faculty that is not the program's faculty leader. If a letter of recommendation is required, you will find more information in your GEO application portal.

Faculty-Led Scholarship Opportunity

Applicants to this program are eligible for program-specific scholarship funds. Award recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and overall quality of their essay. Individual awards range from $500-$1,500. To be considered, apply to the GEO General Scholarship by the advertised deadline for the term you will be abroad. Students who apply will automatically be considered for all available funding within the General Scholarship, including this program's scholarship funds.

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

This program offers a total of 8 credits. The Global Culture (SOJC-J388) course and Global Campaign Strategies (SOJC-J488) course are taught by Professor Chavez and are required. Each course is worth 4 quarter-credits.

In the Global Culture course, you will learn about the role that media institutions play in shaping cultural identity, including the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, and the films we watch.

In the Global Campaign Strategies course you will build on this knowledge by learning how marketers, agencies, and non-profit organizations develop campaigns designed to reach a variety of publics, both demostic and international. You will work with local companies in Chile to develop a global communications campaign.

Click on "View All Courses" for more details.

UO students: The Global Culture and Global Campaign Strategies courses can satisfy upper-division School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) major elective credits and major-specific course requirements. The Global Culture course can also satisfy Media Studies minor-specific credits. SOJC students must petition all study abroad courses for approval by the SOJC for credit. Contact the SOJC Undergraduate Student Services Center for details of the petition process.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Faculty and Staff

Dr. Christopher Chavez is a professor of advertising and media studies and the doctoral program director in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon. Dr. Chavez worked for ten years as an advertising executive at advertising agencies where he represented multi-national brands. His research lies at the intersection of globalization, media, and culture. Specifically, his research explores two main themes: the ways in which global media industries organize and re-organize collective identity, and the degree to which marginalized communities can be empowered within the constraints of marketplace dynamics.

Housing Description

Housing in Viña del Mar is designed to help you experience the local culture of Chile by living with a host family that speak at least some English.  Daily interactions with the host family afford cultural nuances that could otherwise be overlooked. Homestays are carefully selected and are located within walking distance of, or near local bus lines to class. Linens, towels and light laundry are provided by your host. Immerse yourself into the daily life and routine of the household and experience Chilean cuisine and food culture as host families prepare all of your meals.