Andes Mountains in Chile

IPDP Chile

About

IPDP Chile provides opportunities for teacher candidates and faculty members from Buffalo State and Universidad Mayor to learn from one another - virtually and through study and service exchange activities. Buffalo State teacher candidates and faculty travel to Chile every other June for three weeks. Universidad Mayor teacher candidates and faculty travel to Buffalo every other February for three weeks.

Location

Santiago, Chile (view map) is located in the central valley of the Republic of Chile and serves as the country's capital city. Chile, the long ribbon of land running along the southwest coast of South America, rests between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. It boasts a very diverse climate, said to be comprised of seven separate climatic types experiencing four seasons--summer December to February, fall March through May, winter June to August, and spring September through May. Castillian, a very distinct version of Spanish, is the national language. Also spoken are four indigenous languages and German.
 

Dates

Travel: May/June 2027 (3 weeks)

Course: Spring Semester 2027

Next Application Deadline: November 1, 2026

Accepting Applications: No

Visit from Chilean Teacher Candidates: February 2026

Partnership

Buffalo State Leaders

  • Pixita del Prado Hill, Elementary Education
  • Angela Patti, Exceptional Education
  • Raquel Schmidt, Exceptional Education

International Partners

The Experience

Buffalo State Participants:

  • Participate in pre-travel course to prepare for the experience - completed semester prior to travel (spring)
  • Complete field experiences with teachers and children at local schools in Santiago
  • Experience language learning as participants and educators
  • Engage in Spanish language learning in an immersion program
  • Collaborate with teacher candidates and faculty at partner organization, Universidad Mayor
  • Live with host families to experience genuine Chilean life and culture
  • Engage in research regarding Chilean education and share findings
  • Enjoy historical and cultural experiences in and around Santiago
  • Enjoy excursions to coastal cities on the Pacific Ocean and hiking in the Andes Mountains
  • Blog about their experiences while abroad

Welcoming International Visitors

In addition to sending participants to Chile, the School of Education welcomes visitors from Chile to the United States. Teacher candidates from Universidad Mayor, along with their faculty leaders, spend three weeks in the Buffalo-area each spring semester.

Universidad Mayor Participants:

  • Engage in Buffalo State education methods classes
  • Interact with teacher candidates and faculty throughout the campus
  • Complete a field experience at Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy (BPS #76) and other local PDP sites

Participant Voices

Follow Chile participants as they experience life abroad and share their reflections, photos, videos, and growth through their individual blogs. 

View individual profiles of past participants - colorful demonstrations of the impact of IPDP programs on the personal and professional lives of our students.

Watch and listen to alumni sharing their impressions about their experiences abroad and offer advice to those considering IPDP. 

To Apply

Overview

Applications are accepted during open application periods only. It is recommended that, prior to applying, potential applicants meet with the faculty leader(s) or attend an IPDP Chile information session. 

  • Applications are accepted through the School of Education Office of the Dean. 
  • Applicants submit a completed application form, essay of intent, academic reference, and a copy of past grades and current course registration.
  • Handwritten applications are acceptable (typed preferred).
  • Accepted participants do not enroll in the corresponding course until advised. A unique CRN will be provided. 

Eligibility

-  Open to all current Buffalo State undergraduate or graduate students - including those graduating the May prior travel
-  Priority given to education majors
-  Must maintain good academic standing
-  Must be able to obtain passport

Download Application

Additional Information

Final program costs are determined once all participants are enrolled. The current program estimate of $4500 - $5200 is all inclusive and consists of: round-trip flight, lodging, group ground transportation, group cultural excursions, travel health and evacuation insurance, required course/language textbooks, administrative fees, and passport. Some expenses are included in a one-time fee applied to participants' Buffalo State tuition. Other expenses participants direct-pay to vendors before and during travel.

Past Programs

  • May/June 2023 - 3 participants led by Pixita del Prado Hill, Angela Patti and Raquel Schmidt
  • June 2019 - 6 participants led by Pixita del Prado Hill and Raquel Schmidt
  • May/June 2017 - 9 participants led by Angela Patti, Pixita del Prado Hill and Raquel Schmidt
  • May/June 2015 - 8 participants led by Angela Patti
  • May/June 2014 - 3 participants led by Pixita del Prado Hill and Angela Patti
  • June 2013 - 8 participants led by Nancy Chicola and Eric Krieg

Past Visits from Universidad Mayor

  • February 2019 led by Rosa Delicio
  • February 2017 led by Zúñiga Pacheco
  • Fall Semester 2015 - Antonia Bozzolo and Fiorenzza Chiuminatto received Chile Ministry of Education scholarship to study at Buffalo State
  • February 2015 led by Javiera Palma and Adrián Pereira
  • Spring Semester 2015 - Bastián Pfeiffer and Christine Etchart received Chile Ministry of Education scholarship to study at Buffalo State
  • Feburary 2014 led by Andrea Barnier
  • January/February 2013 led by Lorena Soto

Questions?

Email

Pixita del Prado Hill, Elementary Education
Angela Patti, Exceptional Education
Raquel Schmidt, Exceptional Education