Settling In 123to be diploma mills, they do not yet enjoy the same status
as the traditional universities, with a couple of exceptions.
In general, it is easier to be admitted into a new university,
so there is an element of elitism for students and alumni
of traditional universities.
University students in Chile enter a degree programme
that takes roughly four to seven years to complete. Almost
all classes pertain to the student’s chosen field (carrera),
unlike in some other countries where a wide range of topics
is studied. Therefore, everyone studying the same subject
knows each other but they do not have much interaction with
students in other fields. In fact, different schools (the school
of economics, the school of journalism, etc.) are located on
various campuses, thereby segregating the students further. A
práctica (internship) and a thesis are required of all students,
most often during the final year of study.
Upon graduation, a título (degree) or a licencia (license)
is conferred that allows the graduate to practice a specific
profession. A person without this specific degree or license
would not be able to work in the field. In this sense, it is
very different from the system in the United States where
students receive academic degrees that are quite flexible and
allow the student to practice a wide range of professions.
This difference explains the confusion surrounding questions
about careers. In the United States, the question is “What
do you do?” and the answer usually relates to one’s current
position, for example, “I’m a Marketing Director for (name
of company).” In Chile, the question is “What are you?” and
refers to your profession in general, not your specific job title.
“I’m an economist, mathematician, an ingeniero comercial, a
teacher, etc.” If you have a more ‘exotic’ degree, such as in
philosophy or international affairs, explaining what you are
becomes a little more difficult, unless you have no problems
claiming to be a philosopher or a global affairs pundit.
Incidentally, in Chile—unlike most of Latin América—only
physicians are referred to as doctors.
In order to apply to a university you must take the PSU
(Prueba de Selección Universitaria). The PSU tests general
knowledge of language, mathematics, history and science.