Sit Arica

Observatory ALMA 🌌
The Atacama Desert, globally recognized as an extreme natural laboratory, serves as the base for the infrastructure of the ALMA Operations Office. The visit transcended a mere logistical tour, evolving into an immersion into the epistemology of modern astrophysics. The arid environment, historically associated with geological silence, starkly contrasts with the active data reception that maps nebulae and proto-planetary formations. The scale of the project forces a reflection on the role of technology in redefining our cosmic position. The data obtained here does not only document deep space; it calibrates human comprehension of time and origin.

El Desierto de Atacama, reconocido como un laboratorio natural extremo, sirve de asiento a la infraestructura de la Oficina de Operaciones de ALMA. La visita trascendió el recorrido logístico, convirtiéndose en una inmersión en la epistemología de la astrofísica moderna. El entorno árido, históricamente asociado al silencio geológico, contrasta con la recepción activa de data que traza las nebulosas y las formaciones proto-planetarias. La escala del proyecto obliga a la reflexión sobre el rol de la tecnología en la redefinición de nuestra posición cósmica. La información obtenida aquí no solo documenta el espacio profundo, sino que calibra la comprensión humana del tiempo y el origen.

observatory

SIT’s program in Chile offers the opportunity to earn a minor in global health or Indigenous health. Through this program, you’ll learn about public health through traditional medicine and intercultural healthcare practices, Indigenous customs, community welfare, and social justice.

Our students were able to share a pleasant moment of cultural exchange with students from the Autonomous University. We also had a discussion on health, coexistence, and Mapuche integration in the education system and public health.

We are grateful to the Autonoma University and American Corner for the opportunity to open the doors for us to share this amazing moment.

We visited the Nueva Imperial Intercultural Hospital, where the students saw how the conventional public health system integrates with Mapuche medicine and how it has a place within it. We were accompanied by Lamgen Doralisa, who shared how, through much effort and struggle, they achieved the space and recognition they have today.

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View sigh from the top of “Ñielol” Hill in Temuco.




Pictures from📸



chile.health

We’ve landed in Putre 🏔️🏔️
The town received us with some snowflakes, cold weather, but beautiful sky. Also we had company of traditional medicine healer’s how’s gave us the blessings to start the week in the mounts

Today we did the first visit to INDH (national Human Rights Institutions) is a institution that promotes and protects human rights, oversees and advises other public institutions, and collaborates in the pursuit of justice.

They are empowered by law to initiate criminal proceedings for acts that constitute crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearance of persons, migrant smuggling, or human trafficking. In addition, the INDH is empowered to file legal actions (amparo appeals, protection appeals, and amicus curiae briefs) in emblematic cases of human rights violations.

chile.health

Photo of the Spring 2025 semester students’ independent presentations.

Congratulations on your achievement.

Today we’re highlighting the incredible independent research of one of our Columbia University students , who is exploring the fascinating connection between Mapuche medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in the Araucanía region.
Currently back from Temuco, she has been working on her project: “Existence and Perceptions of Cultural Exchange between Mapuche Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Araucanía, Chile: Practice and Reception of Care.”
This topic is not only of great academic relevance in the fields of Biology and Public Health, but also honors the worldview and traditions of Chile’s Indigenous Peoples. During her time in the south, she has had the opportunity to connect with the community and share time with her host family.
She also shared his perspective with a Chinese doctor and Tu-Na massage therapist from the prestigious Filew Lawen integrative Mapuche medicine center in Padre Las Casas. A true immersion in ancestral culture and medicine!
The photos he shared with us show the richness of his experience: from studying with his classmates to sharing with the local community.

We are so proud of the depth and impact of the research our students conduct in the SIT program!

Students from our program sent us some photos of their internship and ISP experience during a visit to Putre, a community at over 3,500 meters above sea level.

student .d describes her experience in Putre with from , and .goldstein from

In their own words:
“The photos include some of the nice sunny days we had in Putre, processions for the celebration Cruz de Mayo, and a meal of guatia”

Thank you for such wonderful photos and experience.

Research in action at SIT Arica!
🤓 Students from and focused on their projects on Law 20.606 and Chagas Disease in our home office.
Nice to have them! ✨

From Temuco, our student .malmon send us some pictures of how is living his experience exploring “community empowerment and intercultural learning with a Mapuche family.”
An immersion in culture, traditions, and ancestral knowledge!

We wish you the best 💖