When you study in Chile you get to experience some of the most diverse environments in the entire world. Some of Chile is covered by desert while other parts have forests, lakes and ski resorts! With Chile’s varied landscape and limitless outdoor activities you will always find something to do when you are not in class.
Best Chile Study Abroad Programs
Chile is one of the most prosperous nations in all of South America, not only because it has a great quality of life, but also because it stresses the importance of human development. And that includes receiving a superior education.
Study abroad programs are in locations all over the country, including Santiago, Pichilemu and Vina del Mar.
If you’re interested in studying abroad at a traditional Chilean university then the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile is the perfect place to take classes.
This is one of the oldest universities in all of Chile, attracting over 1,200 international students from over 350 foreign universities every year from as far away as North America and Europe. The university is known for its strong scientific development, but it also offers courses the arts, theology, agriculture, theology and engineering.
Even though the school does not have any on-campus housing, you can elect to stay with a Chilean family or at a student hostel.
For students interested in learning Spanish in Chile the University of Vina del Mar is a great place to take classes. International students from over five continents and 700 universities can take Spanish language and Chilean culture courses here, as well as language and arts classes in other foreign languages. Plus, there are many beautiful beaches and gardens in the city of Vina del Mar.
Scholarships
You can find ways to help pay for your South American trip you can visit the Financial Aid for Study Abroad and Study Abroad Student Loans sections.
Guide to Studying in Chile
Safety
Chile is one of the safest destinations to study in South America, but remember to follow study abroad health safety info guidelines whenever you’re in another country, no matter what type of method you travel.
Important Information
When you study abroad in Chile you should always have important numbers handy in case of an emergency.
Money and Budget
Chilean currency is known as the peso, whose symbol is the same as the dollar sign. Here’s how the currency works:
Coins = $1, $5, $10, $50, $100 and $500.
Bills = $1.000, $5.000, $10.000 and $20.000.
Things to Do
Whether you want to party in a city, go horse back riding or snowboard on a mountaintop, Chile offers you numerous activities to participate in when you’re not in class. To make the most of your experience here and to see as much as possible search Chile tour companies.
Here are some of the most popular locations with foreign students:
Santiago: Chile’s Capital City
With a population of about 5 million and its great geographical location, Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile, is one of the best places in Chile to visit. It is home to both modern-day institutions and historical monuments, from skyscrapers to museums, and it has enough outdoor and indoor activities to please any traveler.
For people who want to get away from the cold and watch a fútbol game or a live concert, the Estadio Nacional de Chile is a wonderful arena that can hold up to 67,000 people. Located just west of Santiago is the Valle Nevado Ski Resort, which is one of South America’s only modern ski centers.
If you would like to go shopping you can stroll to Providencia Avenue or Barrio Bellavists, where boutiques, flea markets, clubs and restaurants adorn the streets. The people who frequent these areas are very artsy and enjoy music and theater.
Cerro San Cristóbal
One of the most historical places to visit is Cerro San Cristóbal, which is a hill in northern Santiago that rises about 800 meters above sea level. Not only does it have a 22 meter statue of the Virgin Mary at the very top, but it also has a Japanese garden you can rest at once you reach the bottom.
Easter Island
Going to Chile for a study abroad program should include a trip to Easter Island, which is a volcanic island that is known for its large stone statues called Moai. These amazing statues are comprised mostly of volcanic ash and were carved by hand chisels as early as 400 CE. There are over 800 of the statues scattered across the island and captured in museums for visitors to see.
Pucón
You should definitely plan a visit to Pucón, a city located south of Santiago. Even though the city is relatively small, there are an unlimited number of things to do. Tourists can go fishing, hiking, horse back riding, skiing and snowboarding during the day, and then relax at a variety of local spas.v