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Chile: Geological Giant of South America

If nature guides your inner compass, you鈥檒l not only feel at home here, you鈥檒l embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Explore unique terrain, wander through vibrant cities, sip fine wines, and get lost in breathtaking sunsets along one of the country鈥檚 900+ beaches. Chile is home to incredibly diverse landscapes, boasting three climate zones鈥攏orthern desert, central Mediterranean, and the humid and cool southern regions.

Why study abroad in Chile?

Education style. Renowned for high academic standards, Chile offers some of the best programs in Latin America. Students can expect a self-directed, proactive approach to learning. Here, you’ll be expected to take initiative and do more than absorb information.

Cultural orientation. In Chile, you鈥檒l be immersed in a rich blend of Spanish and European influences. This fusion shapes a culture that honors tradition while embracing modernity. Expect a warm, family-centered environment with deep respect for elders and a welcoming, hospitable spirit.

Student lifestyle. Thanks to its striking geography, Chile offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Students can enjoy hiking, surfing, skiing, and exploring natural wonders. In cities and metropolitan areas, explore a blend of trendy and bohemian neighborhoods.

Chilean cities study abroad students live in:

  • Santiago is the capital of Chile, as well as the country鈥檚 largest and oldest city. It鈥檚 home to about seven million people. This diverse, cosmopolitan city is famous for its backdrop of the iconic Andes Mountains and is filled with restaurants and neoclassical landmarks.
  • 痴补濒辫补谤补铆蝉辞 is a port city on Chile鈥檚 Pacific coast. It features colorful homes that dot the 44 hills on which the city was built. Playfully referred to as 鈥淟ittle San Francisco,鈥 it is the unofficial cultural capital of the country, known for its vibrant arts scene and musical presence.

Chilean cities popular among study abroad students to visit:

  • Vi帽a del Mar, sometimes called the 鈥淕arden City,鈥 is a stunning coastal city known for its beaches, resorts, and public gardens. Its proximity to 痴补濒辫补谤补铆蝉辞 and convenient public transit make it a popular travel destination.
  • Antofagasta is the second-largest city in northern Chile. As a port city, it borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Atacama Desert, making it geographically striking and unique. The city has deep Indigenous roots, preserved through rich cultural traditions.
  • La Serena is a coastal city in the Coquimbo Region. It is Chile鈥檚 second-oldest city, founded in 1544. La Serena boasts beautiful beaches, fascinating museums, and historic churches.
  • Arica is Chile鈥檚 northernmost city, just 11 miles from the Peruvian border. It鈥檚 known for beaches and great surfing. Despite its coastal setting, Arica is one of the driest cities in the world, but the region thrives on bustling trade, which brings energy and life to this desert city.

Chile study abroad highlights

Language spokenSpanish
CapitalsSantiago is the official, judicial, and executive capital;
痴补濒辫补谤补铆蝉辞 is the legislative capital
Common housing typesHomestays, single rooms, apartment/flat
Known forDiverse landscapes, stunning geography includes Atacama Desert and Patagonia, rich culture, wine, seafood, and copper production
Time zoneCLT/CLST (GMT-4/GMT-3)
CurrencyChilean Peso (CLP)
Fun factsThe longest and narrowest country in the world, home to the oldest artificially mummified human remains, which predate Egyptian mummies by thousands of years

海角社区 programs in Chile

海角社区 offers programs designed to align with your goals.

  • By program type:
    • Spanish language
    • Pre-law
    • Cultural and international studies
    • Business
  • By term:
    • Fall Semester
    • Spring Semester
    • Summer

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need a visa?
  • Are there scholarships?
    • Yes! 海角社区 offers a range of scholarships, including need-based awards and destination-specific funding. View scholarships.
  • What excursions and activities are typically* offered?
    • Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
    • Museum of Memory and Human Rights
    • Metropolitan Cathedral
    • 痴补濒辫补谤补铆蝉辞 contemporary expressions of art workshop
    • One-day and multi-day excursions:
      • 痴补濒辫补谤补铆蝉辞 and Vi帽a del Mar
      • Magical Valle del Elqui
      • Wine in Chile
      • Santiago

*Excursions vary by term, year, and location

  • What sports are popular in Chile?
    • Football (soccer). Chile’s most popular sport, with a passionate following throughout all regions.
    • Chilean rodeo. Chile鈥檚 national sport, especially popular in rural regions, features two riders who collaborate to contain a calf.
    • Volleyball. Popular both on the beach and as an indoor recreational activity.
    • Surfing. Chile鈥檚 vast coastlines and excellent waves make it a hotspot for surfing, and it’s internationally known for its top surfing locations.

Study abroad programs available in Chile

Student stories from Chile

“Zooming 5,000 miles out from my life at school and moving with the pace of life as an intercambio student in this seaside town has been a gift, a treasured experience to bask in the luxury of time.” Kate H., 海角社区 Chilean Universities Program, 痴补濒辫补谤补铆蝉辞

“Each region had its own distinct food, music, and scenery. In the north, places like San Pedro and Valle Elqui, moving to the center, Santiago and Caj贸n del Maipo showcased a blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Further south, the lake regions of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, then traveling to the breathtaking National Park of Torres del Paine in the far south. I鈥檓 so glad I took my host mom鈥檚 advice to prioritize exploring Chile rather than rushing off to other countries. It gave me the opportunity to experience the diversity and beauty of this incredible nation.” Marin A., 海角社区 Chilean Universities Program, Santiago