When you study in Chile you get to experience some of the most diverse climate environments in the entire world. Since Chile has an unusual shape, some areas of it are covered in deserts while others have snow, forests and lakes.

• Going to Chile for a summer study abroad program can 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.
• An entire semester abroad in Chile should definitely consist of 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.

With Chile’s varied landscape and limitless outdoor activities you will always find something to do when you join a study abroad program.

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 development includes receiving a superior education.

• 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 the Spanish language 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, it doesn’t hurt that there are many beautiful beaches and gardens in the city of Vina del Mar.

You can find more study abroad information in the Universities section, and for ways to help pay for your South American trip you can visit the Financial Aid for Study Abroad and Study Abroad Student Loans sections.

Transportation in Chile

Traveling around Chile is both easy and fun to do because there are so many different methods to get from one place to another. With so many roads connecting Chilean cites, you really can choose a method that is more convenient and affordable to you.

• One of the easiest ways to travel within Chile is by bus. There are many large bus companies that travel to the more populated and urban cities, and their buses are known as micros. These buses are white and green and stop at specific routes along the edge of Chile.
• There are also smaller bus companies that go to remote towns. The prices for all buses are affordable and the seating is comfortable, but just make sure that you book bus tickets ahead of time if you plan on traveling on the weekend.
• Travelers can also take a train to get to a desired location, but since the popularity of buses have decreased the amount of trains used in Chile; many of them only run from Santiago to Concepción or Temuco. Even though there are fewer trains than buses, these trains are much larger and more comfortable to ride in since they have a bar or restaurant in them.
• Taxis are another great way to travel in Chile. You can either get a single taxi or a group taxi, which is known as a colectivo. Single taxis are usually black and the meters are posted where you can see them. Colectivos post their route destinations on their roofs and will usually pick up riders until the taxi is full.
• Of course, as in any country, there are also rental car companies to choose from, and you can usually rent a small car for about $30 a day. You can also rent a bike and ride through some of the amazing terrain in the country, but be careful to remember that it usually rains heavily in the months of August and September.

Remember to follow study abroad health and safety guidelines whenever you’re in another country, no matter what type of method you travel.

Study Abroad Chile Currency

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.

You can use a Chilean currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of U.S. dollars against the peso.

Visit 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.

• Located just west of Santiago is the Valle Nevado Ski Resort, which is one of South America’s only modern ski centers.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Whether you want to horse back ride across the terrain or snowboard on a mountaintop, Chile offers you numerous activities to participate in when you’re not in class.

Important Study Venezuela Information

When you study abroad in Brazil you should always have important numbers handy in case of an emergency. These numbers will provide you valuable information for getting around the country:

• American Embassy (Santiago) (56-2) 232-2600.
• Go Chile offers detailed information about the best hotels, restaurants and tours in Chile.
• Visit Chile is an interactive guide that offers maps and listings of the best places to visit in Chile.