Chile is one of the unique areas of the world that truly offers something for everyone. From charming coastal towns and bustling urban areas to rainforests and glaciers, Chile has it all.
Weekend in Patagonia anyone?
But, why study abroad in Chile? Other than its landscape, Chileans take pride in their high quality of life and access to education, which is why so many international students flock there. You find no shortage of top-notch universities in many urban or rural settings.
If you want to live among an exciting mix of students, artists, and worldly-thinkers, Chile is the perfect study abroad destination!
11 benefits of studying abroad in Chile
There are countless reasons to study abroad in Chile, from purely academic to just fun and adventure. Whether you’re hoping to improve your Spanish skills or learn how to dance, the benefits of studying abroad in Chile can help anyone!
1. Become immersed in one of South America’s hardest dialects
Studying Spanish abroad in Chile will fast track your skill gain.
Chilean Spanish is known for its difficulty, even for native Spanish speakers! So if you’ve already had years of Spanish classes, you’ll definitely continue to improve when living here. After spending time learning the Chilean dialect, you’ll be able to understand other dialects very easily.
2. Learn in an advanced academic setting
Chile is known for having one of the best higher education systems in Latin America, making it a top study abroad destination. Chile is home to some of the continent’s best universities, including the University of Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, and Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria.
The number of international students in Chile has been steadily increasing for years, with over 70% of these students coming from other Latin American countries. If you want to experience diversity and learn alongside students from all over, Chile is right for you!
3. Experience a dynamic culture and history
For hundreds of years, Chile has had thriving cities, with travelers from all over the world staying there and building a new life. These cultural crossroads have created tons of diversity in their arts, ethnicity, religion, and history. All of this, plus the continual influx of foreigners like the international students we referenced above, has made for a super unique local culture!
4. Explore a rich natural environment
Chile is a truly gorgeous country with extreme contrasts in climate and topography. Deserts and plains in the north turn into dense forests in the center, then meet larger-than-life glaciers in the south. This natural diversity makes for all types of exploration and recreation, including skiing the Andes, surfing the Pacific, trekking through the Valdivian, and hanging with penguins in Patagonia.
5. Soak up vibrant urban settings
Chile, an artist hub like no other.
The cities of Santiago and Valparaíso have historically been havens for artists, musicians, writers, academics, and revolutionaries. These areas have thriving art and social scenes, so student life is always exciting. Many students are politically active and participate in rallies about civil rights and education. Whatever your interests are, studying abroad in Chile will help foster them!
6. Adventure around South America from a central launching point
Depending on where you are in Chile, it can be very easy to explore the nearby countries of Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia, or hop a quick flight to any other area of the continent. Chile has several large airports serving tons of unique areas to explore. If you’ve ever wanted to see Easter Island, studying abroad in Chile is your chance! The main way to get there is to take a LAN flight from Santiago.
7. Indulge in unique, mouthwatering foods
Despite its name, you won’t find many chili peppers in Chile! Most of the dishes here are dictated by region and climate type. You’ll find very mild and hearty cuisine in the south where it’s cold, versus the light and fresh produce-filled dishes of the warmer north.
If you love seafood, you’re in luck! Chile is known for its fresh fish dishes that are usually prepared with delicious but simple ingredients and come straight from the ocean.
8. Become a wine connoisseur
Imagine showing off your sommelier skills back home.
Chile and Argentina love to debate whether who crafts the best wine. The truth is they’re both amazing and will change your opinion about wine forever! Visiting the Andes foothills, where Chile’s most famous grapes grow, is one of the best parts of studying abroad there. Not only will you enjoy some of the most delicious wine in the world, but it also comes at an affordable price!
9. Boogie the night away
Chile has one of the best nightlife scenes in Latin America. Its bohemian cities are filled with unique pubs, bars, dance clubs, and live music venues, so there’s no limit to the places you can meet new friends for a pisco sour. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to really dance, you’ll easily find a local to spin you around!
10. Relax with locals at home
Hitting the town is great, but sometimes we all need the comforts of home. Chileans are welcoming people and most love hosting friends for home-cooked meals. This might seem like a basic thing, but many cultures in Latin America view the house as private and reserved for only family. It can be emotionally taxing (and expensive!) to always have to go out to socialize.
11. Never get bored
You’ll make lifelong friends while studying abroad in Chile!
With so much diversity in climate, culture, and academics, you will never wonder what to do next. You might even sometimes get overwhelmed with the options! Another perfect reason why to study abroad in Chile! Mountains, seaside, cities, and most importantly…quality education.
Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Chile—for FREE!
3 ways to study abroad in Chile
There are hundreds of programs for study abroad in Chile, but not all are created equal. We recommend the following top-ranked programs:
1. IES Abroad Santiago – Politics, Social Justice & Language
- Why? Soak up all that Chile’s vibrant capital has to offer through this full-immersion program. IES in Santiago gives students the choice between two of the country’s best universities. To help students learn outside of the classroom, they offer volunteer opportunities, extracurriculars, and plenty of field trips!
- Where? Santiago
- Read IES Abroad reviews
2. Experience Viña del Mar with API
- Why? Do you dream of living in a South American seaside paradise? Head to Viña with AIFS to improve your Spanish while adventuring around the coast. Their program can be as immersive as you want with homestay options and classes in both English and Spanish. Viña is a particularly safe city and full of student life!
- Where? Viña del Mar
- Read AIFS program reviews
3. IFSA: Chilean Universities Program, Valparaíso
- Why? One of Chile’s most beautiful, historic, and thriving cities, Valparaíso is a gem not to be missed. IFSA’s program brings students right in between the ocean and mountains to study at two top-ranked universities. They also offer internships alongside your courses as well as plenty of volunteer opportunities!
- Where? Valparaíso
- Read IFSA program reviews
Your studying abroad in Chile experience will be unforgettable
Study abroad in Chile and find your freedom again.
Ask anyone who has spent even one day in Chile, and they’ll tell you it was a visit they’ll cherish forever. It’s so easy to fall in love with this beautiful country that you will most likely never want to leave. Whether you’re studying in vibrant Santiago or rural Patagonia, there’s something for everyone here. ¡Buen viaje a Chile!
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