Santiago, Chile

IFSA offers a study abroad program in Santiago where students can study at two universities: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad de Chile.

Group of students dressed in yellow gear

Location

Located in the center of the country, Santiago is the capital and largest city in Chile with more than 5 million residents. 

Image of mountains in Santiago Chile

Climate

Santiago is a valley, surrounded by the Andean Mountains and Chilean Coast Range. Santiago has cool, humid winters and warm, dry summers.

Landscape of building with palm tree

Landmarks

Santiago has nearly 200 heritage sites and a number of recognizable landmarks such as the statue of the Virgin Mary at San Cristobal Hill and the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

The professors I had were very nice and happy to work with exchange students.

Program Characteristics

The fall semester takes place from late July to mid-December. The spring semester takes place from late February to early July.

  • 2.5 GPA
  • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish required

All university classes are taught in Spanish and integrated with full-time local students. Students will also be paired with a language partner for further conversational practice.

You may take day trips to Isla Negra and Pomaire, Viña del Mar in the Valparaíso region, Old Santiago, the Grape Harvest Festival, the Andean Mountains, and the Human Rights Tour. There may also be a four-day excursion to either the South of Chile or La Serena, a northern coastal city.

You will live with a Chilean host family. Three meals a day are provided.

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