Study Abroad in Santiago, Chile...

Santiago is located in the central valley of Chile between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is the fifth-largest city in South America and Chile’s center of commerce, administration, culture, industry, politics and finance. One of the most modern cities in South America, Santiago is home to more than five million people, accounting for more than one-third of the country’s total population.

Chilean universities are recognized as among the finest in Latin America, and are divided into two systems: traditional and private. Students can expect to complete their coursework in Spanish, and will encounter committed educators and intellectuals. Privatization in the 1980s brought a surge of new higher education institutes, and Santiago universities both private and state-financed have gained respect throughout Latin America and the world.

As the capital of the country with the fastest-growing economy in Latin America, Santiago provides an excellent environment for students to observe commercial development and the effects such changes have on culture and society. Students interested in political science may want to explore the relationship between economic development and the country’s politics. The Pontifica Universidad Catolica de Chile offers an outstanding major in political science.

Architecture students will find a strong program at the Universidad Central de Chile. The city is a mixture of modern skyscrapers, tree-lined avenues and older colonial-style structures. Historic landmarks such as Santa Lucia Hill, the Santo Domingo Temple and the Plaza de Armas are a few standout examples of Santiago’s architectural heritage.

Students interested in ecology or environmental science can explore the extremes of Chile’s natural landscapes, with the world’s driest deserts to the north, and vineyards and glaciers in the south. Outdoor activities include hiking or skiing in the Andes and sailing, sunbathing or snorkeling at Chile’s famous beaches. The ancient forests and volcanic Andean peaks will inspire students of geology or the environment. The Universidad de Santiago de Chile has a comprehensive set of programs in the sciences.

Zoology or marine biology students will appreciate the diverse wildlife that thrives in the areas around Santiago and the nearby Pacific Ocean. The Universidad de Chile, the nation’s oldest and most respected higher learning institution, offers programs in biology and the sciences. Students can study animals such as blue whales, swordfish, marsupials and mountain monkeys. The 29,007-acre Rio Clarillo Natural Reserve in the pre-Andean mountain range is one prime location for such observation. The region’s fertile landscapes and vineyards will also inspire students of agriculture.

Students of the arts will find a lively scene in Santiago, including art exhibitions, theater, orchestra and dance. The Universidad La Republica boasts a well-regarded program in the arts. Students can augment their learning by visiting museums such as the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino and the Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende.

Santiago is a splendid place for students to study the Spanish language and Chilean civilization. Most universities in Santiago offer programs in Spanish and Chilean culture. The city provides students substantial opportunities to explore historical and cultural attractions and to learn the language by practicing it on the streets with native speakers.

The people of Santiago are known to be hard-working, open-minded and friendly to strangers. They tend to be hospitable and patient towards foreigners. Residents enjoy a vibrant nightlife in neighborhoods, or “barrios,” such as Bellavista, Providencia and Nuñoa. Streets in Santiago are crowded at all hours and residents get around the city in taxis, buses and subways. Students will notice a strong European influence resulting from sustained immigration into the city over the years.

A sophisticated metro area, Santiago has plenty to offer besides educational pursuits. Students can peruse European and Chilean art museums, taste the local cuisine at a variety of restaurants and cafés and attend annual music and cultural festivals. And with its proximity to other South American destinations, Chile provides abundant opportunities for students to get out and explore the entire region.

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ONLINE RESOURCES


IIE Passport: http://www.iiepassport.org
Municipality of Santiago: http://www.municipalidaddesantiago.cl/
Ministry of Education, Chile: http://www.mineduc.cl/
City Guide: http://www.allsantiago.com
Tourism: http://www.realtravel.com/santiago-chile-travel-ideas-d18616-2.html
Universidad Diego Portales: http://www.udp.cl/
Universidad Alberto Hurtado: http://www.uahurtado.cl/
Universidad Mariano Egana: http://www.upv.cl/

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