Study Abroad in Chile

Chile: Geological Giant of South America

If nature guides your inner compass, you’ll not only feel at home here, you’ll 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’s 900+ beaches. Chile is home to incredibly diverse landscapes, boasting three climate zones—northern 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’ll 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 popular among study abroad students:

• Santiago is the capital of Chile, as well as the country’s largest and oldest city. It’s 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.
• Valparaíso is a port city on Chile’s Pacific coast. It features colorful homes that dot the 44 hills on which the city was built. Playfully referred to as “Little San Francisco,” it is the unofficial cultural capital of the country, known for its vibrant arts scene and musical presence.
• Viña del Mar, sometimes called the “Garden City,” is a stunning coastal city known for its beaches, resorts, and public gardens. Its proximity to Valparaíso 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’s second-oldest city, founded in 1544. La Serena boasts beautiful beaches, fascinating museums, and historic churches.
• Arica is Chile’s northernmost city, just 11 miles from the Peruvian border. It’s known for beaches and great surfing. Despite its coastal setting, Arica is one of the driest cities in the world and features volcanoes. The region thrives on bustling trade, which brings energy and life to this desert city.

Chile study abroad highlights

Language spoken	Spanish
Capitals	Santiago is the official, judicial, and executive capital; Valparaíso is the legislative capital
Common housing types	Homestays, single rooms, apartment/flat
Known for	Diverse landscapes, stunning geography includes Atacama Desert and Patagonia, rich culture, wine, seafood, and copper production
Time zone	CLT/CLST (GMT-4/GMT-3)
Currency	Chilean Peso (CLP)
Fun facts	The longest and narrowest country in the world, home to the oldest artificially mummified human remains, which predate Egyptian mummies by thousands of years

IFSA programs in Chile

IFSA 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?
  • Yes, most semester and year-long students need a visa. Visit our Visa Requirements page for guidance.
• Are there scholarships?
  • Yes! IFSA 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
  • Valparaíso contemporary expressions of art workshop
  • One-day and multi-day excursions:
    • Valparaíso and Viña 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’s 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’s vast coastlines and excellent waves make it a hotspot for surfing, and it’s internationally known for its top surfing locations.