Plan a Gap Year Abroad in Chile

CIEE's Gap Year Abroad offers high school graduates an incredible opportunity to go abroad and immerse themselves in the Spanish language, Chilean culture, and South American environment.

Valparaíso, a harbor city located in Chile's Central Zone is one of South America's most distinctive cities and one of the main commercial seaports of Chile. Located just two hours from the Chilean capital of Santiago, the Valparaíso-Viña del Mar metropolitan area has the second largest population in the country and is a vibrant center of Chilean culture.

With its charming ascensores (funiculars) and colorful hillside houses, Valparaíso offers natural beauty and urban landscapes, and exploring scenic cerros (hills) on the ascensores of the stunning port city will reveal the unique identity and flavor of each area. These funicular elevators, some dating back to 1883, are remarkable feats of engineering, one of them rising vertically through a tunnel. Thanks to its historical importance, natural beauty and unique architecture, Valparaíso was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003 by UNESCO, the United Nations agency dedicated to education, culture and science. The Chilean Congress meets in a modern building in the Almendral section of Valparaíso, having relocated from Santiago in 1990.

A new regional metro system, opened to the public in 2005, extends along most of Gran Valparaíso. It is the second metro system in operation in Chile (after Santiago's) and includes an underground section that crosses Viña del Mar's downtown. Viña del Mar, contiguous to Valpo to the north, is Chile's most famous resort. Driving up the spectacular coast road to quaint seaside towns is one of the most picturesque highlights of any trip to this area. Surfing, hiking and horseback riding in the coastal towns are easily accessible sports in this summer playground.

University students attending several private and public institutions represent 10% of the population of Valpo-Viña del Mar and the affordable transportation between the two cities make it a friendly place to live and study.

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