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Study Abroad in Santiago

College Study Abroad

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study abroad in santiago

Explore Santiago, Chile

Seated at the base of the Andes Mountains and the edge of the Pacific coast, Santiago is perfectly situated not only for sunbathers and mountain climbers, but for those seeking higher education. Latin America’s finest universities reside in this stable and growing capital, as do the country’s biggest businesses.

When you study abroad in Santiago, you’ll experience Chilean culture, history, and cuisine first-hand, all while improving your Spanish language skills. This cosmopolitan city, coupled with a variety of outdoor activities, provides students with an exciting opportunity to study abroad in Chile and go on adventures in Santiago.

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  • santiago chile downtown historic building palm trees
  • students cook in santiago chile study abroad program

Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Santiago

Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Santiago, past excursions have included:

  • Day trips to nearby towns Curacaví and Pomaire, known for their crafts and cuisine
  • Hikes in the Andes mountain range with trekking activities in Cajón del Maipo
  • Weekend trips to Huilo-Huilo or the San Pedro de Atacama Desert
  • Bike trips through Elqui Valley, Ovalle, and the Mamalluca Observatory
  • Visits to museums, craft fairs, and historic neighborhoods

If you’re a student looking to go on day trips, tours, and excursions in Santiago, CIEE offers all of the above! Whether you want to study Spanish, explore Santiago’s history, culture, and cuisine, or just experience life in Chile, CIEE’s tours and excursions in Santiago allow you to do just that.

About the Center

Centrally located in Santiago's University Neighborhood next to private Chilean universities, CIEE Santiago sits on the main campus of University Diego Portales (UDP), one of CIEE's renowned partner institutions. The Center boasts a student-friendly campus with spacious classrooms, a comfortable lounge, quiet study areas, and common spaces for coursework and socializing with fellow students. Students have complimentary WiFi access and may use UDP's library, study spaces, computer lab, printers, and more as needed.

The Center is surrounded by the beauty of Cerro San Cristóbal Hill and is conveniently near parks, cafés, restaurants, shops, and more. Students will also find they're within a 10-minute walk of Santiago's historic downtown area, where they'll discover quaint narrow streets, tourist attractions, incredible monuments, and plenty of cultural landmarks. 

classroom for study abroad in santiago chile

Where Students Study

CIEE Santiago
The CIEE Santiago center boasts spacious classrooms, a comfortable lounge, quiet study areas, and common spaces to do coursework and get to know fellow students. 

Universidad de Chile
Founded in 1842, Universidad de Chile is one of the oldest and best universities in Latin America and is recognized for its innovation in science, technology, social sciences, and arts. Notable alumni include Nobel Laureates Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral.

University Diego Portales – School for Social Sciences and History
Since its foundation in 1982, the university has consistently been contributing to the implementation of social policies toward Chilean development and is recognized as one of the best in the country. The Social Sciences and History School has four renowned majors: Social Sciences and Humanities, Sociology, Political Science, and History.

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Established in 1888, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC) is one of Chile’s oldest universities and one of the most recognized educational institutions in Latin America. 

student volunteers education santiago chile

Internships & Volunteering

Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer. For students looking for internships in Santiago, they can build new skills and intercultural competence through the CIEE academic internship in their area of study.

Students interested in volunteering in Santiago can help out local NGOs to support social policy, community service, and education.

Study Abroad Programs in Santiago

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  • Santiago, Chile
  • Study Program

Spend January studying abroad during Chile's summer!

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Mountains to Hike
Santiago
  • Santiago, Chile
  • Study Program
  • Multi-Location Offering
  • Part-Time Internship

Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Santiago, then study in two other countries in one term.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Volunteering
santiago chile summer buildings city
  • Santiago, Chile
  • Study Program

Spend your summer in Santiago and explore the heritage of this Latin American nation while studying contemporary culture at our Global Institute.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Mountains to Hike
santiago chile mountains sunny
  • Santiago, Chile
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Explore markets and museums of this modern metropolis

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Mountains to Hike
mountain clouds chile purple sky
  • Santiago, Chile
AACSB and EQUIS ✓
  • Study Program

Slip into life at a slower pace in Chile

Program Interests
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
  • Mountains to Hike
santiago ch students at cristobal

NEW PROGRAM COMING SOON

Semester in Santiago (spring 2025)

Pocket Guide to Santiago

Currency 
Peso

Spoken Languages 
Spanish, English

Available Transportation 
Metro, bus, taxi

Famous Local 
Marcelo Ríos – famous Chilean tennis player

Climate 
Warm, dry summers; cold, gray winters with an average yearly temperature of 62°F

Places to Explore 
Sky Costanera – a glass-walled observation deck that offers a 360°view of Santiago

Airport 
Airport Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez (SCL)

Social Norms 
After a meal, it's common to remain seated at the table and stay for more conversation.

What to Pack 
Comfortable walking shoes, jacket, backpack

Frequently Asked Questions

Santiago, Chile, is a good place to study abroad for students looking to explore Chilean history and culture, complete Spanish language courses abroad, and experience the charm of Chile’s capital city. When you study in Santiago, you’ll experience a Latin American atmosphere in a multicultural, lively environment.

With about half of the population of Chile calling Santiago home, studying abroad in Santiago allows students to experience both a cosmopolitan city and an outdoor vibe at the nearby Andes mountains. Students studying in Santiago can practice their Spanish, explore Chile’s culture, participate in an internship in Santiago, visit historical sites, and so much more.

Santiago de Chile is a safe study abroad destination for students with a medium overall risk. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students stay alert, practice common sense, and travel in groups when possible.

For students studying in Santiago in the summer, we recommend that they pack shorts, a rain jacket, jeans, t-shirts, and other summertime staple clothing items. For students studying in Santiago in the winter, we recommend packing layers of warm clothing, gloves, hats, and sweaters.

In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Santiago.
For more detailed information on diversity in Santiago, visit our Diversity in Santiago page.

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

study abroad beach excursion santiago

Apply in 1,2,3!

You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Santiago. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Santiago to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
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Study Abroad Scholarships

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

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Santiago Study Abroad Reviews

  • "I had an amazing experience here in Rio de Janeiro. I met amazing people and learned a lot about the rich culture within the 6 weeks of being here. There is still a lot more to learn and discover here in Brazil. I am very much excited to begin my second block here!"

    Charys L., Framingham State University

  • "The workload is manageable enough to explore the city and get a taste of the culture. The classes are informative and very interesting. The courses offered are interdisciplinary, so you get a little of everything. The facility is also very nice to work in."

    Aleyda Q., University of California-San Diego