Study Abroad in Santiago
College Study Abroad
Explore Santiago, Chile with CIEE
Explore a city where the Andes meet urban life when you study abroad in Santiago, Chile. Wander through the colorful streets of Bellavista, catch panoramic views from Cerro San Cristóbal, and sample traditional empanadas at Mercado Central. Immerse yourself in a culture shaped by both history and innovation as you spend weekends wine tasting in the Maipo Valley, visiting world-class museums, or hiking in the nearby Andes foothills. With its thriving neighborhoods, buzzing cafés, and top universities, Santiago study abroad offers a dynamic blend of academic exploration, outdoor adventure, and cultural discovery.
While abroad, choose from a variety of study abroad programs in Santiago designed to support your academic goals across subjects like business, environmental science, STEM, and Latin American studies. Beyond the classroom, you can also complete a full- or part-time internship in industries such as finance, information technology, marketing, health science, law, agriculture, and human services, gaining valuable international work experience in one of South America’s leading innovation and business hubs. By combining academics with hands-on learning, Santiago study abroad gives you the opportunity to build career-ready skills while experiencing Chile’s vibrant culture, modern city life, and breathtaking natural surroundings firsthand.
Top Activities in Santiago with CIEE
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, where students participate in cuisine and crafts workshops
- Weekend trips to Huilo-Huilo, the islands of Chiloe or the San Pedro de Atacama Desert
- A day trip to Valparaiso and VIña del Mar; visit the “pearl” of the Pacific and be amazed by Valparaiso’s street art and hills
About CIEE Santiago
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 study 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 Wi-Fi access and may use UDP's library, study spaces, computer lab, printers, and more as needed.
The study 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.
Academics in Santiago
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.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Internships in Santiago
Depending on your program of study and availability, you may be able to participate in an international internship while studying abroad in Santiago. The city’s fast-paced work scene is driven by innovation, collaboration, and global connectivity, with strong sectors in finance, technology, startups, mining, and agriculture. With a growing focus on sustainability and work-life balance, Santiago offers a modern environment to gain hands-on experience while building practical, future-focused skills. You may find opportunities in industries such as:
- Agriculture, Food + Natural Resources
- Business Management + Administration
- Education + Training
- Finance
- Health Science
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections + Security
- Marketing, Sales + Service
- Science, Technology, Engineering + Mathematics
Community Impact Initiative in Santiago
CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with Santiago by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to meaningful, lasting impact. Your experience may span key focus areas like Food Security, Community Development + Public Health, and Youth Development + Education initiatives.
In Santiago, your service work may include:
- Supporting food rescue, sorting, and distribution efforts that connect surplus goods with communities in need through Red de Alimentos
- Participating in environmental education, recycling, and composting initiatives that promote circular economy practices with Dirección de Medio Ambiente La Pintana
Study Abroad Programs in Santiago
- Santiago, Chile
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- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
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- Santiago, Chile
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- Santiago, Chile
- Full-Time Internship
- Santiago, Chile
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
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- Part-Time Internship
- Santiago, Chile
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
- Santiago, Chile
- Study Program
- Santiago, Chile
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Santiago, Chile
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Frequently Asked Questions
Surrounded by the incredible Andes Mountains and within reach of the Pacific coast, Santiago offers students an metropolitan city environment and some of Chile's most spectacular natural landscapes. Students can explore popular neighborhoods, visit museums and cafés, practice Spanish with locals, and spend weekends hiking, wine tasting, or traveling to nearby destinations like Valparaíso, the Atacama Desert, or Patagonia.
Santiago is also one of South America's leading business and innovation centers, making it an excellent destination for students interested in subjects such as business, environmental science, STEM, Latin American studies, and international affairs.
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.
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.
The cost of studying abroad in Santiago varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Santiago study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes. Santiago is a large city, but many of the neighborhoods where students spend time are very walkable. Areas around universities, cafés, restaurants, parks, and cultural attractions are easy to explore on foot, and students often walk between classes, accomodations, and local gathering spots.
For farther travel, students can use Santiago's public transportation system that includes the Metro and city buses. These options make it convenient to travel between neighborhoods, campuses, museums, shopping districts, and major attractions throughout the city without needing a car. CIEE's study center is also located in a central university district with easy access to local amenities and transportation options.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Santiago with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
No, you don’t need to know Spanish to study abroad in Santiago. CIEE courses are offered in English, and English is commonly used in academic settings and major urban areas.
That said, learning some basic Spanish phrases can make daily life easier and help you connect more with the local culture and community, but it’s not required to thrive during your time abroad.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
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:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
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.
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How to Study Abroad in Santiago
Step #1: Select a Timeframe
CIEE offers a variety of ways to study abroad in Santiago, including semester-long sessions, summer study abroad, and J-term, with program lengths ranging from four weeks to 18 weeks. With flexible options, it’s important to select a timeframe that makes sense with your personal and academic schedule.
Step #2: Choose a Program You Love
After determining your timeframe, find a program that meets your academic and career goals. Students can choose from subjects like mathematics, business, and Spanish language courses, along with classes focused on local culture, history, and more. Choosing a program you’re passionate about will help you make the most of your Santiago study abroad experience!
Step #3: Verify Your Eligibility
Make sure you’re eligible to participate in CIEE’s Santiago study abroad offerings. Every program has its own requirements, but typically include a minimum GPA and often other course and credit requirements, too.
Step #4: Create Your Budget
While studying abroad in Santiago can be an affordable study abroad option, it’s always a smart idea to budget for other expenses, like incurred travel expenses, gifts, and food.
CIEE also offers millions in study abroad scholarships and grants each year based on several factors including financial need, academic merit, and other considerations, to allow you to make a study abroad dream a reality!
Step #5: Apply!
Now that you’ve found your program, you’re ready to apply! The application process is quite simple, but if you have any questions, we’re always here to help. Just contact us!
Safety at CIEE Santiago
At CIEE, your health, safety, and well-being are always a top priority, so you can focus on making the most of your study abroad experience. From trained on-site staff who are local community experts to 24/7 support for students and families at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839), we’re here whenever you need us. Every program location is carefully reviewed for health, safety, and academic quality. Our global teams continuously monitor local conditions and stay connected with trusted partners, government officials, and U.S. embassies around the world. With guidance, resources, and real people ready to help every step of the way, you can feel confident living, learning, and exploring abroad with CIEE.
Student Housing in Santiago
CIEE Santiago offers a variety of housing options for you to choose from. Our Santiago housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants. Available housing options vary by program.
CIEE Santiago Staff
Victor Muñoz
Center Director
Víctor is passionate about studies. He graduated with a degree in business and economy, has a master's degree in strategic management and project evaluation, and certifications of data science in Python. Victor also has a degree in veterinary medicine.