Study Abroad in Santiago
College Study Abroad
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.
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.
WHERE STUDENTS STUDY
CIEE Santiago
Built into the core of the city, 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. Students can enjoy nearby parks, cafés and restaurants, shops, and much more surrounded by the beauty of the Cerro San Cristobal Hill.
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.
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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Liberal Arts
Santiago, Chile
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Summer Global Internship
Santiago, Chile
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Open Campus Block
Santiago, Chile
Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Santiago, then study in two other countries in one term.
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January in Santiago
Santiago, Chile
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Summer in Santiago
Santiago, Chile
Spend your summer in Santiago and explore the heritage of this Latin American nation while studying contemporary culture at our Global Institute.
Currency Spoken Languages Available Transportation Famous Local Climate Places to Explore Airport Social Norms What to Pack
Peso
Spanish, English
Metro, bus, taxi
Marcelo Ríos – famous Chilean tennis player
Warm, dry summers; cold, gray winters with an average yearly temperature of 62°F
Sky Costanera – a glass-walled observation deck that offers a 360°view of Santiago
Airport Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez (SCL)
After a meal, it's common to remain seated at the table and stay for more conversation.
Comfortable walking shoes, jacket, backpack
Frequently Asked Questions
IS SANTIAGO, CHILE, A GOOD PLACE TO STUDY ABROAD
Click to OpenSantiago, 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.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO STUDY ABROAD IN SANTIAGO
Click to OpenWith 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 vibeat 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.
IS SANTIAGO, CHILE, SAFE
Click to OpenSantiago 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.
WHAT TO PACK FOR SANTIAGO, CHILE, STUDY ABROAD
Click to OpenFor 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.
WHAT IS DIVERSITY IN SANTIAGO LIKE
Click to OpenIn 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
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.
Santiago Study Abroad Blog
