Summer Study Abroad Programs in Santiago, Chile

I absolutely loved my time in Chile. Not only were the accommodations and classes perfect, but so was the life outside the classroom. Being located in Santiago, we were right in the capital city with multiple events, and activities you could participate in during your time abroad. It was a beautiful landscape with of a city with mountains, and an ocean in Valparaiso\Viña Del Mar just an hour away. I highly recommend studying in Chile!

My experience was life changing! I met some of the most amazing people I could have hoped to. My host parents were fantastic and made me feel comfortable in a very uncomfortable situation. The program was more than supportive of my queer identity and made me feel safe. I achieved functional fluency in my month-long program and made memories that will last a lifetime.

I am so grateful that I was able to go on this study abroad because not only did it enable me to grow personally into a more confident and disciplined student but it also provided me an opportunity to conduct research and volunteer abroad. Thanks to the amazing on-site staff that set me up with the group choir, a volunteer English teaching program and research opportunities I was able to put all of those on my resume and now as a graduating senior I am a Fulbright semifinalist. Also with the research I began with Chile I was able to receive a research grant from my Univeristy to go back to Chile. I attribute all of these opportunities to the USAC program and structure. Studying abroad especially through USAC can set you up for your profession career while having an amazing time meeting new people while you're at it!

Studying abroad in Santiago, Chile this summer was truly an experience I'll never forget. Being a student athlete as well as pre-med I didn't know if study abroad would be possible for me. Then I heard of this program: one that combines immersion in Spanish with my interest in healthcare and taking place during the summer so I wouldn't have to miss any of my swim season or valuable classes. The highlight of my experience was one I never expected: my host family. Staying with Chilean natives with little English knowledge was one of my biggest sources of anxiety upon arriving in Chile. However these fears quickly dissipated. My host parents Ceci and Hector took me in and treated me as one of their own. They helped me with integrating into Chilean culture while helping me gain confidence in my Spanish speaking abilities. Although I was only in Chile for two months I really feel as though I got the full study abroad experience. From observing surgeries during my clinical observations, to walking through the streets of Valparaiso on field trips, and exploring the Atacama Desert and the nearby countries of Argentina and Uruguay with my new friends this experience changed my life for the better. I will never forget the people and places that make Chile feel like home.

Studying abroad was a wonderful immersive experience that led to improving my Spanish fluency and learning about a culture I most likely would not have been exposed to otherwise. The trips that were a part of the program like going to Valparaiso and Viña Del Mar were great ways to also see Chilean life outside of the capital, as well as see the nature and beauty of the country.

My experience immersing myself in the Cono Sur was truly beyond anything I had ever imagined. Although I had read extensively about the region's challenges and history, nothing could compare to walking the very streets leading to the Palacio de la Moneda, where Allende delivered his final words, or visiting Isla Negra, where Pablo Neruda penned his famous poems. Seeing the beautiful Viña del Mar, a city I had only seen on TV during the renowned festival featuring my favorite Latin American artists from the '90s, was a dream come true. Participating in the student movements and walking alongside college students protesting for their rights in Plaza de los Héroes made my summer unforgettable. USAC provided not only engaging coursework but also deep insights into cultural landmarks. Our close-knit cohort thoroughly enjoyed both the nightlife and the well-planned excursions, which were meticulously detailed and enriching. This experience taught me valuable life skills, such as adapting to a new country where high expenses meant learning to use electric blankets instead of a central heating system, and navigating sensitive political discussions tactfully. These soft skills proved invaluable later in my career at the United Nations, where I find common ground with colleagues from Santiago. It's always a pleasure to reminisce about drinking a terremoto with French fries while listening to Los Prisioneros and savoring a famouse cazuela at the Mercado Central. This journey not only broadened my horizons but also fostered meaningful connections and unforgettable memories. These experiences not only enriched my understanding of Chile but also helped build connections and relate to others in meaningful ways.

I knew from the start that the Chile program would be the right choice for me--because of my focus in Latin American politics and my Spanish skills--but the program far surpassed my expectations, and I genuinely hope that more prospective students choose this site. Chile might fall off the radar for the average person looking to study abroad, but I want to take a moment to advocate for Chile because of how amazing of an experience it was on all ends--academically, socially, in terms of leisure, and the staff. For starters, it truly is the best of all worlds. You are able to experience the vibrance of a major urban hub, but you can also access close by the most remote spots known to man. I highly encourage Chile, if for the optional tour to the Atacama Desert only. Even as somebody that thought they wouldn't enjoy a lot of the outdoor activities in Atacama, I was proven wrong and it became arguably the best part of my study abroad, especially the amazing star gazing. Chile is also so close to great travel destinations, from Easter Island, Machu Picchu and Lima, Buenos Aires, and Rio (I was able to travel to the last four on that list!). My social life was incredibly lively because I chose the cheapest living option with the most amount of roommates, so it ended up being a win-win. I had a great deal, plus I met many friends. The housing is mostly students from other Latin American countries (my roommates were a friendly mix coming from Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, and Spain), so my Spanish improved a lot. For anybody worried about the Spanish, I noticed other people did fine. Despite what local news might say, I actually found Santiago incredibly safe, especially in comparison to big US cities. Overall, the program was very satisfying, and I sincerely hope you consider studying abroad in Santiago.

I know Europe is the big destination for American students studying abroad, but think outside the box and into other regions of the world as well! Often the cost of living could be cheaper and the experiences are just as great! I took two full Spanish classes, one Spanish conversation component, and an Anthropology course titled Native Cultures of Chile. I am so grateful for my decision to study in South America, being welcomed by some of the most friendly peoples and learning about some of the most diverse cultures. I was in the city of Santiago, Chile and was able to visit Patagonia, the Bolivian salt flats, and Easter Island (Rapa Nui) on my own time in just the short two months I was there. Along with countless other mini excursions within Chile that were organized by USAC.

I studied abroad twice with USAC, and loved each time. The classes are great, but the best part is that everyone, even the professors, want you to experience the culture and other parts of the country as much as you can. In Chile, I got to go to Patagonia twice, the Atacama desert, Argentina, Valparaíso, and many other areas! In Spain, I had the chance to go to Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Granada, and more! It was such a great community as well. Everyone is there to support you in any way you need.

My study abroad experience in Chile was amazing. It was my first time out of the country, and I'm not fluent in Spanish, so everything was definitely new for me. However, USAC provided fun out-of-city trips, informative classes, and a supportive home stay family. Although I only visited for a month, I felt as though I truly experienced Chile with everything provided and because I could finally hold conversations with my house mom. This study abroad experience was the perfect introduction to being out of the country, and I'll always cherish the time I had in Chile.

My time in Santiago, Chile was filled with friendship, fun, learning, dancing, eating, and most important, cultural exchange. To me, this is the epitome of what a study abroad experience should be. The program supervisors, professors, and local students did an excellent job at providing us U.S. students with a true look into Chilean culture and history. All of the planned activities and trips were so valuable as we covered not only geographical landscapes of Chile, but the history, politics, cultural, and pre-colonial background to each location. The classes were in-depth with important content such as movies, short readings, or class conversations (in Spanish of course) about these same aspects of Chile and how we compare and contrast things such as our political environments in the U.S with those of Latin American countries. My mind has been expanded in a multitude of ways from a linguistic side through learning the Chilean dialect, to a socio-political and global standpoint as well. This program has provided me with memories and crucial knowledge/experience that will carry me through the rest of my studies and into my future endeavors. I am eternally grateful for USAC: Santiago, Chile !!!

Tremendous staff. Environment is like none other and they accommodate well. For Seville, the city has been tremendous and CIEE gives you a proper introduction to this magnificent city. Whether an intern or a student during one of the sessions, you can get along with everyone and overcome the anxieties of a new city

I would be very likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend because this program gives you many opportunities to explore the city you are in as well as the surrounding areas. All of the employees are very kind people who will be their to uplift and support the students who are abroad.

This was the best trip of my life - past, present, and probably future. My host family was amazing and I got the chance to see almost all of the highlight locations of Chile (Patagonia, Puerto Varas, Cochamo, Atacama, Pucon, and more) as well as Mendoza & Buenos Aires in Argentina. Definitely take the initiative to plan trips - you won't regret it.

Studying abroad in Santiago, Chile was definitely an experience I will forever cherish. My Spanish has improved so much and I met some pretty cool people. Also, the USAC staff were extremely helpful with setting us up with our host families, giving local advice, and they were very understanding. I got to see a lot of cool places I wouldn’t have seen if I went to Chile on my own plus I learned so many new things. Now I believe I have a better understanding of the world around me and other cultures.

Santiago de Chile was absolutely incredible! On USAC's side, they were there with us students from the time we left the plane, all up until the time we left the country. They were incredibly personable, and always on hand and ready to help. They liked to remain in contact with us, just to make sure we were getting by alright. Now as for the trip itself, it was incredible. Obviously, the first week was kind of challenging, adjusting to something that is so new, however as soon as the school was able to put on some immersion nights where we literally just hung out with other students, the immersion experience just took off. I made friends down there that I am still in contact with today, and I frequently reminisce my daily walks from my house to the metro station, me hanging out in the city's center, and all the fun times I had going out to unique and off-the-path places my friends had taken me to. It honestly was one of the experiences where the place itself had such an impact on me, I did not want to leave when it came time to come back the US. Best believe I am looking forward to the next time I get to hang out with my friends at a Peruvian diner down in Santiago!

As I was the only Italian student in a group of Americans, it was interesting because we managed to connect immediately despite our culture backgrounds. Jorge and Paulina were amazing with us, they were always their for us, Monica our Spanish teacher was very kind and taught us Spanish in an unconventional way, whereas professor Andreas Suarez taught Business ethics in a practical way which helped a lot in my studies

Studying abroad in Santiago, Chile was truly an amazing experience. I feel extremely privileged and humbled to have been able to travel and live in another country for four months. I lived with an incredible host family that gave me cultural lessons every night during Once while also reminding me of those universal family values that unite each and every one of us as human beings. I loved sandboarding in the Atacama Desert, hiking in Patagonia, and surfing in Pichilemu, but the thing I enjoyed most were the small moments with the various people I met in Chile. I met an amazing friend who worked in the IES building where I had my classes. Though I was still working on my Spanish, she was patient and so welcoming. We talked about our families, our pets, and our hopes and dreams. I also met my host-family's extended family who took me in like I was one of their own. We sat around all Saturday afternoon playing cards and I listened to old family memories and stories about the people and places they grew up with. Though I was in a country far from home, there was not much of a difference between the conversations at my dinner table in New Jersey and theirs that day in Val Paraíso. If anyone has the opportunity to study abroad in Santiago, I would 100% recommend. I was challenged in the best way possible in daring to make relationships with different people from all walks of life and it made me realize how communication can really open up a whole new world.

I have had a great experience, it is organized and comes at a good cost. The staff on-site is very supportive and helpful (as well as Brooke in Portland), but we had an emergency situation and the Portland higher-ups didn't handle it well, nor did anyone answer the emergency number provided to us.

For those looking to travel and improve their Spanish, this is a fantastic program. USAC Santiago partners with a host university, so it's easy to meet Chilean students. They often wanted to practice their English, so we'd sit and talk for hours, switching between the languages. I made friends and got added to Whatsapp group chats for soccer, hiking, and salsa, where I met even more people! I can't say enough about the program directors, who are fluent in both languages and really funny. They led our Friday trips to Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, and more, then let us go to explore in our own way. Another huge benefit is the reduced homework load. Without having to worry a ton about homework, we did what we came to do: went out and practiced our Spanish. The last great thing was the people. USAC attracts students from the entire U.S., and I met a wide range of friends who wanted something more unique than the typical "study in Spain" route for Spanish majors/minors. I only have one down side: the semester is a typical American Jan-May, whereas Chilean semesters go March-July. Thus, we were almost done with the program when many students were coming back to campus and clubs (called "talleres") were starting. Final words: —great people and cultural immersion —come with a decent level of Spanish! It makes a big difference when you try making friends with Chilean students