Summer Study Abroad Programs in Chile

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

This study abroad program was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I have wanted to do a program like this for many years, so it was amazing to actually do it. I loved meeting all of the new people as well as being immersed in a new culture and getting to see a new part of the world.

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!

Going abroad was such an amazing experience that I definitely reccomend to everyone! This program in Chile was so immersive and very supportive throughout my time. Worldstrides planned great excursions for us that made it very fun with always something to look forward to!

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.

Although I only participated in the 4-week intensive month program, I will always remember the lessons I learned, memories, and friends I made during my time in Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. I lived with a host family in Viña, and they were the best! They made me feel like part of the family and included me in all of their family gatherings. I learned so much about Chilean lifestyle and made great connections by living with the family. My Spanish proficiency improved greatly in the short time I was there through the intensive classes and everyday practice with family and friends. After my program, I was lucky enough to explore the Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina, and it is my favorite place I have ever visited. I would go back to Chile in a heartbeat, and definitely plan to return in my lifetime. The hospitality and kindness of the people that live there combined with the breathtaking natural beauty make Chile an easy choice for a study abroad location!

Wow, what an unforgettable experience my 5 months in Chile have been. I am so grateful I was able to get the opportunity to experience and learn about a different part of the world. I wish to encourage others to consider studying abroad. Chile treated me with nothing but kindness, amazing sights, and fun memories I will always have replaying in my head. ISA was a hands-on program that made me feel prepared and safe. The staff was there in a heartbeat if I had any questions or issues. I was able to go on a few excursions with my program and became friends with the other students within the program. I don't believe I would have as smooth a transition into living in another country without my ISA crew. Although I traveled to other beautiful countries while studying in Chile... I always became homesick for my city Viña Del Mar, Chile. It is truly one-of-a-kind city. You have the coast with the most beautiful sunsets in front of you and a city with every kind of restaurant, bar, and shopping centers you'll ever need behind you. It's impossible to be bored in Viña. At the same time, it is so easy to run on island time since it is still a "beach city". The loud sounds of the waves at night will have you asleep by 9PM.

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.

Studying abroad with ISA was one of the best experiences of my life. I was originally set to study in Buenos Aires, AR, but due to low enrollment the host institution cancelled. However, ISA was beyond helpful: they notified me immediately and provided me with multiple other scenarios. (Receive a refund, postpone to another semester, study abroad in another Latin American country and informed me of the available options, or study abroad on another continent and informed me of who to contact.) While it was a lot to take in, my questions were answered immediately and I felt understood. This alone made ISA stand out as a communicative and professional company. While abroad, I had the time of my life. The orientation helped us get to know one another well and all of the activities and excursions helped us get to know the area. Living with a host family was lovely and I would not trade these memories for the world.

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.

I came into study abroad eager and excited, looking to improve my fluency in Spanish. Without realizing though, I also came in treating study abroad as an item on a checklist, but it was so much more! From the warm & welcoming culture of the people, to the rich seafood, that I didn't know you could put in an empanada, to living a 10 minutes' walk from the beach, I fell in love with life there. My host family made me feel so at home and I loved walking and exploring the city every day. The public transportation was easy, though the Micro's were surely an adventurous ride!! Being immersed in this culture swept me off of my feet. Building relationships with the other students studying abroad, the local Chileans, and our residential director was a highlight for sure! While I knew that it was custom to kiss on the cheek when greeting, this still took me by surprise and I had to adjust. I would say that I started to get a bit homesick around week 6 and this probably lasted about a month or so, but our residential director did an amazing job with having these open types of conversations with us, always asking what kind of support we needed and having us reflect. But there was always something to do, whether a festival in Valpo or something hosted by UAI's student exchange team, so getting outside of the house and planning things to look forward to helps with that a TON! Honestly, my heart is still there, and I am seriously considering moving there. I visited the San Pedro de Atacama Dessert and it was stunningly breathtaking!...SO, if you're still debating, let this be your sign to say YES and DO IT!! ;) thank me later, I hope you have an amazing experience!!!

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.

I had a great experience. I learned a lot about the culture in the Netherlands as well as the surrounding counties. I made connections with friends that will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend this program!!!

While studying abroad with ISA in Chile, I had a great experience with my host family and made new friends through the program. I did not get as many opportunities to interact with Chileans as I'd thought and the schedule was rigorous but I had a unique chance to learn about Latin American healthcare and politics. It was different than I expected it to be but different is not good or bad-- it's just different. Overall I would recommend studying abroad to every student so that they gain knowledge about themselves and the world around them.