Spanish Study Abroad Programs in Vina del Mar, 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!

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.

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 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!!!

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.

The ISA program in Valparaíso, Chile was fantastic. The ISA staff were quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had and helpful throughout the entire program. Anytime you needed anything, they were there, but it was never so much that the program felt guided; it is still quite independent. Public transportation was quick, cheap, and reliable so you could get anywhere in Valparaíso or Viña Del Mar with ease. The host families are incredibly kind, adaptable with their exchange students, and an amazing support system to have while abroad. The option to have independent housing is also available if you would like, so the program is very customizable. The academics are also able to be unique to the individual student so earning credit at home should be no problem. Beyond that the cities are full of gorgeous colorful buildings, murals, and stunning ocean views. You are sure to find some great places to eat, shop, and spend time with friends. The locals are typically very helpful and kind. You aren’t too far from Santiago so you can have fun at the Capital or travel easily to different cities in the country. If you love nature, the lakes region, Atacama Desert, and Chilean Patagonia are incredible places to visit. This program was the best part of my college experience and I will always remember fondly. I highly, highly recommend this program to anyone interested.

I lived in Viña del Mar, Chile, a lovely city on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, from July-December 2019 as part of API's study abroad program that's focused on Business and Spanish at the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez. I lived in a comfortable, centrally-located apartment with a retired Chilean grandmother as my host mom and took classes with other international students in both English and Spanish, and it was fantastic. I loved my host mom and my fellow API students, and came out of Chile with deep friendships. The courses were also generally fun and engaging, with skilled professors, but were not particularly challenging and certainly met every student at their Spanish level. API's immersive program also made it possible for me to improve my Spanish to a professional level I had never been able to achieve in the classroom in the US, a highly useful skill in the business world. It allowed me to connect with business professionals in Latin America and learn from them firsthand - I interviewed for an internship in Santiago while I was living in Viña! - as well as let me live the impact of Latin America's economic problems and continuing development. API also provides a program that is incredibly well-supported - the resident on-site coordinator for the program is the nicest, most helpful, and knowledgeable person on the planet, and she genuinely cares about each and every student. She helped me navigate the Chilean health system when I was sick, even to the point of taking me to the doctor herself. She led many fantastic excursions for the whole API group, from a long weekend in the gorgeous Atacama desert up north to a local vineyard tour and lunch. Even when there was some political unrest in Chile and public protests threw a wrench in the semester, she and API were proactive, responsive, and reassuring, and I never felt unsafe. All in all, an amazing program. I highly recommend it.

I studied abroad with AIFS in Viña del Mar, Chile in Spring 2019. It was a great experience. I attended classes at a Chilean university, went on several excursions, and had a great cultural immersion experience in my homestay. I am very thankful to AIFS for the support they provided me while I was abroad.

There is a lot to talk about when reviewing a study abroad experience, but the main things are housing, academics, the location and the program. First, API found me a host family and they ended up being amazing people. I got very close to them and consider them my second family. Second, academics wise, API offers a nice range of classes. There are the classes meant for foreigners, that are easier and focus more on learning Spanish and about culture. Then there are the classes with Chileans, which are obviously harder, but have a wider range of subjects and that are MUCH MORE rewarding in the end. Third we have the location. Vina del Mar and Valparaiso are right next to each other and are both amazing. They are beautiful, right on the ocean, great weather, and they are SAFE (which is important when in S. America). The people are genuinely friendly, and it is easy to get around the city. Lastly, when talking about API as a company, I have lots to say. But in general, the workers in the US were quick to respond and on top of things, and the lady who helped us in Chile was amazing. She made the experience SOOOO enjoyable. I really recommend this program.

Synonyms of amazing: awesome, marvelous, incredible, wonderful. As I'm typing this review, none of these words seem to justify my semester abroad in Viña Del Mar, Chile. From the moment I looked at the AIFS website, I felt a strong sense of care and compassion. It was more than just trying to get me to commit to their program-everyone from AIFS from my financial aid officer to my admissions officer, really cared about me and my goals. Everyone was kind, energetic and prompt, especially with questions and concerns. Before I left, AIFS provided very detailed departure information, even calling me the day before I left to answer any questions. When I arrived, I was immediately greeted by my Residence Director in Chile, who was so eager to show me around the city and introduce me to my host family. My host family genuinely represented all that is hospitality and love. I grew such a strong connection to my host family, more than I ever could of expected. My host mom cooked 3 meals a day every day, and we always ate together for dinner, really making me feel as though I was a part of their family. Even now, having been home for 5 months, I talk to my host mom on WhatsApp every day. AIFS had so much included within the price, including a weekend excursion to Púcon, a city in the south of Chile. My Residence Director, Valeria, was so knowledgeable about all of the processes in Chile, and everything I needed to do. AIFS also gave me the opportunity to meet so many Chilean students, by taking classes directly with Chilean students. The professors at the university were so knowledgeable, sharing their unique experiences of traveling and working abroad. Overall, I met my best friends from my AIFS program in Chile, who are from all over the country, but who I've seen 4 times since we've been back. AIFS gives students the tools to make long-lasting friendships, while gaining cultural competence and a deep understanding and respect for other cultures, all in a comfortable setting. I highly recommend any AIFS program, but especially Chile. Please email me [email protected] with any questions!

My experience in Chile with AIFS could not have been better. I was provided with the perfect host family who provided me with all of my meals and also made me part of their family. I already miss them. Universidad Adolfo Ibanez in Vina del Mar, Chile is also an excellent University with an amazing staff. All of my professors were very intelligent and I learned more about Latin America than I ever could have in the United States. Professor Casanueva and Salinas deserve recognition as their classes are phenomenal.I would recommend this University, program, and destination to anyone looking to have a great experience abroad. The Spanish is difficult within Chile, so if your main goal is to become fluent you may be faced with a challenge as Chileans speak rapidly and with a lot of slang. However, I learned the Chilean Spanish and had no problems.

I have yet to come across a city I've found as interesting and amazing as Valparaíso. From the street performers to the beaches and mountains to the richness of the local culture, you will always have something to do and something new to try or see. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone, especially Spanish language or International Studies students, as I truly enjoyed my host family and the myriad opportunities the country had to offer. Valpo will always have my heart.

I had an incredible experience in Chile with Veritas Christian Study Abroad, through ISA. The eight of us students in Veritas meshed into a caring, safe community and we were also included with the ISA program of about 50 students. We were given opportunities to join ministries already established in the area. This working with Christians already in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar was very influential on my own relationship with God, as well as with how I view missions. Instead of coming in as if we are the one's with the authority and all of the knowledge, we were given the opportunity to build relationships with the people in the ministries and to learn from them as well. Through the Veritas program, we had a mission mentor who for me was a role model, teacher, and friend. I'm incredibly thankful for the time I was able to spend in Chile and for all of the relationships that were cultivated while I was there, with Chileans, other students from the U.S., and other international students as well.

My time in Chile was by far the best of my life. You think life at your university is great, and it is. But ever since I returned from this program I wish I was back in Valparaíso every day, it absolutely does not compare. I was placed with a host family that was so loving and happy to integrate me into all family outings and holidays. My Chilean mom even taught me how to Cueca (Chilean national dance) and then dressed me in traditional garb to dance with my cousins during independence festivities. Chile has so much to offer to the adventurous students. I went surfing and skiing in the Andes in the same 24 hours! And Valparaiso, it is so beautiful with hills of colorful houses and stunning views of the coastline. The driest desert in the world to the north, Patagonia and the lake region to the south, it is impossible to run out of things to do. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with this program. They help you every step of the way and maximize your experience.

I loved my time in Chile. I loved that my classes assigned homework that forced me to get to know the community by speaking with natives and exploring the area. I feel much more proficient in Spanish after my time abroad. My host family was incredible. They were very intentional about making me comfortable and talking to me each day. Every day when I left for school, my host mom would tell me she loved me. They even had a dog - truly my host home felt like my home in America. I enjoyed the opportunities to travel and get to know the country. I think it is important to explore because you never know when you will be able to return.

I spent 10 weeks of a summer living in Chile with ISA and I could not have had a more incredible experience. I highly recommend ISA to anyone studying abroad anywhere in the world- they are professional, supportive, and ensured we were safe even when there were country-wide protests done by students to improve the university education system. I met so many wonderful new people and made lifelong friends and I have been wanting to go back and visit since the day I left!

I can only say good things about this country, these cities, and this program. I had the time of my life getting to know some of the most amazing people, learning and improving on my favorite language, and coming to appreciate the world around me even more. ISA did a fantastic job of getting us ready, getting us there and settled in, and helping us with any needs or concerns the entire time. I was placed with an amazing family, with whom I am still in touch, and my only regret is my own lack of pushing myself to get out and meet new people. The people, both of ISA and of Chile, are wonderful, and you cannot choose a better place to learn or improve your Spanish and see the world.

My experience abroad with ISA literally changed my life. I ended up changing my major career goals. I cannot express fully my gratitude and appreciation for all the people at ISA and CLU that encouraged me along the way. Study Abroad.... changing lives one flight at a time...