6 Best Study Abroad Programs in Chile

If you’re asking yourself, “Is Chile a good place to study abroad?” the answer is a resounding yes! Step off the plane into a city buzzing with life, where snow-capped mountains meet urban street art, and every corner feels like a new discovery. Santiago, Chile is the perfect playground for curious minds and adventure seekers alike. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore our top Chile study abroad programs, highlighting the academic opportunities and cultural adventures that make Santiago the ultimate destination for students looking to broaden their horizons! 

Why Study Abroad in Chile 

Chile is a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and academic opportunity that makes it a top choice for study abroad. The country’s stunning landscapes range from the towering Andes mountains to pristine coastlines, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Study abroad in Chile means immersing yourself in a vibrant culture, where you can enjoy delicious cuisine, dance to infectious music, and engage with friendly locals. As one of the most stable economies in Latin America, Chile also offers valuable insights into global issues, making it the perfect backdrop for both personal growth and academic achievement. 

Read More: Study Abroad in Latin America: The Ultimate Guide 

6 of the Best Study Abroad Programs in Chile 

Get ready to explore the best of Santiago with these six incredible Chile study abroad programs! Each option is packed with opportunities for adventure, cultural immersion, and academic growth, ensuring your time in this stunning country is nothing short of epic! 

Featured Program #1: Open Campus Block 

CIEE’s Open Campus Block Program is designed for students who require a flexible study abroad experience. Whether you’re studying business, environmental science, or sociology, you can fully customize your experience and even split your time between Santiago and another global city. 

• Program Length: Six, 12, or 18 weeks 
• Credit: 6-7 per block semester hours/9-10.5 per block quarter hours  
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA 
• Featured Excursion: Visit green vineyards and learn about Chile’s wine exportation industry 

Featured Program #2: Summer Global Internship 

Gain hands-on work experience over the summer in Santiago, where you’ll immerse yourself in a vibrant culture while developing essential professional skills and enhancing your intercultural competence. Intern at a local Chilean company, an NGO, a startup, or an international firm, and expand your network within a country that plays a pivotal role in Latin America's political and economic landscape. With CIEE Santiago, you can choose between English-speaking or Spanish-speaking internship placements across various industries, including political science, engineering, education, arts, marketing,  and more. 

• Program Length: 8 weeks 
• Credit: 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours  
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA 
• Featured Excursion: Experience the beauty of the Andes Mountains with trekking activities in Cajón del Maipo   

Read More: How to Get an Internship Abroad: 4 Easy Steps 

Featured Program #3: January in Santiago 

Experience Chile's summer over your winter break while earning academic credits in the capital of Santiago! This three-week January program is perfect for students looking to travel alongside peers from across the U.S. Each course includes co-curricular activities and guest lectures to create a dynamic, interactive learning environment. With the CIEE staff integrating local culture into your studies, you’re guaranteed a meaningful and immersive educational experience abroad! 

• Program Length: 3 weeks 
• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours  
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA 
• Featured Excursion: Take a boat ride by the port to witness the beauty of the twin cities: Valparaiso and Vinas del Mar   

Featured Program #4: Summer in Santiago 

Spend your summer studying abroad in Santiago! This lively city offers a wealth of historical, social, and cultural experiences, with weekend adventures like hiking, skiing, and traditional kite-flying. Choose from a diverse range of courses hosted by CIEE, located just blocks from La Moneda Palace. Outside the classroom, you'll have ample opportunities to explore Santiago's rich culture, exciting sports, and outdoor activities, making this summer program an unforgettable experience! 

• Program Length: 4 weeks 
• Credit: 3-4 per session semester hours/4.5-6 per session quarter hours  
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA 
• Featured Excursion: Discover the Open Sky Museum of San Miguel, with more than 5,000 square meters of outdoor graffiti and murals 

Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Santiago 

Featured Program #5: Semester in Santiago 

Enjoy a semester in Santiago taking courses at any (or all) of our three, Latin American-leading partner universities. This program gives you the opportunity to blend in with local college students and make new friends, be academically challenged, and explore global topics with a local taste in the language you feel most comfortable with. 

• Program Length: 18 weeks 
• Credit: 12-18 semester hours/18-27 quarter hours  
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA 
• Featured Excursion: Take a trip to Aconcagua Valley, a serene Chilean valley nestled in the Andes Mountain range   

Featured Program #6: Liberal Arts 

Elevate your Spanish language skills with CIEE's Liberal Arts program, designed to help students refine their language abilities while gaining a deep understanding of Chilean history and culture. You will have the opportunity to learn alongside local Chilean students at CIEE’s partner institutions, including Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), and Universidad Diego Portales. At CIEE Santiago, your courses will be enriched with co-curricular excursions and activities that enhance classroom learning and promote intercultural understanding. 

• Program Length: 18 weeks 
• Credit: 15-18 semester hours/22.5-27 quarter hours  
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA 
• Featured Excursion: Take a trip to Chiloé Island, the very starting point of the Chilean Patagonia 

Which Chile Study Abroad Program Will You Choose? 

From the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes to the buzzing streets of Santiago, every moment in Chile is a chance to expand your horizons and see life through a fresh lens. With diverse study abroad programs in Chile that cater to various interests and academic goals, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. So why sit on the sidelines? Embrace the thrill and create incredible memories in one of the coolest destinations out there – Chile is waiting for you! 

EXPLORE CHILE PROGRAMS