Chile: Santiago - Spanish Language, Culture, International Studies

Name: Chile: Santiago - Spanish Language, Culture, International Studies
Brand: USAC
SKU: 19196
Rating: 4.83 (29 reviews)

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4.83 Rating

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Location

Chile
- Santiago

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

Anthropology Film History International Business Latin American Studies Political Science Women's Studies

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Housing

Apartment Host Family

Language

English

Last Updated: May 28, 2025

Last Reviewed: May 18, 2025

Wish List

12 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Why Study in Santiago?
Santiago’s urban and natural framework, its mountainous terrain, and its proximity to Chile’s central coastline are ideal for experiencing the nature and culture of the most southern country in the world. You’ll have the opportunity to study Spanish language and contemporary Chilean society through a wide selection of academic courses, as well as personal interaction and immersion in the host culture.

This program offers academic coursework in Spanish Language, Latin American, and Anthropological Studies in summer, semester, or yearlong terms.

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Video and Photos

Students wear ponchos while exploring Chile.

A student admires the view during a hike in Chile.

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

LGBTQIA+ Support

There are LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and allies throughout the world. However, cultural understanding of gender identity and sexuality does vary from country to country. USAC has compiled a lot of resources to help you through that learning process.

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Accessibility Support

USAC is dedicated to working closely with students with disabilities to ensure the best study abroad experience possible. You may request reasonable accommodations after your initial application is complete. We routinely receive requests for scheduling, material, and environmental accommodations for the classroom setting, which may include assistive technology, scribes and readers, printed material, and interpretation.

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Impact 🌎

Sustainability

Environmentally-conscious students choose USAC because many of our programs are held in some of the most sustainable countries in the world. There are options to take coursework in sustainability and the environment, as well as field trips and studies where students can leave a lasting impact on their host country.

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Program Highlights

Study and explore the language, culture, literature, arts, history, anthropology, native cultures, politics, economy, international studies, and technology of the most southern country in the world through courses, internships, excursions, and field trips
Discover northern Chile and the Atacama Desert or southern Chile with its lakes and volcanoes in an in-depth, weeklong tour/field study.
Experience Santiago’s diverse cultural blend of native, Spanish, and international residents.
Take advantage of great opportunities for skiing, surfing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Enjoy the benefits of a large urban city that has preserved the hospitality and accessibility of a small community.

Program Reviews

4.83 Rating

based on 29 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 89.66%
4 rating 3.45%
3 rating 6.9%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.2
Support 4.75
Fun 4.7
Housing 4.6
Safety 4.5

Good for Photographers, Adventure travelers, History Buffs

Showing 1 - 8 of 29 reviews

For people partaking in this program, know that your classes will not be with other Chileans, just the other people in your program. This made it hard to connect with locals when they did come back from summer (I was spring 2024) since you are on such a different schedule. My favorite parts were not from the program, though they provided good support. I joined a local boxing gym (EmpireBox) which was so fun and separate from all the more touristy activities that USAC provided. They are wonderful people at USAC but just know that for the best experience, you should do your own research and find things to join actually with locals rather than in the bubble of USAC.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

This will sound weird but honestly, Tinder really came in handy for a lot of us. I really dislike dating apps but you can go on a setting for only looking for friends, and the people in my program had been having trouble finding people our age since our classes were just with one another, so we got Tinder. Obviously be safe but I went on a few dates (all in Spanish) and I ended up dating a Chilean which was so much better than just hanging out with the Americans I knew. The app gets exhausting if you start talking with too many people and only rely on that to make friends, so strike a balance with the app. Also if possible, leave some time after school ends to travel! Many people from my program were homesick but I got to travel with my parents to the south of Chile as I didn’t get a lot of opportunity to travel during the school year (other than spring break). I didn’t go north to Atacama desert and I would make that decision 100 times over, the south is absolutely beautiful and we loved our experience, especially for me since I didn’t have to worry about school.

Pros

Support
Credit transfer
Small class sizes (if you prefer that)

Cons

Not ideal housing
Hard classes
Very touristy outings

Response from USAC

We are sorry to hear that USAC's specialty program format didn't quite click with you early on, but it's wonderful to see that you didn't let it spoil your entire study abroad experience. It shows a lot of character to join a local boxing gym in another country — that alone would be a huge leap for some of our students who are first-time travelers! Your bravery to find interesting things to do outside of the group makes you a standout student. We appreciate your kind words about our staff, and please know that they were very proud of you for doing well in classes and immersing with the local people in your own way.

By USAC Study Abroad on June 5, 2025

From the Patagonias, to the Atacama desert, to the rainforest, I knew coming to Chile that there would be so much to offer. What I did not expect, however, was how much my global perspective on world politics would grow. Chile's intense political history and vibrant and active political culture today were my favorite part of living in Santiago. Studying in the Fall semester, I met with locals, attended the "independence" celebration, met with political leaders, and travelled during a beautiful time of the year. I came to Chile with no background in Spanish, but found that the community of young people was eager to engage in language exchange. Never having travelled to South America, I deconstructed biases and understood Chile, Peru, and Argentina on a person-to-person scale. I can't wait to go back, and would recommend studying in Santiago to anyone who wants a life-changing, educational, and wholesome experience.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

My most nerve-wracking moment was traveling thousands of miles away and living for 3 and a half months where I did not know the language! I overcame this fear by engaging with students in local universities, creating bucket lists of everything I needed to see in my time in Chile, and immersing in the history and culture topics of my classes. I also planned exciting trips and hit so many beautiful destinations that fulfilled my soul and wanderlust.

Pros

So many beautiful geographic areas to see in Chile and in surrounding countries.
The program staff is absolutely amazing and so kind and real.
I met some of my best friends, and we plan to continue to stay friends even after going abroad.

Cons

The food is not always the most vegetarian-friendly. But you can go to local markets and buy cheap, fresh ingredients to cook! And there are always vegetarian empanadas!
Be careful with having your iPhone out! Pickpocketing is real, although there is no physical danger threat.

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice is to strongly, strongly, strongly consider choosing the housing experience with the most roommates. Yes, it is the cheapest option, but the quality of your experience will be priceless. You will most likely be placed with Spanish-speaking students from a wide range of countries (In my case it was Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, and Spain), but it is great whether you do or do not speak Spanish. I happen to speak Spanish, and the practice helped me so much. The biggest benefit, by far, is my social life was the most vibrant it had ever been. Everybody in the apartments is friendly, and I now have friends from all over the world. Secondly advice is to travel inside and outside of Chile, and I should say that not only did I travel with my roommates, I became such great friends with them that after our program ended, we are meeting again in Mexico on vacation together.

Pros

The Atacama Desert tour is unforgettable, especially for outdoorsy people.
The Spanish practice is priceless, and locals are friendly and willing to talk to you even if you are a beginner.
Location, location, location: Chile is easy access to places like Easter Island, Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires, Rio, etc.

Cons

Santiago might be many hours ahead of your home city in the US. In my case, it was 5 hours ahead.
The program is pretty small and class sizes are around 5 people (could be a plus, though, if that's for you!)

Please enjoy this other-worldly photo of Valle de Luna in the Atacama Desert, Northern Chile

I don't regret going, but I also can't say it was fun. I tried my best. I'm usually really social and involved with groups focused around my hobbies. I put everything I could into improving my Spanish and was one of the better speakers in my program. Nevertheless, the lack of non-party social opportunities through the university (you're at a commuter school with hardly any student clubs) and my dead-set focus on only ever speaking Spanish made me very sad and lonely (most friendship opportunities were with anglophile Chileans or other English-speaking exchange students). My disappointment was not for lack of trying--I traveled and went to events just about as much as anyone. Living in Chile was just really, really, really hard.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Come to make connections, not to reach goals. I was so focused on improving my Spanish that (ironically) my communication and socializing suffered as a result.

Response from USAC

We are sad to hear your commitment to speaking Spanish on campus overshadowed the rest of your study abroad experience. Sometimes traveling doesn’t lead to the experience you set out to have. However, you made it all the way to a unique place like Chile, explored the Patagonian region, and completed the term while taking on a homestay option — that’s an incredible accomplishment. Please be proud of yourself! Not everyone is as brave as you are to explore another country.

By USAC Study Abroad on February 9, 2024

I enjoyed my experience abroad here. I would recommend especially if you have an interest in international studies, political science, & human rights law.

The city offers lots of activities, but it's not far from nature if you would like to hike in the mountains or travel near the coast (a couple hours by bus west or east).

My advice
• Pack lightly
• Bring bags with zippers, use fanny pack or small zippered bag to prevent pick-pocketing
• have to use cash to refill metro/bus fare
• bring lots of warm layers/winter clothes when traveling in the winter or fall

Pros

Public Transport
Nature
Activities to do

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!

Pros

Extra traveling
Safe housing
Lots of access to cultural activities

Cons

Not the most flavorful food

I'm glad Chile was my first international experience because it 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. USAC provided fun out-of-city trips, informative classes, and a supportive home stay family. With a month of experiences and newly developed Spanish skills to finally talk to my house mom, this study abroad experience was the perfect introduction to being of the country. I'll always cherish this experience as the start of my many travels.

I would highly recommend studying abroad through USAC and if you are interested in Latin American politics, business or geography Chile is the place for you! Chile has so much to offer, you can visit the Pacific coast, the driest desert in the world, the Andes or Patagonia and the Chilean Antarctic. Spending time in Santiago, I was able to learn about Chile's history and also learn about the Latin American region as a whole. I loved being their during the Fall semester, because I was able to participate in the Fiestas Patrias which are the independence celebrations in September. During my time there, I was also able to intern at a local nonprofit with USAC's help and support in arranging it. One of my other favorite parts of my experience was living with a host family and being able to make connections with a local family.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Do your research and don't waste time! There is a lot to see and do in Santiago and there are many cool places close by like the Atacama desert or even going into another country like taking a trip to Argentina.

Questions & Answers

How good is the language immersion?

The language immersion is great, especially in the host family households and if you spend time interacting with people other than other students in the program.

By Brooke on February 25, 2016

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose the program because it came highly recommended to me by my counselor and it was in a city that appeared interesting to me. It seemed to me that all of my contemporaries wanted to go to Europe, but the nature and people of South America seemed much more appealing. In addition, the program included me living with a Chilean family. Being that my main goal for going abroad was to sharpen my Spanish-speaking ability, that was something that caught my interest and seemed the best way to do that.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I was helped all along the process by my university and the program provider. The only item that stands out in my mind that demanded I be the one to fulfill was obtaining my Chilean Visa, which involved scheduling doctor appointments, getting fingerprinted for background checks, contacting the closest Chilean Consulate, establishing an appointment with them, and traveling to them. But even then I received a lot of helpful guidance.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My main piece of advice would be to befriend as many locals as you can. There are so many opportunities for Study Abroad students to get to know locals, like barbecues, etc., in which I made lasting friendships and those people opened my eyes to the things that went beyond a tourist guide. I know of several people who only spent time with other United States students, only spoke Spanish if they needed to (lamenting it the whole time) and never left Santiago.

Yes, they made it that far by coming to a foreign country and they probably still had a great time, but there are so many hidden treasures within that country that locals can guide you to. And on top of that, getting to know people from a different culture was the most exciting thing I did there. Santiaguinos are truly wonderful people.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day would consist of waking up and having breakfast with my Chilean family while watching the news. It took about an hour in total, walking to the metro station, making a transfer or two, and then walking to the university. Class would start at 9:30 and go until about 3, with a 30 minute pause in between to grab lunch (which always consisted of taking advantage of the plethora of affordable delicious street food). The classes only had other Study Abroad students, but the professors were all still Chilean and notably brilliant. What was covered in class, yes, was at times packed with grammar lessons and writing exercises. But many times teachers cultivated atmospheres of discussion and thought experiments which made class incredibly pleasant and afforded everyone an opportunity to stretch their minds and participate in conversations that shined light on cultural differences, et cetera.

Afterwards, I'd generally return home to peacefully do my homework, drink tea, and later have dinner with my family, chatting and laughing the whole time while watching corny game shows in Spanish. However, there was no shortage of things to do throughout the weeks, like social events, concerts, barbecues, or what have you. The program would have field trips every couple of weeks where they would take us zip-lining or white water rafting which were always incredible. And weekends would be completely up to the student. Want to spend a weekend in a small surfer town and enjoy the beach? Go ahead. Want to go camping in the mountains? Cowabunga! Want to see what Argentina is like? Just a couple of dollars and hours to catch a bus. Do you want to go and dance the night away with some new Chilean friends? Sure, just be safe and stick with your friends! Or do you want to make your own dinner for your family and just relax at home? It's all up to you.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear going into the trip was that my language abilities were not good enough, that communicating would be near impossible for me, and that everyone else would be way better than me and I would "fail". As soon as I arrived and met my fellow Study Abroad students, though, I was comforted by the fact that they all had the same fear.

As far as overcoming it, it did take a little bit of time to gain confidence because your improvement happens without you noticing. My Chilean sisters recorded me talking to them when I first arrived and showed it to me about 2 months later. I was amazed at how much better I had magically become! When once I would just hear people speaking in tongues to me, all of a sudden I was hearing specific words and noticing distinct ways in which every person spoke. I was watching the news, and talking about how the stories there reminded me of stories in my country. I was laughing at cheesy Chilean jokes and suddenly was able to tell my own jokes from my childhood, but now just in Spanish.

As far as my method for changing this, I'd just recommend talking as much as you can. And if you make some mistakes, it is okay. Just do it everyday. Everyone arrives at different levels of ability, but no one is going to shun you or make fun of your lack of ability. In fact, everyone wants to help and there is no shortage of patience, especially on the part of the Chilean family or my professors. And in the end, everyone leaves better.

I would say to anyone who might have this fear, don't worry about it because that is one of the main reasons we want to go abroad, right? To improve our language abilities, and through interacting with a different culture in their country and in their language, we understand a little more about the world. It takes time, but if it really comes down to a moment where you cannot get a point across, there is always charades.

What was your favorite part?

My favorite part is that I will never be able to answer this question. Sure, I can say that I loved camping in Patagonia and seeing the sunrise at the bottom of the world while drinking glacial runoff out of the rivers a shade of blue I never thought could be so blue. Or I could say it was when my Chilean mother comforted me when I was crying homesick tears, and, in her hug that only a loving mother could give, I realized that I would always have a family and a home there on the other side of the world.

But there are so many of those moments, and in some ways even the bad moments, like me getting pick-pocketed in the metro, stand out as fond memories that I can tell while laughing to my friends and family in my country. How can I explain that I cherish even the scary situations or hard times? I might go my whole life and not fully realize just how deeply this experience has touched me, because it was just that profound...

Maybe think about how you would want to answer that question, and do those things. Do want to say your favorite part was learning to surf in an ocean you have never seen in real life before? Do you want to find your best friend who, even though you are from different countries and speak different languages, you will love for the rest of your life? As soon as your plane arrives, set out to create those stories. Just know that the trip can offer you those opportunities but it will do so so much more. It may sound strange, but I hope you won't be able that question as much as I can't.

Brooke Warren

2013 Alum

About USAC

USAC is a non-profit consortium of U.S. universities that collaborates to offer affordable, academic and authentic study abroad programs. There are abundant opportunities to immerse in the culture, history, and academics of other countries providing an unforgettable experience. Each program is designed to help you grow into an engaged citizen of...