Study Abroad in Santiago
College Study Abroad
Explore Santiago, Chile
Seated at the base of the Andes Mountains and the edge of the Pacific coast, Santiago is perfectly situated not only for sunbathers and mountain climbers, but for those seeking higher education. Latin America’s finest universities reside in this stable and growing capital, as do the country’s biggest businesses.
When you study abroad in Santiago, you’ll experience Chilean culture, history, and cuisine first-hand, all while improving your Spanish language skills. This cosmopolitan city, coupled with a variety of outdoor activities, provides students with an exciting opportunity to study abroad in Chile and go on adventures in Santiago.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Santiago, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Santiago
Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Santiago, past excursions have included:
- Day trips to nearby towns Curacaví and Pomaire, known for their crafts and cuisine
- Hikes in the Andes mountain range with trekking activities in Cajón del Maipo
- Weekend trips to Huilo-Huilo or the San Pedro de Atacama Desert
- Bike trips through Elqui Valley, Ovalle, and the Mamalluca Observatory
- Visits to museums, craft fairs, and historic neighborhoods
If you’re a student looking to go on day trips, tours, and excursions in Santiago, CIEE offers all of the above! Whether you want to study Spanish, explore Santiago’s history, culture, and cuisine, or just experience life in Chile, CIEE’s tours and excursions in Santiago allow you to do just that.
About the Center
Centrally located in Santiago's University Neighborhood next to private Chilean universities, CIEE Santiago sits on the main campus of University Diego Portales (UDP), one of CIEE's renowned partner institutions. The Center boasts a student-friendly campus with spacious classrooms, a comfortable lounge, quiet study areas, and common spaces for coursework and socializing with fellow students. Students have complimentary WiFi access and may use UDP's library, study spaces, computer lab, printers, and more as needed.
The Center is surrounded by the beauty of Cerro San Cristóbal Hill and is conveniently near parks, cafés, restaurants, shops, and more. Students will also find they're within a 10-minute walk of Santiago's historic downtown area, where they'll discover quaint narrow streets, tourist attractions, incredible monuments, and plenty of cultural landmarks.
Where Students Study
CIEE Santiago
The CIEE Santiago center boasts spacious classrooms, a comfortable lounge, quiet study areas, and common spaces to do coursework and get to know fellow students.
Universidad de Chile
Founded in 1842, Universidad de Chile is one of the oldest and best universities in Latin America and is recognized for its innovation in science, technology, social sciences, and arts. Notable alumni include Nobel Laureates Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral.
University Diego Portales – School for Social Sciences and History
Since its foundation in 1982, the university has consistently been contributing to the implementation of social policies toward Chilean development and is recognized as one of the best in the country. The Social Sciences and History School has four renowned majors: Social Sciences and Humanities, Sociology, Political Science, and History.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Established in 1888, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC) is one of Chile’s oldest universities and one of the most recognized educational institutions in Latin America.
Internships & Volunteering
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer. For students looking for internships in Santiago, they can build new skills and intercultural competence through the CIEE academic internship in their area of study.
Students interested in volunteering in Santiago can help out local NGOs to support social policy, community service, and education.
New Programs Coming Soon!
- Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025
- Semester in Santiago – Coming Fall 2025
- Intern + Study Abroad – Coming Summer 2025
Study Abroad Programs in Santiago
- Santiago, Chile
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Explore markets and museums of this modern metropolis.
- Big City
- Santiago, Chile
- Study Program
Spend January studying abroad during Chile's summer!
- Big City
- Santiago, Chile
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Santiago, then study in two other countries in one term.
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Volunteering
- Santiago, Chile
- Study Program
Spend your summer in Santiago and explore the heritage of this Latin American nation while studying contemporary culture at our Global Institute.
- Big City
- Study Program
Enjoy a semester in Santiago taking courses at any (or all) of our three, Latin American-leading partner universities.
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Study Program
Slip into life at a slower pace in Chile
- AACSB-Accredited
- Big City
- Host Institution
Currency
Peso
Spoken Languages
Spanish, English
Available Transportation
Metro, bus, taxi
Famous Local
Marcelo Ríos – famous Chilean tennis player
Climate
Warm, dry summers; cold, gray winters with an average yearly temperature of 62°F
Places to Explore
Sky Costanera – a glass-walled observation deck that offers a 360°view of Santiago
Airport
Airport Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez (SCL)
Social Norms
After a meal, it's common to remain seated at the table and stay for more conversation.
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes, jacket, backpack
Frequently Asked Questions
Santiago, Chile, is a good place to study abroad for students looking to explore Chilean history and culture, complete Spanish language courses abroad, and experience the charm of Chile’s capital city. When you study in Santiago, you’ll experience a Latin American atmosphere in a multicultural, lively environment.
With about half of the population of Chile calling Santiago home, studying abroad in Santiago allows students to experience both a cosmopolitan city and an outdoor vibe at the nearby Andes mountains. Students studying in Santiago can practice their Spanish, explore Chile’s culture, participate in an internship in Santiago, visit historical sites, and so much more.
Santiago de Chile is a safe study abroad destination for students with a medium overall risk. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students stay alert, practice common sense, and travel in groups when possible.
For students studying in Santiago in the summer, we recommend that they pack shorts, a rain jacket, jeans, t-shirts, and other summertime staple clothing items. For students studying in Santiago in the winter, we recommend packing layers of warm clothing, gloves, hats, and sweaters.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Santiago.
For more detailed information on diversity in Santiago, visit our Diversity in Santiago page.
The cost of studying abroad in Santiago varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Santiago study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Santiago with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Santiago. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Santiago to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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