Studying abroad is a very special experience especially when you are in Chile where it rolls 24/7. There are some incredible opportunities for personal growth, making new friendships, leaving your comfort zone, and of course learning a new language.
Studying abroad is not just about academics. It is equally as important to make time to engage with your host communities.
Chilean universities are intense and challenging but, while you are expected to attend all your lessons (they are compulsory and attendance is taken at the beginning of each class), we are sure that you will make time to discover the beautiful country by day and by night, learn about Chile´s rich culture and discover skills a classroom setting will never provide.
Here are some of the activities offered outside the classroom in most institutions:
- Sports and leisure activities. You will get to choose from a pool of sports and leisure activities every semester, including rock climbing, football (soccer), zumba, ballroom dancing, tennis, photography, taekwondo, yoga and drama.
- Friday night parties are as rampant as they get. These usually involve live music and are known here as the “jaranazos”.
- Student organizations and societies. You will have a chance to showcase your talent and skills by getting involved in the International Student Associations, volunteer organizations, charity work, drama groups and the dance groups, among others.
- English teaching. During your idle periods, you can utilize an opportunity to become an English Teaching Assistant and help Chilean students improve their English language abilities. This is both fun and paying! Why hold up, click right here and start your application process!
Andreaas from the University of Chile says “At times, I cannot believe that I get to wake up every day, and hear and speak Spanish. The Chilean Spanish, like anyone and everyone, will tell you, has a flavor of its own and sometimes, does not sound like Spanish, especially, when you are eavesdropping on a conversation between Chileans.
All of this is resolved with time as your ear tunes into the words and picks up the chilenismos and soon you are talking to someone and suddenly slips out a, “Sipoo” and you feel like you’ve sang a song and you’re a Chilean yourself.
Santiago amazed me from the beginning. It is a city that has a wealth of activities and opportunities to offer. It is filled with city parks and is right next to the Andes Mountains for some casual weekend hiking.
The public transport makes everything accessible as long as you know how to use your Moovit app and have your BIP Card charged with at least 2000 pesos.”
DISCLAIMER: The suggestions on these pages are based primarily on recommendations that we have received from former students. Activity lists are by no means exhaustive; rather, they are meant merely as a starting point for exploring all of the ways you can get involved in Chile!
