About Chile - 2011

Volver ImprimirCompartir:

Chilean poet Pablo Neruda described his beloved country as a “large petal of sea, wine, and snow".(Cuando de Chile, 1943). Chile is a long and narrow country nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and is home to 17 million citizens. Chile stretches from the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world, to the glaciers of Patagonia.

The academic year in Chile runs from March through December. January and February are summer vacation months.

The first academic semester runs from March through July. There are two weeks of Winter Break in mid-July and the second academic semester begins in August and goes until December.

Santiago, capital of Chile, is a thriving and interesting city. With a population of six million, it offers a variety of attractions and activities. You will find a modern city reflected in state-of-the-art buildings, subway, and museums. Santiago also offers you the possibility to be part of a community that enjoys celebrating its national traditions along with other outdoor activities.

Santiago is located an hour away from Valparaíso, a coastal city that UNESCO identified as a World Heritage Site, and an hour away from several internationally known ski centers. The capital is a starting point for travelling in South America, and you can reach Buenos Aires in two hours, and Lima in three hours, with numerous flights departing daily.

For more information http://chile.travel/en

Why choose Chile?

Economic and Political Stability (Chile’s government is a Representative Democracy)

Quality education

Affordable cost of living

Climate of Santiago: Mediterranean (warm dry summers/cold rainy winters)

Transportation: Bus, Subway, Taxi

Great tourist attractions.

Volunteer activities

Active Social and Cultural life

Multi-sport options

Things to do and Places to See in and around Santiago

La Moneda Chile’s Presidential Palace

Plaza De Armas Santiago’s main plaza, site of the national cathedral and main post office.

Cerro Santa Lucía Small hill in the center of Santiago, with walking paths and fountains, that was originally used as a military Fort, lookout, and cemetery.

Parque Metropolitano This vast park is home to Cerro San Cristóbal. From the top there is a beautiful view over the city and, on a clear day, the Andes.

Barrio Bellavista Neighborhood filled with art, theater, music, and a wide variety of international cuisine.

Parque Forestal A long park that runs parallel to the Mapocho River, also site of the National Museum of Fine Arts and Modern Art Museum.

Parque Bicentenario Bicentenario Avenue, Vitacura. A beautiful new park, still with large extension of grass and children games. Great spot for riding bicycle.

Santuario de la Naturaleza Large park in the Las Condes upper sector. Ideal for hiking and for barbecues.

Cajon del Maipo 1 hour from Santiago National Park with opportunities to go hiking, kayaking, or horseback riding.

Viña del Mar and Valparaiso Costal cities 1 and 1/2 hour from Santiago. Valparaiso was identified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Ski Centers Santiago is an hour away from state of the art ski centers