Chile: Universidad de Las Americas

Santiago, Chile

University: Universidad de Las Americas

Exchange Program: Universidad de Las American 

Application Deadline: March 10 for Fall Semester & October 10 for Spring Semester

 VISA Application Information: Embassy of Chile

General Information:

Location: Chile is located in South America, on squeezed between the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Andes mountains in the east. It neighbors Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The Atacama Desert is located in the northern part of the country, and more to the south, pasture land and ranches dominate. Easter Island is located 2000 miles off the coast, and is accessible by plane. Santiago is located on the Pacific Ocean, with the Andes mountains in the visible distance to the east. Chile's population is approximately 15.5 million.

Climate: Chile, extending 2700 miles north to south, has a variety of climates, from temperate and dry in the north to cold and wet in the south. The areas around Santiago are best described as Mediterranean. Since Chile is in the southern hemisphere, their winter is from May to August, with their summer being from November to February. Highs in July average about 50 F whereas
highs in January average about 82° F.

Currency: The basic unit of currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso.

Transportation: There is an abundance of public transportation in Santiago, which includes both an extensive bus system and subway. There are numerous cabs, including reasonable shared cabs with fixed routes. Domestic flights are reasonable, but heavily taxed. There is a $100 arrival fee at the airport for American citizens to be paid in cash for international flights.

Living Arrangements: Dorm rooms close to campus can be had for $250 a month, for up to $290 including housekeeping, laundry and meals. Close private housing can be had for $210 to $280, for up to $330 including housekeeping, laundry and meals. The university can provide contact information upon request.

Food: Dishes in Chile often feature seafood or beef complimented by fresh vegetables or fruit. There are also many popular native dishes, in addition to the standard international fare. Corn tamales and Chile's famous wines are quite good. Also famous is the portion busting meal of two fried eggs atop a large slab of beef, which is then covered in chips. Empanadas are turnovers filled with any variety of filling. Curanto is a stew of shellfish, beef, potato, fish, chicken, pork and lamb. Finally, an acquired taste to be sure, the parillada is a mixed grill including intestines, blood sausages and udders.

Social Activities: Santiago is a vibrant city pulsing with artistic life. Theaters and literary events abound. Santiago was home to Pablo Neruda, a Nobel laureate of literature. In the Bohemian sections of town, a lively creative atmosphere can be found. Museums abound, with collections from Pre-Columbian art to Chile's natural history. Festivals also frequent the Santiago calendar, exciting locals and tourists alike. Only a short trip from such sites as the Atacama Desert and Chile's numerous national parks, other short destinations might include the Patagonia region of Argentina, or even Buenos Aires. Also, only a short plane ride away, the famous Easter Island is
not to be missed.

Student Services: Universidad de Las Americas has a wonderful International Relations Office which will be happy to assist you in your transition to Chile.