As is demonstrated by the Plaza de Armas, the Chileans in Santiago know how to allow the old and the new to coexist peacefully. You can see the historic Santiago Cathedral, which shares the square with an ultra-modern skyscraper. The Plaza de Armas is downtown Santiago at its finest and not only can you go there to see the old and the new, it also provides a microcosm of the city's population. All kinds of people mix freely there, with the variety that you will come to love in Santiago.

Study Abroad Programs in Santiago

Santiago is also a very clean city. Its modern subway system, the multitude of wonderful restaurants, and the gorgeous parks will delight you. Santiago provides the perfect setting for studying abroad whether you want to perfect your knowledge of Spanish, learn more about the local culture or pursue a variety of other studies through the many programs available.

People in Santiago are extremely friendly although you may find yourself struggling to keep up with the language at first given that Chilean Spanish contains many slang expressions. With 5 million people in Santiago, however, you will have plenty of opportunities to practice until you get the hang of it. You may find that you need to be assertive in getting the attention of the Chileans, such as making sure a store owner notices you if you need help. Yet more opportunities to practice that Spanish!

Santiago also has much to offer in terms of entertainment and adventure. One of the city's unique entertainments can be found at the heights of the eastern suburb, La Reina, where you can race along on a wheeled toboggan. Climbing and hiking are also available in many areas directly outside the city. Within an hour of the city are some excellent places to go white water rafting or skiing. And as with almost everywhere in Chile, you are also within easy reach of the beach.

If you want to explore the cultured side of Chile, Santiago is definitely the place to be. Chile was home to 2 Nobel prize winners, Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda. Santiago features the Neruda museum as well as an impressive tiled mural in honor of Mistral. The city is known for its wonderful museums (there are at least 65 of them), the finest of which is generally agreed to be the Museo Arqueológico de Santiago that features excellent exhibits on Chile's indigenous peoples.

Santiago provides unparalleled opportunities for students wishing to explore the wonders of Chile, both modern and historic, natural and man-made, cultured and adventurous, and everything in between.