Details

• Chile
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

There are several things which you should prepare before going on an exchange to Chile. First of all the accommodation. I would recommend you to look on local chilean websites to rent an apartment, as this is mostly the cheapest option. Furthermore, I can recommend you to travel before the exchange. My semester abroad begann in March, allowing me to spend time travelling through South America in February.

2. Accommodation

My accommodation search experience was great. I moved in together with another WU exchange student in Providencia. We found a chilean website, which offered cheaper and often nicer apartments than Airbnb. Therefore, I can only recommend doing the same. If not, alternatives are: Airbnb or even student exchange homes, depending on preferences. I can only recommend living in Providencia (Barrio Italia), especially if you study at Universidad de Chile, as it is only a several minute walk to University. This district is one of the safest in Santiago, has some nice restaurants and bars and is also near the center. In my opinion, this is the best place to live in Santiago as an exchange student.

3. Academic life at host university

I had a great time at FEN, Universidad de Chile. The university has a good academic level, the teachers are motivated and the campus facility has all it needs. The location could also not be better. I would recommend to take courses which do not have the mid-term exams in the exam week, as you then have almost 2-3 weeks off which you can devot to travelling.

5. Every day life in the host country

Chile has great public transport, is in most districts safe during the day and has great social/leisure activities. During my exchange, I enjoyed going skating, as there is a skatepark right next to Universidad de Chile as well as bouldering and playing football in parks. The night life is also good, if you know where to go. (Barrio Italia, Lastarria). You will definitely not become bored in Chile, as there is always something to do especially because the university also has a lot of events.

6. Testimonial

I had the time of my life. Chile is an amazing country to do your exchange, as you have the opportunity to travel a lot. You are able to explore one of the world's most fascinating natural environments, from travelling to Patagonia in the south and the Atacama desert in the north, as well as all of South America. Chile is an underrated travel destination, which I can only recommend to anyone who wants to gain memories for life.