Details

• Chile
• MACEMS-25
• Graduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 3 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I started preparations around half a year in advance with booking flights and housing because of high prices for taking the plane. The course selection preparation was quite straight forward because of the strict regulations from CEMS.

2. Accommodation

I found a student housing through information that got shared by UAI for CEMS incoming students. I booked with the organization Santiago Exchange and lived in a shared house with 8 other students. It was located in Las Condes, one of the richest and safest area which is why it was a bit more expensive but definitely worth it. It was a bit more outside and took longer to get to the city center but the connection to the campus was quite convenient for the fact it is on the mountain.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is very modern and big but on a mountain and more outside the city. Therefore, I recommend taking a look at the UAI website to find out where bus stops are that take you up the hill. There are specific buses only for UAI students that pick them up from the city center and bring them to campus. Teaching styles are a bit more frontal I would say but there are group works as well and in the end it always depends on the professor.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport is quite good, especially the metro is very good. Try to live next to a metro stop, then you are everywhere quite fast. Safety is a big difference to Vienna - after the sun sets always take an uber (which is cheaper than in Euope). Also the more South and West you go, the unsafer the areas get. There is a lot going on in Santiago, a lot of events and activities. Sports you can do on campus at UAI, they offer a lot of courses.

6. Testimonial

Generally, this was the best semester of my life. I was extremely lucky with my student colleagues but also Santiago is a great city to live in. You have the perfect combination of getting a real South America experience and having the convenience of Chile already being a very well developed country. UAI is also a good university and has its opportunities.