Chile is situated between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in a narrow stretch of land that does not exceed a maximum width of 350 kilometers.
Located along the Pacific coast of South America, Chile is a long and narrow country that is bordered by Peru in the north, Bolivia and Argentina in the east, and the ocean in the west and the south.
Contrast and diversity characterizes our geography. In the north, the climate conditions the existence of the most ardent desert in the world located in the Atacama region. While in the center and the south of Chile, green and fertile valleys multiply and provide fruits and vegetables for the population and the international markets that are used to the high quality of our fruits, wines and grapes among others. For the most part, to think of Chile is to think about mountains, deserts, lakes, volcanoes, glaciers, islands, high plateaus, plains, rainforests, salt deposits, fjords, ice country, and an extensive coastline. The administrative, economic, and political activity of the country is concentrated within the central region.

With a surface area of 756,096 square kilometers (472,569 sq. mi), Chile has 14.7 million inhabitants, 4.3 million of them concentrated in the capital of the country, Santiago. 80% of the population is urban-based. Chilean people are friendly and hospitable to foreigners. The economy is strong, and the police are trustworthy. This, together with the incredible beauty of its geography, and the well-developed transportation system, make this country a very attractive destination.
 

Santiago, the capital of Chile, is located in the central region. Due to its geographic location, Santiago is one of the few capital cities in the world that has easy access both to ski slopes -just 50 kms. away-, and beaches, 100 kms. away. This zone constitutes an important commercial, industrial, cultural and communication center for the country. Located towards the Cordillera de Los Andes are the El Morado Natural Monument and the Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary.
 

This zone has a mediterranean climate with four well-defined seasons. Santiago is Chile's capital and largest city mixed with modern skyscrapers and 19th-century European architectures. The Plaza de Armas, the Museo Historico Nacional, the Casa Colorada, the Museo Precolombino, the Plaza de la Constitucion, and the Cerro Santa Lucia, are touring highlights of beautiful Santiago.
Santiago is divided into 32 districts or "comunas". Downtown Santiago contains the central offices of the banks and the Government buildings. Commercial businesses are starting to move towards the east of the city, to the comuna of Providencia, where our school is located. Most hotels, commercial, banking and entertainment areas are located in this borough.
 

Important center of the country, historically most of the economic, administrative, cultural, commercial, industrial and political activities have always been carried out in Santiago.
New places, art galleries, entertainment and natural parks, promenades and cultural centers. High category hotels all kind of rrestaurants, guided tours in the city, shopping centers, facilities and governmental organizations.
At night, Santiago turns into a city where you can have a good time until late.
The most traditional and fashionable areas to have a good time are Barrio Bellavista (downtown), Suecia Avenue (in Providencia), San Damián promenade (in Las Condes), and Plaza Ñuñoa (in Ñuñoa), there are pubs, restaurants and discos in all styles and for all kind of people.

Temperatures
Santiago, due to its position in the central region, has a Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons. Spring, between September and November is mild, which contributes to the flourishing green color of the plants and trees. Summer, between December and February, is dry and hot with temperatures that can reach over 30°C (87º F). At night it cools down slightly, and on the coast this temperature drop can be much more extreme.

Autumn is between March and May, and temperatures decrease gradually. In winter, mornings are cold, some as low as -2º C (28º F) and although the temperature rises at midday it rarely exceeds 15°C (60ºF).

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES PROGRAM

In Santiago de Chile you can enjoy different type of activities: excursions, outings, to visit historical buildings, theatres, where you will have the opportunity to interact with local people and practice your Spanish.
Different kind of excursions and outings. Trips to nearby cities, beaches, and different places.

Some examples: Wine Highway, Santa Cruz Museum, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, The northern Desert, Southern lakes, Villarica Volcano, Osorno Volcano or Chiloé, La Serena, Valleys.

Pueblito del Alba, Forestal Park and Museum of Fine Arts, San Cristobal Hill and Metropolitan Park, Municipal Theatre, the houses of Pablo Neruda, The Mirador Interactive Museum, Central Market, Concha Y Toro Vineyard, Jewelry and handicraft markets, Santa Lucia Hill.

Our cultural activities program is arranged by the school. Costs of transportation and entrances fees are not included (approx. US$ 4 per activity).