10 Reasons to study in Chile

Students of design in Universidad del Desarrollo

1. Educational Alternatives
There are over 50 universities in Chile and these offer approximately 2,400 undergraduate programs, with a wide variety of courses, diploma programs, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and PhDs in the fields of education, science, communications, art, culture and the performing arts. 
A substantial percentage of foreigners coming to study in Chile choose careers such as Economy or an MBA, Political Science and Literature. The country's economic model and the signing of several free trade agreements, a successful democratic transition model and a fine tradition of world-famous authors are the main reasons why students are interested in coming to Chile to study. 

The environment, marine ecology and sustainable development are other popular careers. However, the country also features programs with less massive appeal, such as PhDs in astronomy, especially valuable because Chile has the clearest skies in the world and a large number of observatories; master's degrees in mining, oenology and wine tasting courses which include guided tours of vineyards, and appreciation of architectural heritage, a course which is also taught at Valparaiso, a Unesco heritage site. 

2. Top-quality education
Ten Chilean universities are ranked among the best in South America. Chile's educational quality is a renowned trait. Universidad Católica de Chile came second place in the 2009 ranking of the best business schools in Latin America by the magazine AméricaEconomía.
The 2008 THE - QS World University Ranking, which measures the quality of the best universities around the world, placed Universidad Católica as number 241 and Universidad de Chile as number 320. 

3. Great connectivityBy land, air or sea; by phone or digital. Anyway you see it, Chile is connected and connects its inhabitants. Chile has one of the most modern infrastructures and highway networks in Latin America. According to a recent study, Connectivity Scorecard 2009, commissioned by Nokia, Chile is in third place of the connectivity ranking for resource and efficiency-based economies, ahead of Russia, India and all other countries in Latin America. 

4. Affordable living costs
First-class living standards alongside rising incomes, excellent education, and superb food and culture are all qualities that have boosted Chile’s appeal in recent years. Chile’s quality of life has been climbing steadily relative to the rest of Latin America over the past few years, according to various corporate-funded ranking reports.The Economist Intelligence Unit ranks Santiago as the second best city in Latin America to live in. Similarly, the 2010 Quality of Living Ranking, produced by the multinational consulting firm Mercer, ranks Santiago in third place in South America, preceded only by Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

5. Economical and political stabilityChile is a stable country with a solid economy, a clear institutional framework and well-respected democratic institutions. The country's economic model is one of the most open in the world, evidenced by the internationally-renowned number of free trade agreements signed with other countries. 

Decades of economic growth have made Chile one of the most successful and stable developing countries in the world. 

6. Safety
In recent years, several international studies have listed Santiago as the safest capital city in Latin America. According to Spanish-language magazine, AméricaEconomía, Chile's capital city shares the honor of being the least dangerous place for doing business in the region with Miami.

Chile is also one of the most stable countries in Latin America. There is a high level of confidence in the country's public institutions and the nation's uniformed police service, the Carabineros de Chile, always ranks highly in public opinion polls.

7. Friendly people
People who visit Chile always remark on the warm welcome they receive. Chile features the highest immigration rates in South America over recent years,  according to data from the International Organization for Migration. 

The country's solid economic and political status, as well as well-being perceived by foreigners living in Chile are some factors behind this situation. Colonies of Croatians, Americans, Germans, Peruvians, Italians and Palestinians have decided to settle in Chile. 

8. Active social and cultural life
A wide variety of nightlife attractions, a well-stocked list of shows and different typical festivities are daily attractions in Chile. Local festivities include La Tirana, with its diabladas and masks; typical dances such as Tapatí celebrating the magic of Polynesian Easter Island, September 18th, Chile's independence day with several days of dancing, red wine and empanadas (meat pies). 

Chile is home to world-renowned poets. Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda are Nobel Prize for Literature laureates. In addition, the world has enjoyed films by Raúl Ruiz, surrealistic work by the painter Roberto Matta, and works by the psychomagician, filmmaker and writer Alejandro Jodorowsky, as well as other creators of unique literary works, including Isabel Allende and Roberto Bolaño. 

International performing artists such as Madonna, Radiohead, U2, Ornette Coleman, Sonic Youth, Morrissey, Paquito D’Rivera, Nine Inch Nails, Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam, John Scofield, Norah Jones, Deftones and several others have put on concerts in Chile.


9. Great tourist attractions
Chile was described as a crazy geography by the writer Benjamín Subercaseaux. Few countries offer deserts, glaciers, beaches, jungles and volcanoes in the same territory. Most foreign students get out and enjoy this diversity in Chile. 

Favorite attractions are San Pedro de Atacama with its salt flats and geysers, Patagonia, Valparaiso, Chiloé and Easter Island. 

Chile's wide range of landscapes also means that all kinds of outdoor sports can be found here. Chile's 4,300 kilometers of coastline means a wide range of spots for surfing and scuba diving. 


10.Warm weather 
Chile boasts all climactic conditions in the world, with the exception of wet tropical conditions. However, throughout most of the country, and especially in Santiago and the central zone, weather conditions are temperate and Mediterranean, with pleasant temperatures by day and cooler nights. 

This climate means that Chile is home to world-renowned wine and excellent fruit production. Spring starts in September and summer finishes in March. 

Winter rain and snow in the mountains start of the ski season, a favorite activity for many foreign students who enjoy snowboarding and downhill skiing. 

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