5 Reasons You Should Work Abroad in Chile

When it comes to living abroad, Europe is by far the most popular destination.  But if you want to get off the beaten track and experience life in one of the most fascinating and secluded countries in the world, head to Chile.  Not only does it have a more European atmosphere than most of South America, but you will also discover one of the most diverse landscapes and unique cultures of anywhere in the world.  If you still need convincing, here are five of Chile’s biggest draws for expats abroad.

1. Valparaiso.  Without a doubt, Valpo, with its 40 plus hills, on the Pacific Coast is the perfect city for young people.  With its chaotic design, hallucinatory street art, and thriving theatre scene and nightlife, Valparaiso will provide experience and inspiration far beyond any other standard university semester.  Moreover, the entire city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and their New Year’s fireworks display is legendary.  Check out the stellar restaurant La Concepcion to sample fresh local seafood (try the ceviche!) as well as a long list of Chile’s finest wines.

Photo by Mitch Altman

2. Literature.  For any English or Spanish literature buff, Chile has a strong literary heritage ranging from the beloved contemporary novelist Isabel Allende to its two Nobel Prize-winning poets, Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral.  Their remote location and bizarre geography has given an imaginative touch of magical realism to their national writing style, sure to provide plenty of food for thought for any lover of South American literature.

3. Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.  While excursions into these two remote areas of Chile may stretch your budget, it will without a doubt be an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.  Be sure to dress in layers, because hikes through the mountains and glacier regions of southern Patagonia tend to get cold and windy, even in the summer!  Still, if you’re a fan of long treks through stunning terrain, you’ll be able to go home and tell friends that you literally went to the end of the world.  If you prefer comfort at the end of the day, you can get the best of both worlds at Tierra Patagonia Hotel, which offers tailored excursions into the mountains as well as a luxury spa.

Photo by Miguel Vieira

4. Easter Island.  For an abroad experience like none other, book a trip to Rapa Nui, home of the head-shaped stone statues interspersed among a landscape of live volcanoes.  For anyone interested in indigenous cultures and secluded islands, Easter Island will be a fascinating stay for you.

5. Wine.  Chilean wines are famed throughout the world, thanks in part to Chilean vineyards specializing in grapes that have gone extinct in other parts of the world.  Famous for robust red wines with dark, complex undertones—particularly Malbec and Syrah—Chile offers plenty of opportunities to expand your wine palate and visit local vineyards.  Book a tour with Bodega Wine Tours, which offer guided visits to various vineyards in the Casablanca Valley outside of Santiago.

Photo by F. Sanchezs

Chile is a stunning country with plenty of adventures for students, but Chilean Spanish is known for being one of the most difficult dialects for foreigners to grasp, due to their heavy use of slang and tendency to leave off the second half of words when speaking.  Get started learning Spanish right away in preparation: send us an inquiry for more details, or take our free online Spanish language level test to see how good your Spanish already is!