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Chile

Chile has the largest annual fireworks show in all of South America in the city of Valparaiso during its famed New Year’s Pyrotechnic Festival.

Enquire about Chile

Ever had the feeling that you wanted to go into space? You can, if you visit Chile – not quite what you were expecting right? Well, Chile has the Valle de la Luna which translates into the ‘Valley of the Moon’.

It’s located in the Atacama Desert, north of Chile and is the driest place on Earth! From here, you can visit the Elqui Valley as it has the most transparent skies in the southern hemisphere.

You can even take a trip to Easter Island as it is known to be the most isolated islands on the planet. It contains the famous extant monumental statues (887 at that!) which were made by the Rapanui people centuries ago.
Chile is a long narrow coastal strip, located in the south-west of South America. If you’re looking for a priceless trip, then Chile is the place for you! It has some of the most unique places on the planet!

Eligibility Requirements

You must be 16, 17 or 18.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Host Family Placement
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Assistance with Application Process
  • Visa Application Assistance
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Access to Alumni Network
  • Continuous Support
  • Worldwide Presence
  • 70 Years Experience

What you are responsible for

  • Vaccinations
  • Visa and Passport Fees
  • School Uniform
Mirador,Santiago oriente al atardecer

Host family and culture

Most host families in Chile live in or near urban areas. Chileans tend to be very family-focused, and children are taught to have a strong respect for their parents. Check in with your parents before you make plans or decisions.

While breakfast is usually very light, lunch is the main meal of the day in Chile. It can include meat (beef, lamb, pork or chicken) or fish with rice or pasta and vegetables, soups and salads. In the afternoon, enjoy an onces: tea or coffee with bread and butter or marmalade and pastry. Some families have a late dinner, which includes similar foods as lunch. A variety of fruits is available throughout the year.

Canva – Person Standing Beside Shore_edited

Language and school

The official language of Chile is Spanish, and some people also speak English, German, or Mapudungun (the language of the Mapuche). Having a basic knowledge of Spanish will be helpful. You can participate in language lessons provided by AFS, and local volunteers may arrange independent language study for you during the first months.

The school year runs from March through December (8 am until 5 pm), Monday through Friday. You will probably attend a private high-school or a private subsidized school, where you’ll need to wear a uniform. Over the year, you will study 10–13 subjects with the same group of classmates.

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Kick-start your future with AFS and discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.

This programme begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations, other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations which will help you maximize your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community as well as gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad, and as you return to your home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family the whole way through.

Find out more