|
Learn Spanish in Chile - Spanish Language School Santiago
|
Santiago, Chile
Minimum Age: 17 years; Average Age: 24 – 27 years
|
|
| Santiago | Language School | Spanish Courses | Exam Preparation Course | Special Programs | University Credit | Dates | Activities/Excursions | Further Information | Accommodation | Prices | Registration | Visa | Visit Chile | How to get to Santiago |
 |
|
Santiago
|
|
|
| Learn Spanish in Santiago, Chile with StudyGlobal. Intensive Spanish programs at Spanish language school. | Considered in many ways Latin America's most progressive country, Chile offers the student modern amenities while still holding onto an important colonial and indigenous past. The economic growth of the past decades has led to first world health and safety conditions and foreigners have little trouble adjusting while learning Spanish in Chile. Combine your language course in Chile with adventures such as river rafting, skiing or exploring the peaks of the Andes. The capital of Chile, Santiago is conveniently located one hour west of the Andes Mountains and one hour east of the Pacific Ocean. The past decade's economic growth and investment have created a clean, modern city, while colonial charm and historic museums and monuments have remained preserved. | | Santiago's modern subway system is both economic and efficient and, together with an extensive bus network and taxi supply, can quickly transport students to all parts of the city. At the foot of the Andes and only 100 km from the ocean, Santiago provides all of the big-city attractions of nightlife, culture, and fine restaurants while also serving as a convenient point for starting day or weekend trips to Chile's world-famous nature. Also being at the geographical center of Chile, Santiago supplies direct flights and/or long-distance buses to all corners of the country. All of Chile's tourist locations are easily accessible from Santiago, by economical domestic flights, by rail, and by bus. An extremely friendly population, low cost of living, and great travel opportunities give students a unique experience in Chile. |  | Culture and Nightlife Santiago's cosmopolitan area is home to 6 million people and supports many cultural and nocturnal opportunities - from theater to all night salsa clubs. A wide variety of activities to supplement the Spanish language school.
| |
|
Language School
|
|
|
The school is centrally located five blocks from Plaza Italia in a quiet side street of the residential neighborhood Providencia. Restaurants, bar and cafes are nearby and the school is easy accessible by major bus routes and the Metro (Station: Manuel Montt). Our partner school has 16 classrooms, several bathrooms, common areas, an outdoor partio, a table tennis table, BBQ, a small library, computers with internet connection and WIFI, free purified water, café and tea and break snacks. The maximum capacity is 140 students. Our partner school is recognized for academic credit by the Universidad de Viña del Mar in Chile. | | Teachers All of our teachers are native speakers with university degrees and have experience teaching Spanish to foreigners. Most have learned a second language themselves and therefore understand the student's perspective. They are devoted to helping students best reach their goals and to keeping the classes enjoyable and entertaining. | |
|
Spanish Courses
|
|
|
The structure of the classes is both flexible and tuned to fit the student and his/her personal language needs. Our programs include group classes, private classes, and specialized courses that combine both private and group instruction. | The school uses their own text books developed by a team of our teachers. These learning materials are used for about half of the class, while the other half of the class is devoted to special class needs and the use of supplementary information such as selected audio, video, and “current affairs” materials. Every class is held in the classroom but for a change of pace, your class may occasionally take place outside of the school, at a cafe or a park for example, especially for those taking private lessons. Details: - 1 lesson = 50 min. of class teaching "face-to-face"
- Placement test upon arrival, including written and oral evaluation.
- Certification/diploma is given upon completion of course.
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Maximum 6 students per group class
There are two class schedules for group and one-to-one lessons. The assignment of a student´s shift takes place upon arrival after completion of the placement test: - Morning: 9am - 1pm
- Afternoon: 2pm - 6pm
|  | Learning Materials : are included in the price. You just have to bring a notebook and a pocket dictionary. | |
More info on levels (please click here)
Our program is divided into 6 main levels of study (12 levels incl. sublevels). The first four are concentrated on grammar, vocabulary, practical situations, and conversation. The fifth and sixth level, advanced and superior, are focused mainly on conversation and advanced reading and writing topics while the seventh includes Electives courses (Spanish composition, Literature, Advanced Oral and listening Skills, Culture). One elective open per week.
Students can expect to advance through each of the first four levels in three weeks each, while the advanced course can be taken for several months. In order to get a better idea regarding the placement level, a quick Placement Exam will be given upon arrival.
NOTE: Content descriptions are examples of topics covered. Discussion topics and themes vary.
| Levels
| Beginner 1 (No Spanish):
| Pronunciation, identifying people and things, present tense, family members, "ser" and "estar", interrogative pronouns, indefinite/definite articles, greetings, demonstative adjectives, present progressive tense, "hay" and "tener", days and months, possessive adjectives.
| Beginner 2:
| Reflexive verbs and pronouns, sports and activities, future informal ("ir" + ), preferences and desires, "nunca"/"siempre", imperative tense, ordinal numbers, "tener que", "haber que" and "deber que", prepositions of time and place, imperfect tense.
| Intermediate 1:
| Relative pronouns, interrogative pronouns, "para" and "por", past perfect irregulars, future imperfect, conditional tense, present subjunctive, uses of subjunctive verbs, "seguir" and "quedar", preterite perfect "estar" + gerund, irregular subjunctive verbs.
| Intermediate 2:
| Preterite perfect subjunctive, passive voice, uses of "se", verbs with prepositions, adverbial expressions, diminutives and augmentatives, idomatic expressions, preterite imperfect subjunctive, prepositional phrases, synonyms and antonyms.
| Advanced:
| Passive voice; review of preterit v/s imperfect; indicative v/s subjunctive; subjunctive with expressions of emotion, influence, will and doubt; Greek and Latin prefixes; subjunctive in subordinate clauses; use of different prepositions, conjunctions; pronominal complements; Greek and Latin suffixes; literal orthography.
| Advanced Superior:
| Advanced Superior: Punctuation; common errors of speech; “queismo” and “dequeísmo”; accents; neologisms, foreign influence and barbarism; Topics of conversation vary; composition and writing exercises. Oral practice is the main focus of the course.
|
|
Close
|
|
Sample timetable (please click here)
This is what a typical day looks like (example for morning shift): - Classes normally begin at 9 am. Students and teachers generally show up a few minutes early for coffee, tea, etc.
- The first session lasts until 10:30 am. After a short refreshment break of 20 minutes, there is a second session until 11:50 am. And the last session is held from 12:10 am to 1 pm
- After class most students have lunch with other students and/or teachers.
- Afternoon classes (2 pm to 6 pm) will take place for students requesting additional hours.
|
Close
|
|
Standard Spanish Course (20 lessons per week)
| | This course is structured to meet your level and is taught in a small group (max. 6 students). The class schedule is assigned upon evaluation of the placement test at the school. You are working with text books for about 10 lessons per week whilst the other 10 lessons per week are dedicated to special class needs and the use of supplementary information such as selected audio, video, and “current affairs” materials. | Details: - 20 lessons per week (1 lesson = 50 min)
- Duration: 2-36 weeks
- All levels available
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Maximum 6 students per group class
- Time Schedule: class sessions are in the morning from 9am - 1pm or in the afternoon from 2pm – 6 pm.
| | |
Intensive PLUS Spanish Course (20 group + 4 private lessons per week)
| This course combines the Standard Spanish Course with 4 additional private lessons per week. The class schedule is assigned upon evaluation of the placement test at the school.
| Details: - Standard Course 20 lessons per week plus an additional 4 lessons One-to-One*
- Duration: 1-36 weeks
- All levels available
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Maximum 6 students per group class
- Time Schedule: group sessions are in the morning from 9am - 1pm + private lessons in the afternoon or group lessons in the afternoon from 2pm – 6 pm and private lessons in the morning
- The course is ideal for students that want to focus on specific topics in additional one-to-one lessons*
| | | *One-to-One elements can be focused on Business Spanish or Spanish for Medical/Law purposes (Special focus for 25% more than the regular one-to-one cost) | | | |
Super-Intensive Spanish Course (20 group + 8 private lessons per week)
| This course combines the Standard Spanish Course with 8 additional private lessons per week. The class schedule is assigned upon evaluation of the placement test at the school. The course is ideal for short stays with rapid progress and recommended for Business purposes.
| Details: - Standard Course 20 lessons per week plus an additional 8 lessons One-to-One*
- Duration: 1-36 weeks
- All levels available
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Maximum 6 students per group class
- Time Schedule: group sessions are in the morning from 9am - 1pm + private lessons in the afternoon or group lessons in the afternoon from 2pm – 6 pm and private lessons in the morning
- The course is ideal for students that want to focus on specific topics in additional one-to-one lessons*
| | | *One-to-One elements can be focused on Business Spanish or Spanish for Medical/Law purposes (Special focus for 25% more than the regular one-to-one cost) | | | |
One-to-One Spanish Course (min. 5 private lessons per week)
| This private course is designed for students who would like to focus on certain subjects following a course adapted to their individual needs. The personal attention of their teacher allows students to work at their own rhythm and to specialize in particular areas of interest, e.g. business Spanish, Spanish for medical/legal purposes.
| Students have two options: - One-to-one lessons only
- One-to-one lessons combined with group lessons.
Details: - Minimum Duration: 1 week
- All levels available
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Time Schedule: morning or afternoon classes
- The course is ideal for students that want to focus on specific topics in additional one-to-one lessons*
| | *One-to-One elements can be focused on Business Spanish or Spanish for Medical/Law purposes (Special focus for 25% more than the regular one-to-one cost)
| |
|
Exam Preparation Course
|
|
|
| |
DELE Exam Preparation Course
| The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera), issued by Spain's Ministry of Education and administered by the Instituto Cervantes, is an offical accreditation of Spanish language abilities. It is recognized by official institutions of Spanish-speaking countries as well as countries where Spanish is not the official language. The exam verifies abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding Spanish with three levels of certification: - Certificado Inicial: beginner
- Diploma Basico: intermediate
- Diploma Superior: superior
Apart from gaining Spanish language certification, the exam preparation course is an excellent way to arrive at a balanced level of proficiency.
Course Details In order to prepare for the exam, we have courses devoted entirely to DELE exam preparation. The sessions are one-to-one and enable you to focus on your areas needing rapid improvement. The course is taken as a private course, either full-time (20 private lessons per week) or as the private component of "group + private" (20 hours group plus 4 or 8 private lessons per week). Fees are the same as for the Intensive PLUS/Super-Intensive/One-to-One course, depending on the course option you choose. The preparation courses cover all components with particular emphasis on your areas of more limited capabilities.
| DELE Exam Schedule 2009:- May 16 (registration until Apr 24)
- Aug 21 (registration until July 13)
- Nov 14 (registration until Oct 16)
*Registration for the DELE exam is separate from registering for the language program Exam Fees (not incl. in course price) - Inicial: EUR 76
- Intermedio: EUR 89
- Superior: EUR 99
|  | |
|
Special Programs
|
|
|
Spanish PLUS Medical Experience Program
| The program we have developed for medical professionals combines the regular Spanish immersion program with medical-specific Spanish and cultural training. Morning group classes never have more than six students. After morning classes, students find themselves engaged in a variety of medical-oriented activities in the afternoon.
Clinical Shadowing: The main portion of the medical package is clinical shadowing in either a hospital or health clinic. Students can observe professionals interacting with patients in Spanish and observe the similarities and differences between these clinics and those in the US. 2 sessions per week of min. 1.30hs – max 4hs. |  | Many students also choose supplemental private Spanish lessons, in addition to the standard group course, to focus on particular needs or on "Medical Spanish" (such as role-playing).
Requirements: - Student must wear a white apron and respect all the internal rules at the institution
- Short hair or well kept and tied back
- No piercing Application
Price: 110 USD per week for 2 sessions of Clinical Shadowing |  | |
Spanish + Ski Package (18 lessons per week)
| Take advantage of our ideal location by studying Spanish and spending your free time skiing and snowboarding! | With Santiago sitting at the foot of the Andes, the capital city provides great access for local skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Nearby peaks rise to over 5,000 meters (19,000 feet), giving the city a remarkable backdrop. The Spanish & Ski package includes two weekly lift tickets plus transportation (door-to-mountain). One ticket during the week and another on the weekend. Individual Supplemental Classes
Because you will miss a day's classes each week, the Spanish & Ski program includes two one-to-one hours per week to help cover missed topics. You may also schedule extra hours at a low hourly rate.
| | | The Chilean ski season runs from late June through September. Most students may start classes on any Monday, however absolute beginners need to follow the course schedule. Package includes: - Spanish Standard course (one day missed replaced with 2 individual lessons)
- Two mountain passes / week.
- Free transportation.
- Housing (optional).
- TOTAL HOURS SPANISH: group + 2 private lessons per week
Supplement for Ski Package: 180 USD per week |  | |
More information (please click here)
- Travel Time from Santiago: about one hour and easily reached by frequent shuttles.
- Distance from Santiago: 39 km
- Slopes: Beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert
- Maximum altitude: 3333 meters above sea level.
|
Close
|
|
Spanish + Wine-Tasting
| Combine your Spanish Course with a wine-tasting course. You will and learn about Chile's famous vineyards and the effects of Chile's varied geography. Wine-tasting topics from recognizing smells to selection for meals. | Spanish Course: Choose from any of our general Spanish programs (Standard, Intensive Plus, Super-Intensive, One-to-One). Wine Course: The class meets twice per week, starting every Monday. Sample Topics: - Typical Chilean wines
- Wine and Chocolates
- Aromas and Flavors
- Wine and Cheeses
Course length: 1-4 weeks Supplement for Wine Course: 60 USD per week |  | |
| Spanish + Internship | Internships are ideal for students who want to gain practical experience via an unpaid internship or volunteer project. All internships are evaluated and supervised throughout the placement. Duration is a minimum of 12 weeks (4 weeks Spanish Program + min. 8 weeks Internship) | You choose the duration of your internship completely according to your schedule and your wishes (2 months to 1 year). In order to have sufficient time to become familiar with the country and the people and to adjust to the language and to your internship position, we recommend you to allow at least two months for your internship.
Requirements: - 18+ year old
- High Schools Certificate
- Intermediate Spanish level
- Basic computer skill
Work Fields Examples: - Business: Marketing, selling, accounting, costumer service, exportation
- Health: customer services, nurses, emergency, (different specialities)
- Tourism: costumer services, tour guide, travel agencies, hotel & restaurants.
|  | Starting Dates: any Monday Price: 4 weeks Spanish Course + 450 USD internship placement fee + 50 USD one-time handling fee | |
More details (please click here)
Among our partners are well-known international and national companies, medium-sized and small Argentinean enterprises, private and public institutions, non-profit organizations as well as governmental authorities. Internships are unpaid work experience opportunities.
Spanish Classe: 4 weeks prior your internship Choose from any of our general Spanish programs (Standard, Intensive Plus, Super-Intensive, One-to-One).
Credit Transfer: You will receive a certificated for your Spanish Program and your Internships experience. Credit transfer is generally possible. The number of credit is up to your home University.
From the time of your application for an internship a one-time registration and handling fee of US$ 50 will be due. This fee includes the translation and/or adjustment of your resume as well as the approach with possible companies for your internship.
This program includes: - Orientation
- 4 weeks of Spanish Program (minimum)
- Internship placement (2 -12 months)
- Ongoing support
- Spanish Course & Internship certification
|
Close
|
|
Spanish + Volunteering
| In co-operation with different social institutions and non-profit organizations we offer various voluntary work projects. Usually, you work directly with the relevant people and are responsible for the care of ill and homeless children, handicapped or old people, homeless or support of the Mapuche Indians. Duration is a minimum of 8 weeks (4 weeks Spanish Program + min. 4 weeks Volunteering) | You choose the duration of your volunteer completely according to your schedule and your wishes (1 - 6 months). In order to have sufficient time to become familiar with the country and the people and to adjust to the language and to your volunteer position, we recommend you to allow at least two months for your volunteer. Prior to arrival you will receive a list of possible volunteer areas. Student should select 3 options according to their interests. When the student arrives and begins studying we will arrange a visit to the selected organizations. It is up to the organization to approve a student, however we will help to the best of our abilities. We do not guarantee positions before arrival as students need to visit organizations beforehand. - Minimum level to start volunteer work Low Intermediate
- Application Program enrolment + resume + cover letter
- Application period 2 months prior volunteer work tentative start date
- Itinerary Varies per organization, some projects might be undertaken part time after class while others require full time commitment after student has finished language preparation.
Starting Dates: any Monday Price: 4 weeks Spanish Course + 280 USD for 4 weeks volunteering + 50 USD one-time handling fee / Extra week of volunteering: USD 70 |  | |
More details (please click here)
Projects: - Day cares
- Sports supports
- Mature adults help
- Hospitals
- Indigene villages, etc.
Spanish Classe: 4 weeks prior your internship Choose from any of our general Spanish programs (Standard, Intensive Plus, Super-Intensive, One-to-One).
From the time of your application for a volunteer a one-time registration and handling fee of US$ 50 (non refundable) will be due. This fee includes the translation and/or adjustment of your resume as well as the approach with possible companies for your volunteer.
This program includes: - Orientation
- 4 weeks of Spanish Program (minimum)
- 4 weeks of volunteer work (1-6 months)
- Ongoing support
- Spanish Course & Volunteer certificate
|
Close
|
|
|
University Credit
|
|
|
All students receive a certificate upon completion of the course. This certificate is signed and stamped by the school Director and includes the course dates, attendance percentage, level(s) approved and grades. For University credit, we can also provide the student University certification upon request. This is submitted by Universidad de Viña del Mar in Chile. For credit approval, the process goes as follows: - We contact the student’s Study Abroad Advisor to get the approval of the course. Most of the universities have different requirements to approve courses. We appreciate that the student help us to get the Advisor contact information. Then we provide the Advisor any documentation required for the course acceptance.
- We inform the student, once approval is confirmed.
- Student study abroad at our school(s).
- Upon completion of course. We submit transcripts to university for credit. Transfer credit fee: 200 USD
* Minimum course length for university certification= 3 weeks (one level) | | |
Universities that have already approved our courses for credit (please click here)
Boise State University Carthage College City College of San Francisco East Carolina University Eckerd College Georgia State University Grossmont College Grove City College Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Intensified Learning Opportunity Programme (ILOP) Long Island University Marietta College Murray State University Northwestern University Oxford University Penn State University Philadelphia University Pittsburgh State University Portland State University Towson University University of Alberta University of Arizona University of Colorado at Boulder University of Colorado Denver University of Georgia University of Massachusetts University of Nevada Reno University of North Florida University of Oregon University of Virginia University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Weber State University
|
Close
|
|
|
Dates
|
|
|
Courses begin every Monday incl. complete beginners.
| | Holidays in 2009 | | | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov
| Dec | | | 01
| | | | 01 | | | | 18
| | | 25
| | School will be closed on public holidays, these lessons will not be made up or refunded. There are other holidays where the school will offer a special class of 5 levels, focused on conversation and with no maximum number of students. Classes will be held from 9:30 to 1:30. |
|
|
Activities/Excursions
|
|
|
Clearly visible and less than 100 km from Santiago, the nearby Andes mountains have peaks of over 6000m and provide world-class ski resorts plus trekking, rafting, biking, and climbing. Chile has maintained numerous national parks, giving vacationers snow-peaked volcanoes, unrivaled scenery of the lakes district, salt-water fjords, and spectacular geysers. Less than two hours west of Santiago lie many beaches, including the famous resort of Viña Del Mar. Every Monday students receive a leaflet with the week's itinerary including details of cost, dates and itinerary. Costs vary from US$2 for transportation to $130 for a full weekend excursion. | | The far south, in Chilean Patagonia, houses an area rich in marine life as whales, sea lions, and penguin colonies can be witnessed in this sparsely populated area. Specific highlights include: - Chile's port city of Valparaiso and nearby Isla Negra, home to Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda's most famous house.
- Weekend excursions in Chile include trips to the nearby mountains for white-water rafting .
- Santiago vineyard tours.
- School parties featuring regional cooking lessons and salsa practice
|  | Special Activities - Vineyard trips
- Pablo Neruda´s houses
- Kayak, rafting, trekking (all mountain sports)
- Beach trips
- Dance classes
|  | |
|
Further Information
|
|
|
| |
More info on airport transfers (please click here)
Airport Transfer Santiago de Chile: USD 20 one way / 40 USD two ways
|
Close
|
|
| |
Visa information (please click here)
Visa Information It is the student´s responsibility to arrive at the school upon the correct visa. For further information please refer to http://www.embassyworld.com/
|
Close
|
|
More on Chile (please click here)
Chile
| Chile is located on the western side of South America and covers over 290,000 square miles. It is 2700 miles long with the average width of 110 miles. The length of Chile if placed in the northern hemisphere would stretch from the northern tip of Newfoundland in Canada to the southern tip of Florida and Cuba. The borders are defined by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Argentina by the east, and Bolivia and Peru to the north. The country has over 12,000,000 people with Roman Catholicism as the main religion. As Argentina, the climate, vegetation, and topography is as diversified as Europe. The climate ranges from cold and low temperatures in the south and in the Andes Mountains to dry and hot in parts of the north with moderate temperatures near central part by the Pacific Ocean. Vegetation varies from dry and arid to natural dense forests. A dense rain forest, rich in timber species, grows in the humid Lake District and Patagonia region and extends southward. The Andes Mountains that stretch along the border of Argentina and Chile have mountain peaks with elevations of over 20,000 feet that are covered with ice fields and glaciers. Centro de Lenguas, Chile is located in the beautiful town of Santiago, which is one of the most sophisticated metropoles in South-America and located near the Andes. | Geography
| Santiago is located at 543 meters above sea level, in Chile's central zone, 2,051 kms south of Arica, the country's northernmost city and 3,141 kms. north of Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in the world. The Pacific Ocean is located a hundred kilometers away and the Andean Mountain Range. 40 kms. Chile has a total population of about thirteen million inhabitants of whom 5 million live in the capital city, Santiago.
| | Language | Spanish is the official language of Chile. In tourist companies and organizations the higher echelons speak English and/or French.
| Religion
| There is complete religious freedom in Chile although the official religion is Roman Catholic. There are also other religions such as Protestant, Jewish, Moslem, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, etc.
| Currency
| The official Chilean currency is the Peso (CLP). The US Dollar is at a rate of 1:630 (Feb. 2009) to the Chilean Peso. Please check Currency Converter
| Government & Constitution
| Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio AYLWIN - which took over from the military in 1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the military government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell to half that level in 1998 because of tight monetary policies implemented to keep the current account deficit in check and lower export earnings - the latter a product of the global financial crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the recession in 1999, reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls and electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic growth for the first time in more than 15 years. Despite the effects of the recession, Chile maintained its reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. By the end of 1999, exports and economic activity had begun to recover, and growth rebounded to 5.5% in 2000. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, however, putting pressure on President LAGOS to improve living standards. Meanwhile, Chile has launched free trade negotiations with the US. 
|
Close
|
|
| |
More on culture (please click here)
Andes Ski Resorts
| The ski resorts, which can be reached by bus or car, are located less that an hour's drive from Santiago. Farellones-EI Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado are all situated on the slopes of the Andean mountains. From June to October these resorts, as well as others in Chile, are visited by both foreign and Chilean ski fanatics, because of the excellent slopes, good snow, nice weather and modern infrastructure.
Skiing in the Andes has gained popularity among many European and American skiers over the last few years. The snow conditions are great and the opposite seasons offer people from the Northern hemisphere to come and enjoy a "second winter" during their summer vacation.
Not only Chile, but also Argentina has several ski resorts that can be reached either via Buenos Aires and Mendoza in Argentina or through Santiago, Chile.
| Wine in Chile
| Chile is famous for its wines and is the biggest exporter of wine in South-America.
In the Maipo Valley, near the city of Santiago, lies one of the country's most important winegrowing areas. This region combines the three ideal conditions know internationally as the "trilogy" necessary to produce good wine: climate - soil - vinestock. Several vineyards are located in this area: The Concha y Toro vineyard in Pirque offers guided tours of the winery and the nearby village of Pirque with its beautiful countryside and mountain air and old haciendas with their stately manor houses. Other vineyards in the area open to the public are: Santa Rita, Santa Carolina and Cousin o Macul.
|
Close
|
|
| |
More on food (please click here)
Food
| Gastronomical Santiago Santiago's restaurants offer local cuisine based on seafood, fish, vegetables, and meat, as well as a variety of international specialities. Aeras where most restaurants are located are: Bellavista district. El Bosque - Isidora Goyenechea area. Providencia Suecia area General Holley, also has elegant bars. Paseo San Damián. Las Condes.
|
Close
|
|
| |
More on Santiago (please click here)
City
| Due to its geographic location, Santiago is one of the few capital cities in the world which has easy access both to ski slopes -just 50 kms. away-, and beaches, 100 kms. away. It is in fact possible to visit the modern ski resorts as well as the famous beach resort of Viña del Mar or picturesque Valparaiso, Chile's main port, in just one day. Numerous villages located in the countryside around Santiago invite the visitor to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of countrylife. Tourists may also visit the vineyards and try the delicious Chilean wines.
Santiago, like other cities in Chile -Viña del Mar, Arica, La Serena and Concepcio- combines all the ideal characteristics: a pleasant climate, beautiful surroundings and first-class tourist facilities. Most major multinational companies, whether European, North American or Japanese, have offices and/ or representatives in Santiago. They have chosen Chile as their South American operational base because of the efficient services offered here.
A modern communications network via satelite -International Direct Dialing telephone system, fax and telex-offers permanent contact with other countries. A good highway system and a regular transport service connects Santiago with the rest of the country and the world. The International Airport receives over 100 regular flights a week from 20 different international and two national airlines. Chile's financial system is sophisticated and efficient, which explains why 22 foreign banks and 24 national banks operate in the country, supplying the corresponding facilities for financial operations. In Chile, those in charge of organizing conventions will find that the very best facilities and efficient backup systems are available to help them guarantee the success of every event.
Convention centers, numerous well-organized tourist facilities offering the efficient professional and friendly attention characteristic of the Chilean people, are determining factors when it comes to choosing the right meeting place. Due to its variety of tourist attractions, Chile is an ideal destination for adventure trips. As the main port of entry to the country, Santiago is the right place from which to start a visit.
| Nightlife
| In step with a variety of culture to be experienced, you’ll find that Santiago’s selection of cuisine is as diverse. Aromatic market stands offer inexpensive Chilean favorites you can munch while browsing for treasures to take home; gourmet restaurants serve the finest in Spanish, French, Italian, and Latin American delicacies. Many houses of gastronomy also offer folkloric shows while you dine, a favored option with Santiaguinos. Nightlife ranges from casual cafes festooned with poets and young musicians to upscale lounges serving famous pisco sours. Cinema, theater, ballet and opera are extremely popular.
| Places
| The Santa Lucia Hill in the city center is an important historic landmark. It was here, at the foot of this hill formerly known as the "Huelen", that the Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded the city of Santiago on February 1 2th, 1541. He planned the city according to the traditional Spanish checkerboard layout which is still evident in the downtown area today. Today, the Plaza de Armas with its colorful gardens is very different to what it was many years ago but the buildings that surround it bring back many memories. The Metropolitan Cathedral, on the western side of the plaza, stands on the same spot where the first church in Santiago was once built; to the north are three important buildings: the Post Office, the National Museum of History and the Townhall of Santiago. In the days of the Republic, new central neighbourhoods -now traditional ones- were added on to the colonial Santiago of the 16th century. By the 1930s, modern Santiago, with its green areas and architecture had come into being. The growth and development which have taken place during the past years are evident in the facilities which the city offers the visitor.
Historical Santiago: DOWNTOWN, includes churches dating from the 1 7th and 1 8th centuries and buildings that were once the seat of important colonial institutions, as well as other important historic landmarks. - Santa Lucia Hill
- National Library
- Casa Colorada (Museum of Santiago)
- Stock Exchange
- Club de la Union Building La Moneda Palace (Government Headquarters).
- Plaza de la Constitucion.
- Plaza de Armas.
- Townhall of Santiago Real Audiencia Building (National Museum of History) Central Post Office Building
- Royal Customs Building (Museum of pre-Columbian Art)
- Former National Congress Building
- Palace of Justice
- Club de Septiembre
- Diplomatic Academy
- Manso de Velasco`s House
- Santo Domingo Temple
- Central Market-Mapocho Station
Traditional Neighbourhoods includes a tour through streets dating from the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, mansion houses built by well-to-do families reveal the influence of European culture. | Museums
| A visit to the museums, art galleries, handcraft centers and neighbourhoods with intense cultural and artistic activity will give the visitor an insight into the culture and traditions of the country and its people. A few suggestions: - Colonial San Francisco:
- of Contemporary Art
- of Decorative Art. A must.
- of Popular American Art
- of Pre-Columbian Art. A must
- of Fine Arts
- of Santiago, "Casa Colorada"
- of National History
- "La Chascona", House of the poet Pablo Neruda
- Municipal Theater - Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro with its art galleries and antique stores.
- Bellavista district - Park of Sculptures
- Providencia district (art galleries, cinemas and theater halls) - Cultural Institute of Providencia.
- Artisan Village of Los Graneros del Alba
- Los Dominicos Church
- Cultural Institute of Las Condes
- Cultural Institute of La Reina.
| Valparaiso and Viña del Mar
| An excellent highway about a hundred kilometers long leads to the coast through the valleys of Curacavi and Casablanca. The countryside is beautiful and there are several typical Chilean restaurants serving good local food along the way. Viña del Mar, also known as the Garden City, has 300 thousand inhabitants and is the country's main beach resort. Located next to the Port of Valparaiso it has a good selection of hotels and a wide variety of restaurants, a Casino, cafes, discotheques and good shops. Visitors can go for a ride in a traditional horse-drawn "Victoria" and see the town with its wellkept gardens by the sea. The past and the present intermingle in this bustling tourist center.
Valparaiso, linked to Viña del Mar, is Chile's main port and also the site of the Chilean Congress. The magnificent view from the numerous hills surrounding the bay of Valparaiso has long been a source of inspiration for both Chilean and foreign artists. It is undoubtedly worth going for a stroll around the picturesque fishing coves or taking one of the old-fashioned elevators up to the hills of Valparaiso with their multicolored houses and mansions dating from last century. "La Sebastiana", Pablo Neruda's museum-cum-house, recently opened to the public, is located on one of these hills. His most important housemuseum, which is filled with his collections, is in Isla Negra, Just an hour from Valparaiso, or an hour and a half from Santiago. As one of the most important ports in the Pacific Ocean, Valparaiso receives ships from all over the world. Here, they unload their cargos and load up again with Chilean goods destined for international markets |
Close
|
|
Our partner school is recognized for academic credit by the Universidad de Viña del Mar in Chile
| You still have questions? Just send us an email to  Back to top |
|
|