When I first drove into Santiago from the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, the sight of the Andes Mountains filled me with both serenity and excitement. After over a year of meticulous planning — completing checklists, securing clearances and meeting study abroad requirements — I was finally about to embark on my exchange semester at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (PUC Chile).
My first taste of Santiago came in the form of a meal shared with my parents: a glass of freshly pressed mango juice paired with a “completo italiano.” This hot dog topped with guacamole, tomato and mayonnaise is Chile’s beloved national food. We spent our first day wandering through the vibrant city streets before settling into my new home for the next five months, a tiny house-turned-Airbnb within walking distance of the university’s San Joaquín campus.
My First Week: Exploring Santiago and Beyond
During my first week in Chile, I set out to experience some of Santiago’s most iconic landmarks. I explored bustling local markets, admired the city from the heights of Santa Lucía and San Cristóbal Hills and wandered through my university’s historic Plaza de Armas and Casa Central campus. However, some of my most memorable adventures occurred beyond city limits.
Santiago boasts an extensive metro and intercity public transportation system, making travel to nearby regions convenient and affordable. The ease and accessibility of transportation allowed me to visit Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, two stunning coastal cities just hours from Santiago.
While Viña del Mar had breathtaking sand dunes and sunsets, Valparaíso captivated me with its vibrant street art and hilly landscapes. I enjoyed Valparaíso so much that I visited again a week later for the Red Bull Cerro Abajo, a downhill mountain biking competition on the city’s streets. The experience was unforgettable and reinforced an important lesson: the most spontaneous, unplanned adventures often turn out to be the most exhilarating.
While short getaways are easy to arrange, I highly recommend venturing even farther afield. One of the biggest highlights of my first week in Chile was traveling to the Chilean Patagonia, home to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. I hiked the renowned Torres del Paine base trek, a grueling yet incredibly rewarding 24-kilometer journey to the park’s granite towers. Completing this trek was one of my life’s most challenging yet fulfilling experiences.
Why I Chose Chile
Multiple factors drove my decision to study in Chile. My father, who visited Chile while serving in the U.S. Navy, spoke highly of its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Inspired by his stories, I sought a study abroad experience that would provide complete cultural immersion — one that went beyond tourist-friendly programs and encouraged deep engagement with local customs and traditions.
Academically, PUC Chile is one of Latin America’s most prestigious universities. The institution’s rigorous foreign language requirement ensured that I would be fully immersed in Spanish, while its diverse student body provided an authentic experience of Latin American university life. Alongside approximately 400 other exchange students from around the world, I have been integrated into the university as if I were a Chilean student myself. This has been a challenging but deeply enriching experience.
Navigating Culture Shock
When I arrived in Santiago, I felt like I had stepped into the unknown. As the only student from The University of Texas at Austin in my program, I had no built-in support system. Despite studying Spanish for nearly eight years, nothing could have prepared me for the distinct nuances of Chilean Spanish.
However, I quickly realized that true immersion requires embracing discomfort. I made a conscious effort to engage in daily interactions exclusively in Spanish, even when I stumbled over my words. These conversations improved my fluency and helped me overcome the fear of making mistakes. I discovered that members of Santiago’s community were often patient and encouraging, assisting me when I struggled to find the right words.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that the key to cultural adaptation is putting yourself out there by seeking new experiences, embracing challenges and allowing growth in every interaction. While studying abroad has its hurdles, the rewards of venturing outside your comfort zone are immeasurable.
So far, studying in Chile has been a transformative experience that has broadened my perspective, strengthened my independence and deepened my appreciation for cultural exchange. Every moment has been an adventure, from navigating the vibrant streets of Santiago to hiking through Patagonia. My advice for anyone considering studying abroad is simple: go beyond the classroom, embrace the unexpected and let the journey shape you in ways you’ve never imagined.
This post was contributed by Avy Fionella Caputo Espinosa, a Global Ambassador for Spring 2025. Avy is a junior studying abroad in Santiago, Chile.
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