School

Students are placed in public or private schools and typically in 10th or 11th grade. Courses at any type of school are often compulsory so you may not have a large degree of flexibility when it comes to selecting classes. Students will study Spanish, math, history, science, music, art and physical education.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students applying for a Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

Students also have an arrival orientation upon their arrival in Santiago. Students staying for the full year will also partake in a mid-year orientation and a re-entry orientation at the end of the program. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurriculars

Most Chilean high schools do not offer extracurricular activities. However, YFU students are encouraged to join sports, clubs, or teams in their local communities in order to get involved and meet locals.

Optional Excursions

Tour of Chile: YFU Chile offers a 10-day trip to the north or south of Chile, usually around the Easter holiday. In previous years on this trip, students have traveled by bus to different regions, cities, and villages and have had the opportunity to explore cultural and historic sites, as well as nature. The trip is a great opportunity to make friends with other exchange students and to get to know and appreciate Chilean culture, food, and traditions. The trip will end with a 2-day stay in Santiago, Chile’s capital and largest city, where students stay with volunteer host families. This trip is offered to students at an additional cost, which includes transportation during the tour, food, lodging, and entrance fees to any group site visits. Students will learn more about this trip after arrival in Chile.

Special Interest Programs:

Music: Students have the option to enroll in a specialized music school during their studies in Chile! Students attend regular high school class curriculum during morning hours and, in the afternoons, attend music classes that include composition, music reading, specific instruments classes, etc. Students must have prior studies or experience in musical arts to apply for the music program.

Bilingual: Students that sign up for this program will be placed in
Bilingual Schools that offer at least 50% of their clases in
English, a bilingual curriculum and the possibility of
certifying English language skills by taking international
tests. Students will be placed in a host family selected by YFU
Chile as all other students to Chile where they will have
a chance to learn and practice Spanish.

Visual Arts: Students attend high schools that offer a music-focused
program. In the art program you will be able to:
-Learn diverse artistic expressions from a Latin
American perspective in a school focused on visual arts.
-Visit the workshop of a Chilean artist and get to know
their work on site.
-Participate in a guided tour of national museums and
galleries related to exhibitions of Chilean and Latin
American art.

School

Students are placed in public or private schools and typically in 10th or 11th grade. Courses at any type of school are often compulsory so you may not have a large degree of flexibility when it comes to selecting classes. Students will study Spanish, math, history, science, music, art and physical education.

Extracurriculars

Most Chilean high schools do not offer extracurricular activities. However, YFU students are encouraged to join sports, clubs, or teams in their local communities in order to get involved and meet locals.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early December (for Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students applying for a Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

Students also have an arrival orientation upon their arrival in Santiago. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Special Interest Programs:

Music: Students have the option to enroll in a specialized music school during their studies in Chile! Students attend regular high school class curriculum during morning hours and, in the afternoons, attend music classes that include composition, music reading, specific instruments classes, etc. Students must have prior studies or experience in musical arts to aply for the music program.

Visual Arts: Students attend high schools that offer a music-focused
program. In the art program you will be able to:
-Learn diverse artistic expressions from a Latin
American perspective in a school focused on visual arts.
-Visit the workshop of a Chilean artist and get to know
their work on site.
-Participate in a guided tour of national museums and
galleries related to exhibitions of Chilean and Latin
American art.

Age Requirement

• 2024 Fall Departure: Students born July 24, 2006 – July 24, 2009.
• 2025 Spring Departures: Students born Febuary 21, 2007 – Febuary 21, 2010.
• Students who do not meet this age requirement or who will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.