Chile - Youth For Understanding USA

Study in Chile

Choose Your Program

During your time in Chile, you will live with a host family and attend a local school.

PROGRAM	DEPARTURE	RETURN	FULL TUITION
2026 Fall Year	Early August	Late June	$13,995
2026 Fall Year Music	Early August	Late June	$14,595
2026 Fall Year Visual Arts	Early August	Late June	$14,595
2026 Spring Year	Late February	Early January	$13,995
2026 Spring Year Music	Late February	Early January	$14,595
2026 Spring Year Visual Arts	Late February	Early January	$14,595

Apply Now

Placement with a carefully selected host family
Enrollment in a local Chilean high school
Airport transfers
Domestic and international travel
All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
Support from a YFU Chile Area Representative while on the program
Comprehensive insurance

Students are placed in public or private schools, 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.

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and visit the workshop of a Chilean artist and get to know their work on site. Students will also participate in a guided tour of national museums and galleries related to exhibitions of Chilean and Latin American art.

Tour of Chile: YFU Chile offers a 6-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.

2026 Fall Departure: Students born August 5, 2008 – August 5, 2011.
2025 Spring Departures: Students born Febuary 25, 2008 – Febuary 25, 2011.
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.

Spanish. Previous language study is not required, but self-study is encouraged prior to arrival.

Throughout the country. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers. Want to learn more? Read about YFU student Katrine’s experience in Chile.

During your time in Chile, you will live with a host family and attend a local school.

PROGRAM	DEPARTURE	RETURN	FULL TUITION
2026 Fall Semester	Late July	Early January	$12,095
2026 Fall Semester Music	Late July	Early January	$12,995
2026 Fall Semester Visual Arts	Late July	Early January	$12,995

Apply Now

Placement with a carefully selected host family
Enrollment in a local Chilean high school
Airport transfers
Domestic and international travel
All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
Support from a YFU Chile Area Representative while on the program
Comprehensive insurance

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.

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 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.

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

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

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.

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 and visit the workshop of a Chilean artist and get to know their work on site. Students will also participate in a guided tour of national museums and galleries related to exhibitions of Chilean and Latin American art.

2026 Fall Departure: Students born August 5, 2008 – August 5, 2011.
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.

Spanish. Previous language study is not required, but self-study is encouraged prior to arrival.

Throughout the country. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers. Want to learn more? Read about YFU student Katrines’s experience in Chile.

PROGRAM	DEPARTURE	RETURN	FULL TUITION
2026 Spring Academic Trimester	Early August	Late June	$11,095
2026 Fall Academic Trimester	Early August	Late June	$11,095

Apply Now

Placement with a carefully selected host family
Enrollment in a local Chilean high school
Airport transfers
Domestic and international travel
All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
Support from a YFU Chile Area Representative while on the program
Comprehensive insurance

Students are placed in public or private schools, 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.

All students applying for the trimester program must be available for a mandatory 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.

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

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.

2026 Fall Departure: Students born August 5, 2008 – August 5, 2011.
2025 Spring Departures: Students born Febuary 25, 2008 – Febuary 25, 2011.
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.

Spanish. Previous language study is not required, but self-study is encouraged prior to arrival.

Throughout the country. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers. Want to learn more? Read about YFU student Katrine’s experience in Chile.

Study Abroad Participants

What to Expect

¡Hola! Whether you want to hike the Andes, kick back on the beaches, or even explore thriving cities, Chile is a country with something exciting for you! Chileans say that their country is the “fin del mundo” – so if you’ve ever wanted to journey to the “end of the Earth”, Chile is the place for you!

The Aymara and Mapuche people have lived in Chile for 12,000 years, and together with the European influences of Spanish, German, and Italian culture, they combine to create a unique blend of old and new within Chile. Chileans are exceptionally hospitable, and family life is treasured: parents, siblings, and extended family often live, eat, and enjoy social events together. Influenced by its location and extreme geography, the people of Chile are strong, proud, innovative, and caring.

After a challenging day at school, Chile will provide plenty of exciting activities to do with your new friends! You might experience Santiago A Mil, an arts and theatre festival in the capital full of cultural and artistic activities, or play the nation’s most popular sport, fútbol (soccer). If you are lucky, your host family may take you to the beautiful countryside or the beach!

YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, need-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Chile:

YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Jason Pollington Latin American Scholarship

Applications for Spring/Winter programs must be submitted by September 15 for review. Summer and fall departure program applications are due by March 31.

Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.

Additional Costs
Program tuition does not include visa fees or related costs, personal spending money, or school expenses such as textbooks, transportation, uniforms, and activity fees.

Want to go to the tip of the Earth? You might explore the Antarctic with its glaciers, the botanic wonderland of the Juan Fernandez Islands, or Easter Island with its famous giant statue, the Moai.

Have questions or want to learn more about YFU Study Abroad Programs?

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I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile. I lived with my host parents and two teenage host sisters, and I attended a private Catholic school. The transition to a different family and schooling environment was challenging, but I overcame those obstacles. Overall, I had a wonderful time exploring the country, making new friends, and discovering a second family. I can definitely say that my exchange experience was unforgettable and valuable, and I cannot wait to return to Chile!

-Michelle

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