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.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online 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 (virtual) 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.

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.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online 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 August 7, 2007 - August 7, 2010.
• 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.