BASIC INFORMATION
for International Exchange Students and Programme Students
Table of Contents
1. Preparations
1.1 Passport
1.2 Visa
2. Transportation and Arrival Information
3. Health Issues
3.1 Health Insurance
3.2 International Health
4. International Student Identity Cards
4.1 Luggage
4.2 Shipping Possessions
4.3 Customs
4.4 Currency/Money Matters
4.5 ATM Cards and Bank Accounts
5. Living in Chile
5.1 Chile Basics
5.2 Living in Santiago
5.3 Restaurants
5.4 Discos
5.5 The most notorious nightlife spots in Santiago
5.6 Concerts and Theatre
5.7 Sports Events
6. Housing
6.1 Chilean students usually live with their families
6.2 Housing Tips
7. Food and Drinks
8. Events
9. Clothing, Climate and Cultural Tips
10. Medicine and Toiletries
11. Electric Appliances/Computers
12. Travelling in Chile
13. Attractions in Santiago
14. Shopping in Chile
15. Travelling from Chile
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16. Legal Matters Abroad
17. Culture Shock: Intercultural Adjustment Abroad
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1. PREPARATIONS
1.1. Passport
You will need a valid passport to enter Chile. If you do not have
a passport or if your current passport will expire before you
leave, you must apply for one.
Remember, only original documents can be accepted, so plan
ahead if you need to secure an original copy of your birth
certificate from your parents or from your place of birth.
Upon receipt of your passport, you should sign it immediately. It is not valid unless signed.
Fill in the necessary address and emergency information. Photocopy the first page of your
passport and keep it separate from the original while travelling overseas. You should have
your passport or the photocopy with you at all times while abroad.
1.2. Visa
Most foreign citizens do not need a visa to travel to Chile. You can enter on a tourist visa by
filling out a little form on the plane. This only allows you to stay 3 months in the country,
however, and forces you to leave the country every 3 months to get the extension.
The advantage of getting a student visa is that it does not have to be renewed every 3 months.
It also allows you to get a Chilean I.D., which has many advantages in country (you can carry
it around rather than your passport for identification). You have to apply a couple of months
in advance for the student visa. If you apply too late and don't receive it before you leave, do
not panic. You can enter the country with no problem. There is no charge to get the student
visa. You do, however, need to show an immunization history, have a recent (3 months)
H.I.V. test, have 5 passport photos, a statement from your doctor stating that you are in good
health, a statement of financial security, and the letter from the University of Chile stating that
you have been accepted to the program. That letter can speed up the process dramatically.
Travelers from Australia, Canada, Mexico and the U.S. must pay a reciprocity entrance fee
(US$15-$132 depending on nationality) in U.S. dollars (cash only) upon arrival to Chile.
Always reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.
2. TRANSPORTATION AND ARRIVAL INFORMATION
All exchange students are responsible for making their travel arrangements to and from Chile.
When you talk with your travel agent, be sure to ask about student discounts or charter flights.
Council Travel offices (STA Travel) everywhere offer significantly discounted student rates
with an international student I.D. card. Be aware that lower fares often mean stopping in
every country through Central and South America along the way. You may want to call some
other Council Travel offices, as they sometimes offer different fares. There are several
publications on student travel that list the names of low cost travel organizations. You can
also consult Internet, the yellow pages or newspaper travel sections for discounted fares.
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Whatever arrangements you make, please plan to arrive in Santiago no later than one week
prior to the beginning of the corresponding semester as announced by the department. This
will provide enough time for academic advising, course registration, and familiarization with
the local and institutional environment.
Please contact Professor Spencer to inform him of the date, flight number and time of arrival.
This way, he can arrange for you transportation from the airport by a University of Chile
representative. If it is not possible for a University of Chile representative to meet you at the
airport, see the paragraph below for suggestions on what to do in this situation.
There are several options for travelling from the airport to the center of the city (down town).
This is half hour NW of the city:
Once you pass through customs at the airport, you can take:
Taxis: A taxi from the airport to the city center costs between 8.000 and 10.000 pesos (or
US$11 to 15). This is the most expensive way in, but perhaps the easiest and most convenient.
Transfer Service: It is a shuttle service that operates 24 hours a day, and costs between 4.000
and 6.000 pesos depending on the distance to where you want to go in Santiago. It will take a
while longer to get to your destination because of other passengers´ destinations, but its price
can make it a very convenient option. This is a reliable and cheap way to go if you do not
mind waiting a while. (They are located just outside the international terminal).
Bus from the airport to downtown Santiago: The bus leaves constantly and cost US$1,5. The
ride to the Central Metro Station takes 30 min. The bus ticket can be bought both in the
terminal and in the bus.
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3. HEALTH ISSUES
Santiago's drinking water is adequately treated and we have not had
reports of any students getting sick from the water in Santiago, or in
any other part of the country for that matter. But if you have any
doubts, stick with bottled mineral water in rural areas.
Chile requires no vaccinations for entry from any country, but
typhoid and hepatitis immunizations are highly recommend. Polio
and tetanus are optional (extremely rare in Chile). Malaria does not
exist in Chile, but if you plan to travel to nearby countries or islands,
you should check into their situation.
If you think you may be travelling to a country that requires proof of inoculations for entry, it
may be wise to get immunized before to come to Chile and take that documentation with you.
3.1. Health Insurance
It is essential that you have adequate health insurance coverage while you are abroad. Failure
to obtain coverage can result in high medical bills or the refusal to be treated in a hospital or
doctor's office. In many countries, foreigners must prove that they have medical insurance
before they can be treated.
You should check to see if your current medical coverage is valid outside your country. If so,
find out how you would file a claim from abroad and how the insurance company would
handle the claim.
In Santiago you can find all kinds of health facilities, ranging from public health services
(usually crowded) to upscale private clinics, the latter with installations similar or even better
to what you are used to in your home country (a developed one). However, such facilities may
prove to be very expensive if you are not covered by an international insurance policy.
3.2. International Health
During your orientation abroad, you should receive pertinent information regarding the health
care system in your host country. Most programs have doctors and dentists that they
recommend for their study abroad participants.
4. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARDS
The ISIC is essential for anyone studying abroad. If offers savings of up 50% over
commercial fares on travel and many other benefits, including illness and accidental death
insurance coverage. However, the ISIC is not widely accepted for student discounts within
Chile.
Usually, the ISIC can be purchased in your home country. You will be able to pick up your
ISIC within a day or two. In Chile (Santiago), you can buy the ISIC Student Identity Cards in:
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Asociación Chilena de Albergues Turísticos Juveniles
Av. Hernando de Aguirre 201 Of. 602 (Metro Tobalaba) – Providencia. Tel: (562)
4112050 Fax: (562) 233 2555 E-mail: [email protected]
Cienfuegos 151 – Santiago. Tel: (562) 671 8532
Student Flight Center
Hernando de Aguirre 201 Of.401 - Providencia
Tel/Fax: (562) 4112000
Tije Chile S.A.
Barros Borgoño 236 Of.902-B - Providencia
Tel: (562) 3471850
Fax: (562) 2641501
www.tije.com
[email protected]
Turismo Jóven S.A.
La Concepción 50 - Providencia
Tel/Fax: (562) 235 1686
www.otecviajes.com
Usit Andes S.A.
11 de Septiembre 2305 Loc. 13 – Providencia. Tel/Fax: (56-2) 3330306
Barros Arana 631 Loc. 31, Concepción. Tel: (41) 216608
4.1. Luggage
Most students take too much luggage and latter
regret it. When packing, you should keep in mind
that you are responsible for carrying your own
luggage, so do not pack more than you can carry!
Please check with the airline you selected for current
size and weight limitations of your luggage.
DO NOT pack your passport in your checked
luggage. You will need it when you embark and
when you disembark before you can even get your
luggage.
4.2 Shipping Possessions
If you feel the need to ship any excess baggage, you should arrange for it to arrive a week or
two after you do. The most convenient and less expensive way of getting these items is to ship
them in sturdy cardboard boxes through the post office, DHL, Fedex or UPS. You must check
about current size and weight limitations. Remember that anything you ship down to Chile
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will also have to be shipped back to your country of origin at the end of your stay - and most
students acquire several new things while living in Chile.
4.3 Customs
As general a rule, you can enter or leave Chile with any item intended for personal use. There
is no duty for one camera per person, a reasonable amount of film, or 200 cigarettes. If you
have a camera or other expensive items, be sure to register it with customs before you leave
your country, and keep the receipt. If you do not, you may have to pay duty on it in Chile or
upon your return.
4.4 Currency / Money Matters
We recommend that you bring no more than US$700 in cash for
exchange upon arrival, to cover for your needs while you settle
down. Remember that you will be able to exchange currency at the
Santiago airport, but not at night.
In the same way, we recommend you to check the national holidays
before your arrival to Chile given that it could be very difficult for
you to exchange currency during those days.
As you know, traveller checks are the safest way to carry money while you are abroad. You
should keep them in a safe place and keep a list of the check numbers in a separate place.
Banks are a safe place to exchange money since they usually will be able to give you a good
rate, as well as the Afex money exchange houses throughout the city. The American Express
Office (Avenida Andrés Bello 2711, open: 9:00 am ~ 2:00 pm) is a safe and convenient place
to change money. Hint: exchange AmExpress travellers checks into cash dollars first, and
then find an exchange house in Santiago with a better rate to change into Chilean pesos.
4.5 ATM Cards and Bank Accounts
See if you can open a checking account and get an ATM in any bank in Santiago. Sometimes
could be done by presenting your passport, and probably a letter from the university (ask the
bank first). Then, you can wire money in from your local bank, or you can withdraw from the
ATMs against your credit card around the city and then deposit it in your checking account.
This is more convenient than just carrying all your cash around. There are many ATM
machines in and around the city, and many accept CIRRUS, VISA, and MASTERCARD.
None, however, accept MOST or NIH cards. Don't forget your PIN numbers for CIRRUS,
VISA, or MASTERCARDs. Be sure to enable your credit card for international operation.
Personal checks from the U.S. are not easy to cash.
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5. LIVING IN CHILE
5.1 Chile Basics
Full country name: Republic of Chile
Area: 756,950 sq km (292,500 sq miles)
Population: 15,116,435 (growth rate 1.2%)
Capital City: SANTIAGO (population 6,061,185 aprox.)
People: 95% European descent and mestizo, 5% Indian
Language: Spanish and handful of native languages, including
Aymara, Mapuche and Rapa Nui
Religion: 89% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant, less than 1%
Jewish
Government: Republic
President: Michelle Bachelet Jeria
GDP: US$ 111,8 billion (2006)
GDP per capita (ppp): US$ 12,700 (2006 est.)
Annual growth: 4,2% (2006 est.)
Inflation: 2,6% (2006)
Major industries: Cooper, fishing, agriculture, wine
Major trading partners: RPC, USA, Japan, Netherlands, South
Korea
Telephone Codes: 56, country code; 2, city code for Santiago; 32, city code for Valparaiso
Time Zone: 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is
observed from the second Sunday in October to the second Friday in March. (Easter Island is
six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight Saving Time is also observed there
October-March).
Voltage Requirements: 220 volts
5.2. Living in Santiago
While living in Santiago, you will find a wide variety of entertainment and cultural
possibilities. The best place to find information on current activities is by word of mouth.
However, the main newspapers are also a good source. (i.e, El Mercurio, La Tercera, La
Nación). All of them are loaded with advertisements and announcements of goings on about
town (especially on Fridays). Get used to buying them if you like to keep abreast of activities.
To get updated information on culture, tourism, folklore and attractions in Santiago and the
rest of the country, you can also check the following website: www.chile.com (information
available in English and Spanish).
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5.3. Restaurants
Santiago offers a wide selection of restaurants. Restaurants, from
fast to flash, are in abundance, especially around the bus
terminals, pedestrian malls, Alameda and Plaza de Armas.
However, if you are in for a treat, we recommend you go to any
of the restaurants in the El Bosque restaurant district, among
others. (Coco Loco there offers the best – though expensive –
seafood in town).
In restaurants, it is customary to tip about 10% of the bill. In general, waiters and waitresses
are poorly paid, so if you can afford to eat out, you can afford to tip.
5.4. Discos
Discos are big. Dancing is a major source of entertainment. Be prepared to go out very late
(midnight) and stay out until 4 or 5 in the morning. Often the discos seem empty until 12 or 1
am, then they become packed. American and Latin music are the norm. Cover charges for
discos range from 2.000 - 10.000 pesos (US$ 3 - 15). If money is an issue, ask the cover
charge before going in to avoid unpleasant surprises. Often women don't have to pay at all, or
pay less.
5.5. The most notorious nightlife spots in Santiago
Suecia District: More than a dozen pubs and discos in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
Well known among foreigners. Good for an afternoon drink or for partying all night long. Do
not miss Boomerang, Infierno, Subterraneo, Ilé Habana.
Plaza San Enrique and Ave. Las Condes: Discos Static, Sala Murano, Kamikaze, Piksso, La
Playa.
Also in Ave. Vitacura: Discos Las Urracas, Ex Eve.
Bellavista District: (known as the "Paris quarter", is one of the city's liveliest areas, with
countless ethnic eateries and an active crafts fair on Friday and Saturday evenings. The
Bohemian/alternative district) young, hip, cheap, lots of bars.
Further information, you can visit the following website:
www.rave.cl
www.euphoria.cl
www.blondie.cl
www.bareltunel.cl
www.kamikaze.cl
www.bar-massivo.cl
www.subterraneo.cl
www.saliendo.cl
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5.6. Concerts and Theatre
Keep your eyes open for posters plastered all over the city advertising concerts every week or
two, or look in the local newspaper. Costs between, 2.000 - 8.000 pesos (US$5 - 12).
Lots of national and international theatre. Look in any newspaper. Take your student I.D.
along for discounted tickets.
www.municipal.cl
www.scd.cl
www.batuta.cl
5.7. Sports Events
By far the most popular sport in Chile, as in of Latin America, is soccer football. Other
popular sports include tennis and basketball.
6. HOUSING
Specific housing arrangement must be handled by the individual student after arrival in
Santiago.
For the short-term duration of your stay in Santiago, there are many housing options.
Bienestar Estudiantil (student welfare) keeps a current list of possible housing for
international students and it can be of help.
Hospedajes, Pensiones, Residenciales, or departamentos are the best bets for students. These
offer the cheapest accommodations, but the differences among them are sometimes illdefined. An hospedaje is usually a large family home which has a few extra bedrooms for
students (the bath is shared). Some are not permanent businesses but temporary income in
times of economic distress. Similary, a pension offers accommodation in a family home, with
meals sometimes available. Residenciales, which are permanent businesses but sometimes
only seasonal, more commonly figure in tourist office lists. In general, they occupy buildings
designed for short-stay accomodations, but may
work out for longer-term stays. Room and furnishing
are modest, usually including beds with clean sheets
and blankets. A few have private baths, but more
commonly you will share toilet and shower facilities
with other guests. Departamentos are apartments, and
vary in cost and convenience. People post notices for
rooms (piezas), pensiones, hospedajes, residenciales,
and departamentos on the bulletin boards at the
University and in the Tourist Bureau (Sernatur Providencia 1550).
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6.1 Chilean students usually live with their families
For the more independent, adventurous type, one of the local newspapers (El Mercurio) has a
whole real estate section (Sunday's is the best), which lists available apartments by
neighbourhood. Hint: the best neighbourhoods for students to live in are Las Condes (nice,
safe, close to nightlife and to the Metro, apartments in the El Bosque district are a good
choice, US$400 for a two bedroom/two bathroom), Bellavista (funky, alternative
neighbourhood, close to the University, although not that safe and kind of noisy), Providencia
(a little pricier, easily accessible by Metro and bus).
6.2. Housing Tips
Here are some suggestions to help you know what to expect and make your housing situation
in Santiago a success. Naturally, every situation will differ, but some generalities can by
made.
Size of apartments: It is hard to generalize about the size of apartments in Santiago. Naturally,
you pay more for more space. It is a big city, so space naturally cost money. Kitchens are
often very small (for instance, New York City-style).
Neatness: Chileans are generally neat (if you can generalize about such a thing). Littering is
one exception -- Latin Americans generally are accustomed to littering more than people from
developed countries.
Telephone availability and usage: The phone system in Chile has first world standards. See if
it is necessary to buy into a collect call system (calling cards) in your own country if you do
not wish to pay for long distance in Chile. If you do, you may want to check with the several
long distance companies about their plans. (You can also call without a plan through any of
the companies). If you live with a family or roommates, you will naturally have to be
courteous with phone usage. For instance, calls to the U.S. cost about US $0.25 a minute or to
Europe around US $ 0.35 a minute. Pay attention to the cheap times of day.
Guest: This depends on your living situation. Most Chileans are extremely social and you
may run into the situation of a Chilean roommate having frequent guests over, sometimes
even for extended periods of time. If you plan to have guests, it is always a good idea to ask
first.
7. FOOD AND DRINKS
Chile's cuisine reflects the country's topographical variety, and
features seafood, beef, fresh fruit and vegetables. Typical dishes
include: Pastel de choclo (sweet corn and meat casserole -- for the
summer); Pastel de papas (potato casserole -- winter); parrilladas
(hot plate of grilled meats); chupe de congrio (fish stew); paila
marina (seafood stew); porotos granados (summer bean stew);
humitas (cornmeal tamale); empanadas de pino (meat) or queso
(cheese) or mariscos (seafood); completo (hotdog with toppings);
and ensalada chilena (tomatoes and onions).
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Chile's biggest standard meal is lomo a lo pobre - an enormous slab of beef topped with two
fried eggs and buried in chips. Curanto, one of the nation's finest dishes, is an allencompassing, hearty stew of fish, shellfish, chicken, pork, lamb, beef and potato.
Chilean wines are arguably South America's best. A pisco sour is a popular drink which easily
gets you drunk - it's a grape brandy served with lemon juice, egg white and powdered sugar.
There are some cheap university eateries around town. Each facultad generally has a "Casino"
(cafeteria) where they serve low budget, good, warm meals. Good place to meet other
students.
General range of prices for meals in Chile
Budget: US$2-10
Mid-range: US$10-15
Top-end: US$15 and upwards
NOTE: ** Chileans love oil, salt, and mayonnaise. If you don't, ask for a dish without them!
**
8. EVENTS
The Easter and Christmas holidays are the most
important national celebrations, but there's a
conglomeration of secular holidays in September,
including Fiestas Patrias (mid-September);
National Independence Day on the 18th (a day of
spirited partying and rodeos); and Armed Forces
Day on the 19th. Of the innumerable local cultural
festivals, the mid-north town of Andacollo's
Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario is perhaps the
weirdest. Drawing pilgrims every December from
as far as Bolivia, Asian-inspired team dancing
fringes a procession of the Virgin's image to a huge shrine. Horse racing and cock fighting
provide ancillary entertainment for the crowds camped on surrounding hillsides.
9. CLOTHING, CLIMATE AND CULTURAL TIPS
Santiago is mountainous and dry. In the summer months (November - March), it gets very
warm (°10 - °32), but dry. It cools off at night to a more comfortable temperature. In the
winter months (May - August), it gets cold (°0 - °15) and dry. Nights feel very cold, as
heating is sparse. Spring and autumn naturally fall in between these two. This is Santiago
weather. If you travel into the Andes, it can get very cold (especially in the winter). If you are
a skier, bring ski clothes -- the skiing is great, with the main resort located at about an hour
drive from Santiago. You can rent gear in Santiago or at any ski resort. Prices are comparable
to the U.S., so watch out.
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Student dress in Santiago is very similar to U.S.. Most undergraduates wear jeans, shirts,
sweaters, and dark shoes (white tennis shoes and backpacks are dead giveaways, if that makes
you uncomfortable). You may want to bring something formal in case you get invited
somewhere nice. Formalwear in Chile is similar to the U.S. and Europe.
Chileans usually greet each other with one kiss to the right cheek (except for two men).
University students use the "tu" form amongst each other. Santiago is generally a safe city,
just take the precautions you would take in any big city in the world. At night, just try to stay
in the mentioned nightlife areas, and women shouldn’t try to walk alone.
10. MEDICINE AND TOILETRIES
If a certain product brand is essential to your peace of
mind, bring it with you. Many foreign brands can be
bought in Chile, although Chilean brands are usually
of high quality and less expensive. If you wear
contact lenses, you may want to bring large amounts
of solution, as it is more expensive in Chile. Suntan
lotion and books are somehow expensive in Chile,
although books may be more expensive to ship. The
equivalent to Tylenol is Zolben (same compound).
Avoid mailing medicines to yourself in Chile. They
may be stopped at Customs and you'll need a prescription to get them out.
11. ELECTRIC APPLIANCES/COMPUTERS
Chilean electricity operates on 220 volts, 50 cycles per second, as opposed to 110 volts and 60
cycles per second in the U.S. The plugs are also different. In Santiago, numerous electrical
supply stores on Calle San Pablo, west of the Puente pedestrian mall, sell transformers for
appliances. Anything electric (clock/hairdryer/razor/boombox) you bring down will need an
adapter. It is advisable to buy the adapter in Chile, as you would be sure you are getting the
right thing. Adapters are expensive.
If you have a laptop computer, you can bring it with you. Be sure you buy the correct
adapter/converter before you plug it in (worth triple checking). However, several computer
labs are available in FACEA, with high-speed internet connections and the most popular
software and e-mail services (free and only for students).
12. TRAVELLING IN CHILE
In Santiago, transportation is generally convenient, cheap, and safe. There are five Metro
subway lines (www.metrosantiago.cl) down main avenues (L1, L2, L5, L4, L4A), and it
operates from Monday to Sunday. The Metro ticket costs 420 pesos between 07:00 - 08:59 am
and between 18:00 - 19:59 pm. On the other hand, the ticket costs only 380 pesos between
06:00 and 06:59 am; between 09:00 and 17:59 pm, and between 20:00 - 23:00 pm. Finally,
the student ticket costs only 130 pesos at any time, but not on Sunday.
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You can also buy a "Tarjeta BIP" which is the easiest way to ride the Metro (it costs 1000
pesos that you pay one time and then it is a rechargeable).
The city bus system is extensive and probably
contributes too much to the terrible smog problem
in the city. The "micros" costs 380 pesos (pocket
change).
Taxi drivers do not require tips, although you may
round off the fare for convenience. Long-distance
bus or shared taxi fares are negotiable.
Travel within Chile is easy. There are fast,
punctual and comfortable buses on the main highways, and they are generally preferable to
railways. Flights are reasonably priced, with occasional bargain discounts, and there are
several interesting passenger ferries. Remember that Chile is a huge country longitudinally -distances are deceivingly far. Sernatur, the national tourist office, has any and all information
you might need for travel within Chile, including bus and plane schedules. They are very
friendly in their information offices.
13. ATTRACTIONS IN SANTIAGO
Sprawling outwards and sky-scrapering upwards,
Chile's capital, Santiago, is immense. Its central
core, however, is manageable and relatively small
- a roughly triangular area bounded by the Rio
Mapocho on the north. It is a city of grand
thoroughfares and plazas, lined with public
buildings and churches and circled by parks. The
grid town plan imposed by the Spanish, however,
is conducive to traffic jams and pollution. The
Virgin Mary guards the city from the peak of the
860m (2821ft) Cerro San Cristóbal, part of the Parque Metropolitano recreational area.
The city's attractions include the colorful Mercado Central, the historical center of Plaza de
Armas, the pedestrian mall of Paseo Ahumada (haunt of buskers and peddlers) and the latecolonial and block-filling Palacio de La Moneda. Santiago has plenty of museums, including
the beautifully arranged Pre-Colombian Museum and the Museo de Santiago, which
documents the city's present sprawl with dioramas and reconstructions. The Palacio de Bellas
Artes is modeled on the Petit Palais in Paris and has a fine collection of European and Chilean
art.
14. SHOPPING IN CHILE
Shop for blankets, lapis lazuli (the best stones are in Antofagasta), choapinos (wool rugs),
earthenware pottery, models of Easter Island statues, shell necklaces, cashmere sweaters,
shoes, linen, bronzes, purses, sterling silver jewellery, embroidered handkerchiefs, Chilean
wines, Talagante ceramics and copper products. Larger stores in cities have fixed prices, but
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bargaining is the norm at shops and markets in smaller villages. Good bargains in woven
goods (made from llama and alpaca hair) can be purchased from women in villages and small
towns.
15. TRAVELLING FROM CHILE
Chile is linked by air to North America, Europe
and Australasia, and most international flights
arrive in Santiago. The national carrier is LANChile. There is an international departure tax of
US$26. However, flights with a range of 500 km
or less (national or international) will pay only the
national tax departure of $4616 Chilean pesos.
Chile's border-crossing points with Peru and
Bolivia are few and far between. The crossing
between Arica in Chile and Tacna in Peru
provides the only land access to Peru; road and rail connections link Chile with Bolivia,
passing through Arica, Visviri, Tambo Quemado or Calama. Except in Patagonia, every
crossing into Argentina involves crossing the Andes. Routes include Calama-Salta, CopiapóTucumán via Catamarca; La Serena-San Juan; and Santiago-Mendoza. More interesting are
the many Lake District and southern Patagonian routes, with buses and ferries servicing the
crossing points between Chile and Argentina.
16. LEGAL MATTERS ABROAD
While abroad you are subject to Chilean laws. Should you require legal assistance while
overseas, contact Professor Spencer and your consular officer. The Universidad de Chile has
legal services. Consular officers cannot serve as attorneys or give legal advice but they can
provide lists of local attorneys and help you find legal representation. Consular officers
cannot get you out of jail. However, if you are arrested, ask permission to notify a consular
official -- it is your right. Never, ever, resist an arrest or try to bribe a police officer. Consular
officials will visit you, advise you of your rights under local laws and will contact your family
and friends for you if you desire. They can assist with any money transfer that may be
necessary.
17. CULTURE SHOCK: INTERCULTURAL ADJUSTMENT ABROAD
Many students study overseas to experience another culture. However, this may be a bit
stressful at first. A small period of adjustment will occur where you may feel depressed,
homesick, or frustrated with your new surroundings. You should recognize that this is only
temporary, and as you become more accustomed to this new environment, you will start to
appreciate the differences.
Try to get to know the native students in ways that are accessible to you. Establishing
friendships with native students is a good way to better understand the culture, nightlife and
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overcome culture shock. If you are like many students, once you have settled in (which may
take a while), you won't want to go back to your own country!
Map of Chile
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Director of International Relations
Professor Erich Spencer Ruff
Universidad de Chile
Facultad de Economía y Negocios
Departamento de Administración
Diagonal Paraguay 257, Office 1103, 11th Floor
Santiago, Chile
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: (562) 978 3366
Fax: (562) 222 0639
Professor Spencer is responsible for international services and can answer most questions you
will have. They will help you with course selection and registration, academic advising
questions, housing contacts, student credentials, etc. He speaks English well. Try to call ahead
if possible to schedule appointments, since he also has academic responsibilities.
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Edited by
Universidad de Chile
Facultad de Economía y Negocios
International Student Exchange
Phone: (562) 978 3366
www.fen.uchile.cl
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