Programme details
| Programme length | Start | End | Price | Age on departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFS year programme (academic year) | February 2011 | January 2012 | $13,200+ visa | 16 - 18 |
Chile is the longest and most slender country on the continent of South America. With its extremely diverse scenery and climate, Chile is broken into four geographical regions: the northern desert, the central valley, the southern lake region and the archipelago of the far south. In rural areas, Chileans tend to lead relaxed lives, but Chile’s cities, where most people live, are charged with energy. Chileans are welcoming and eager to share their culture. They are also proud, courteous and concerned for everyone’s “dignidad” (dignity).
Family life
Life is very family oriented and centres around the home. Parents tend to treat boys differently to girls, trying to protect girls more so than boys. Generally the father is the primary breadwinner of the family and this tradition is passed on to the boys of the family.
School life
The Chilean school year begins in February or early March and continues until December, with two holiday periods – one in June/July for two weeks and another week in September. In Chile the student is required to study between 10 and 13 subjects on a weekly basis and stay with the same group of classmates. Most schools runs from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Most schools offer few social or sport activities and young people usually meet at recreational centres or in friends’ homes for social events.
AFS Chile does not accept graduates (i.e. students who have finished year 13) or vegetarians and you must have pre-existing Spanish skills.
