Architecture Schools and Programs in Chile

Architecture Studies in Chile

Palacio de La Moneda, Santiago, ChileStudying architecture abroad in the country of Chile provides students with the unique opportunity to visit and explore one of South America’s most beautiful and prosperous nations.  Known officially as the Republic of Chile, it occupies a long narrow strip of land between the Andes Mountains to the east and the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its neighbors include Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east and the Drake Passage in the far south.  Chilean territory also includes the Pacific islands of Juan Fernandez, Salas y Gomez, Desventuradas and Easter Island.  A recognized middle power with an emerging economy, Chile leads all Latin American nations in human development, competitiveness, income per capita, globalization, national and international peace, economic freedom and low perception of corruption.  With an area of over 294,000 square miles and a population of just 16 million, Chile is one of the more roomy countries in the world in terms of population destiny, and its largest city, Santiago, is also the nation’s capital.

Architecture Education in Chile

Architecture is a major course of study that is very popular among students at Chilean institutions of higher learning, particularly at the University of Chile, which boasts the largest Faculty of Architecture in the country. Founded in 1842, the University of Chile is the main and oldest institution of higher education in the country, possessing both a national and public character.  Its architecture program is aimed at preparing students for a successful career in the field, and assisting them in areas such as artistic aptitude and reflection, analysis and creativity.  The program is designed to hone students’ interest in the built environment and its projection in the construction and development of cities, within the context of national development, and the interpretation of community expectations.
 
The undergraduate degree in architecture typically spans 3-4 years in duration, while the graduate or Master’s degree program lasts an additional 2-3 years.  By the end of the program, students are expected to perform both public and private duties in the architectural and urban design of cities, buildings, areas of gardens, parks and landscapes. They will also be trained to work in restoration and maintenance of architectural monuments. Research, teaching and development of workshops and architectural firms, are other alternatives areas of focus students may pursue within the profession.

Why Study Abroad In Chile

Studying in Chile is much more than just a top-notch educational experience.  It’s an opportunity to explore all of the beautiful wonders of the country, both natural and built; and to learn the language of its people, their culture, customs and traditions, and experience its celebrations and cuisine.
 
Throughout the colonial period and in the early part of the Republican period, Chile’s culture was dominated by the Spanish, with minor influences from other European cultures, primarily the English, French, and German, beginning to seep through in the 19^th century and continuing to this day.  This wide diversity of culture makes Chile a fascinating place to visit—a place with its own unique style of music, dance, literature and cuisine.
 
There are many interesting sights and attractions to visit in Chile, and tourism in the country has experienced sustained growth over the last few decades.  Most of these visitors come from other countries in the American continent, mainly Argentina, but there has also been a substantial increase in the number of American, European and Asian visitors in the last several years.  
 
The most popular attractions for students to explore while visiting  Chile are typically places of great natural beauty; places situated in the extreme zones of the country, such as the San Pedro de Atacama, in the north, where they can admire the Incaic architecture, the altiplano lakes, and the Valley of the Moon. In the region known as Putre, which is also in the north, there is the Chungará Lake, as well as the Parinacota and the Pomerape volcanoes, with altitudes of 6,348 meters and 6,282 meters, respectively. Throughout the central peaks of the Andes there are many ski resorts that attract students in the winter months, including Portillo, Valle Nevado and Termas de Chillán. The main tourist sites in the south are the national parks, with the most popular being the Conguillío National Park in the Araucanía, and the coastal area around Tirúa and Cañete, home to the Isla Mocha and the Nahuelbuta National Park, Chiloé Archipelago and Patagonia, which includes Laguna San Rafael National Park, with its many glaciers, and the Torres del Paine National Park.  And finally there is the central port city of Valparaíso, a World Heritage City due to its unique architecture, and of course Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean, perhaps the most popular of the many Chilean tourist hot spots.