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Chase the adventure: A semester abroad in Chile

MJ's exchange to UC Chile included navigating challenges of studying in a new language, exploring Chile with friends and solo travelling across Patagonia.

North America
Four hikers with backpacks walk across a wide snow-covered landscape toward a rugged, snow-capped volcanic mountain and a small crater lake under a clear blue sky in the Chilean Andes.

MJ Groves participated in our Wellington Global Exchange Programme at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC) in Santiago during Trimester 2, 2025. A Master of Urban and Regional Planning student, MJ reflects on arriving to a grey winter city, fast-tracking Spanish at a local language school, and finding independence through cycling and everyday life at UC. From salt-floating in the Atacama and navigating fiestas patrias to a rain-soaked solo bikepacking journey in Patagonia, this story traces how challenge, curiosity, and low-budget grit turned Chile into a mosaic of landscapes, friendships, and growth. For anyone eyeing Latin America or a destination outside their comfort zone, MJ’s experience shows how quickly “unknown” can become unforgettable.

Saludos a todos!

What you’re about to read is a thrilling account of one fellow VIC students semester abroad in Santiago, Chile! I will assume you are strapped in.

First impressions in Santiago

I arrived in Santiago mid-July, on a rather bleak Sunday afternoon. This was not the best introduction to the city as it just happens that most shops are closed on Sunday, and paired with the grey city and drizzly weather it felt very oppressive. However things soon picked up! I was 2-weeks early and decided to fill my time by attending a language school. This was excellent for several reasons including meeting lovely people, but foremostly as it improved my non-existent Spanish to a level where I could order empanadas without google translate.

I found a place to live through HousingInChile, just one of the many exchange student housing resources. The first weeks of university were a bit rough as absolutely everything was in Spanish (who would’ve thought), but I soon got into the swing of things. Getting a bike for free from uni really helped me in securing a sense of independence.

Experiencing Chile

During weekends I explored Chile in every compass direction. One of my favourite trips was during the 2-week fiestas patrias break, where I adventured up to the Atacama Desert. This was a place like nothing I’d seen before, with lagunas so salty I was swimming with all four limbs above water. September is a fantastic month to be in Chile. Everyone enters holiday mode and the famed “terremoto” is the beverage of choice - be careful with that one.

A split image showing two travel scenes in Chile. On the left, a loaded touring bicycle rests against a bridge railing overlooking a turquoise river, with dense forest and a snow-capped mountain in the background. On the right, a group of five people pose on rocky ground in a vast desert landscape of red canyons and ridges under a partly cloudy sky.
Exchange in Chile made it possible for MJ to go on a solo bike-packing trip in Patagonia and explore the Atacama Desert with friends.

Solo-travelling through Patagonia

By the end of semester I had gained enough Spanish to actually be able to understand lectures. As a result I managed to pass all of my exams, huge win! To celebrate, I threw myself into a 2 week bike-packing trip through Patagonia. Although it rained 80% of the time, this was the kind of solo adventure I realised I’d been seeking in heading on exchange to Chile. What I learnt from that experience is that for the most part, it really is possible to do epic and exciting travelling on a very minimal budget. So go chase those lofty dreams!

A person stands on a rocky lakeshore looking out over a bright turquoise lake surrounded by arid mountains with patches of snow under a clear blue sky.
The surreal landscapes of Chile.

Reflections on exchange

My time in Chile has been a collage of unique landscapes, trusty inter-regional bus connections, and kind and beautiful people. I went in with few expectations which as a result were naturally exceeded. Chile, and Latin America is a treasure trove of adventure, and it’s been a privilege to delve into it.

Buena suerte y felices aventuras,

MJ :)