If you want to plan a trip to Chile, whether it is a brief one or an extended one because you want to enroll in one of the in-person programs our institutions offer, it is very important to bear in mind the requisites that have been implemented to enter our country due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Can I travel to Chile from abroad?

Most definitely! Chileans, residents and foreigners are allowed to enter the country given that they comply with the requisites stipulated by the government in the Protected Borders plan. Remember that it’s very important to take care of each other, so we need to be responsible when traveling to another country.

Requisites to Travel to Chile

1. Negative PCR Test

You must present a negative PCR test, which should have been administered at least 72 hours before boarding your plane. If your flight has a layover, the time of the last boarding will be considered for this requisite.

2. Travelers Affidavit

You should fill the Travelers Affidavit (Declaración Jurada para Viajeros) online, at least 48 hours before boarding your plane (This form will require you to provide your contact information and health history for your trip).

3. Health Insurance

It is important that you have medical insurance with a minimum coverage of USD$30,000. Why? In case of incurring in expenses due to Covid-19, it is of great importance that you have coverage.

4. Completed Vaccination Scheme

In order to enter the country, you must have your vaccination scheme complete and previously validated through the mevacuno.gob.cl site. Once you make the validation request, you will be informed of how long it will take to process, which may vary between 15 to 30 days (it is important that you consider this, since it may take a while).

5. PCR Test When Entering Chile

All travelers arriving in Chile must have a mandatory PCR test administered at the airport. In case of having a complete vaccination scheme, travelers must comply with a preventive quarantine until obtaining the result of their tests (this can be done at the airport or in the address declared upon entering the country). On the other hand, those who do not have their vaccination schemes completed must comply with a 7-day mandatory quarantine, regardless of the result of their PCR.

Finally, any traveler that enters Chile must comply with the mandatory travelers tracking for 10 days.

Who Can’t Come to Chile?

According to regulations of the health authority, the entry into the country of non-resident foreigners who have been, during the last 14 days, in any of the following African countries is prohibited: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique.

Don’t forget that this information is being constantly updated, so you must keep yourself informed to avoid any problems when entering the country. You can find the government’s updated measures here.

Chile is a country located in the Southern hemisphere. Its weather is mainly Mediterranean, which makes every season—winter, spring, fall and summer—clearly distinct throughout the year.

However, the seasons are experienced differently in different parts of the country due to the weather of each area. Northern Chile, for example, is known for its dried weather that reaches high temperatures; the central area, on the other hand, is the one where the seasons are more clearly distinct; and, in the case of the South, the weather is colder and more humid, with a high occurrence of rainfall.

How is Every Season Experienced Through the Year?

Spring in Chile

Spring stars on September 23^rd and it ends on December 21^st. Generally, spring in Chile is a warm and pleasant season. Its main characteristic is the green and colorful landscapes that bloom during this period.

Summer in Chile

This season starts on December 21^st and it ends on March 20^th. It is known for presenting the highest temperatures when compared to other seasons. Days are longer and it’s the perfect season to go to the beach, or visit the lakes and rivers in Chile.

Fall in Chile

Fall begins on March 20^th and ends on June 21^st. Temperatures are a bit lower than during spring, winds are colder and, contrary to spring, it is the time when trees let their leaves fall to mark the transition to the next season.

Winter in Chile

This season begins on June 21^st and ends on September 23^rd. Temperatures vary, but it’s colder throughout the country, and the frequency of rain increases.

The current job market requires professionals to specialize in a specific area in their field. Thus, the goal is to develop professionally in order to become an attractive candidate for companies when we’re searching for the job we really want.

However, the decision to specialize can’t be taken lightly, because it means taking up a new responsibility, setting time aside to study, and also investing financially. Below, you can find 5 steps to help you in this process.

1. Define Your Goal

The most important step is analyzing what you’re chasing after. You must set a goal, whether it is to acquire new knowledge, find a better position, etc. Once you’ve determined this, your search will be easier.

2. Analyze the Job Market

If you’ve already set your goal, we recommend that you study the job market in your field. It’s important to consider tendencies, technologies, new needs or demands established by companies.

Currently, professionals must keep themselves updated, therefore, knowing what’s going on in your field will be useful to help you evaluate what specialization is more convenient for you.

3. Be Organized

Being aware of your time and being able to be organized is fundamental. You must understand that a specialization implies dedicating hours of your day to study, therefore, having a clear idea of your time availability will help you choose the duration of your specialization or even if you want to do it online or in-person.

4. Study your Finances

A specialization means investing money, therefore, learn about what different institutions have to offer in terms of benefits and scholarships, so everything stays within your budget.

5. Research Different Programs

The last step, but not less important, is to verify that the specialization program you choose is right for you. You need to understand that different institutions have different approaches in their specialization programs. Once you have a clear goal, you can use it as a guide to find the program that is best suited to achieve it.

Chile’s coastline is 6,500 km long, which makes it the country with one of the biggest coastal borders in the world. Choosing a Chilean beach to visit is a complex task, since all along the territory you can be surprised with the mystery and beauty that each one of them hides.

Here are 3 unmissable beaches to consider when planning your trip to Chile:

1. La Virgen Beach

Located in the Atacama region, 70 km west from the city of Copiapó, La Virgen is known for its white sands and turquoise waters, which has earned it the name of the “Chilean Caribbean”.

Due to its location in the north of the country, the water at La Virgen is not so cold like in the beaches of Central Chile, and it is considered one of Chilean and foreigner’s favorite beaches.

2. Reñaca

1.3 km of coastline make Reñaca one of the most visited beaches in the region of Valparaíso.

Due to its abundance of waves, Reñana is an ideal landscape for surfers; however, it also offers areas that are perfect for those interested in fishing. The beach’s warm sands and its crystalline waters are some of the main attractions for tourists who visit it, along with the night life around the area, which is full of restaurants, clubs, bars and cafes.

3. Ramuntcho Beach

Located in the Bío Bío region, this beach of green and turquoise shades invites its visitors to take a walk to get there, which combines the coastal landscape with native forests, transforming Ramuntcho into a Nature Sanctuary.

This beautiful beach is part of the Hualpén Peninsula. Its small size, with its green waters, soft sand and its lack of big waves make it a perfect place to relax and disconnect surrounded by nature.

A new year begins, and with this, new responsibilities come. Fear, questions and pressure can cause a state of anxiety and worry even before everything unfolds. It is important to start the academic year in peace and here are some tips to do so.

These different techniques will allow your body to manage the stress or anxiety that you may feel every now and then. The aim of relaxing is not only to be at peace or to distract yourself, but the idea is that this becomes part of your day to day to diminish the effect that your worries may have on your mind and on your body.

1. Relax from within

The aim of this technique is to make use of visual tools as well as of your body’s conscience.

The idea is to repeat words, thoughts or advice that can help you relax your body and diminish the tension in your muscles. For example, you can think of a phrase that makes you feel well, close your eyes, repeat in your mind, and finally focus on your breathing.

2. Relax Your Muscles

Our muscles are the first to tense up in a stressful situation. Sometimes we don’t even notice it, but then come the ache and the pain.

A good technique to relax your muscles is to slowly tense them up and then relax them. For example, you can clench your fists as hard as you can and then you can release them slowly. The aim is for you to feel how every part of your body is liberated with this type of exercise.

3. Imagine and Visualize

Your mind is stronger than you think and within it lies every positive moment of your life.

The aim of this technique is to use your mind and senses to imagine a place that makes you feel good so you can focus on that. For example, if the countryside is a space that relaxes you, imagine it, try to perceive its smells, the wind, and close your eyes so you can enjoy the calm that a place like this brings you.

Central Chile is one of the 5 geographical divisions that make up our national territory; it covers the Metropolitan region, as well as the O’Higgins, Maule and Bío Bío regions, and some parts of the Valparaíso region too.

Concentrating approximately 79% of the country’s population, Central Chile is the most populated area of the nation. Moreover, it concentrates the majority of the country’s economic activity and it is the area where the different powers of the nation converge: executive, legislative and judicial.

Climate

By covering different regions, Central Chile is known for having a very particular climate, similar to a Mediterranean one. Due to this combination, the climate in this area can’t be found in other parts of the country.

Moreover, its beaches, mountains, valleys and fields, make Central Chile a preferred spot for those who seek to carry out different outdoor activities, adventure tourism, as well as for those who want to know the history and culture of the country.

The Must-See Tourist Spots

Wineries

The presence of valleys and an ideal weather for working on fertile fields are part of the tradition of Central Chile and allow it to be the epicenter of the country’s production of fruits. This provides us with the most delicious and most important wines of the country.

Colchagua Valley, Casablanca Valley, among others, are areas where you’ll be able to get lost in green landscapes and taste the best wines.

Beaches

Chile stands out due to its extensive coast and Central Chile concentrates a great variety of beaches, which is why it has come to be known as “Litoral Central” (Central Coast). Secret beaches with forests, ideal to find peace and disconnect, or, if you prefer it, there’s also the option of beaches within the city that offer an endless list of activities to do during the day or at night.

Santo Domingo Beach, Viña del Mar, Concón, Canelillo, among others, are some of the options that you can enjoy.

Protected Areas

Central Chile also counts with protected areas, places whose main objective is to preserve and protect certain species. La Campana National Park, Río Cipreses Reserve, Radal Siete Tazas Park, Torca Lagoon, are some of the most well-known protected areas.

Have you ever wondered about education in Chile? If it’s something that interests you and you’d like to know more about it before you visit our country, here is some useful information.

Level division

The education system in Chile is divided into 4 levels, which are: pre-school, primary, secondary, and higher level.

The pre-school level is directed to kids up until they’re 6 years old. After that, the primary level is the initial cycle of studies, also known in Chile as “Enseñanza Básica” (Basic Education), which lasts for 8 years.

The secondary level is also known as “Enseñanza Media” (the equivalent to high school), which lasts for 4 years. This corresponds to the formation that is given to students so they can opt to pursue professional studies at a higher level.

Lastly, the higher level is directed to everyone who completes the secondary level. In Chile, different institutions offer the possibility to pursue professional training.

Types of Institutions

Those who opt to continue their studies at a higher level have different options to fulfill their objectives.

In the case of universities, they are divided into two types: “traditional”, which are labelled as such since they were established before 1980 and are grouped under the Consejo de Rectores de Universidades Chilenas (Board of Rectors of Chilean Universities). On the other hand, one can find private universities.

Technical Schools: In this type of institution, programs can last 2 years and students obtain a technical degree.

Professional Institutes: In these institutions, students can obtain technical degrees as well as professional ones. Programs can last from 2 to 5 years, depending on the type of degree.

Universities: Here, students can obtain a professional degree as well as the equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, they can also obtain Master’s and PhD degrees. The duration of the programs can vary, ranging from 4 to 7 years.

Selection Process

Those who wish to enroll in university in Chile have to take an exam that until 2019 was known as the University Selection Test (Prueba de Selección Universitaria in Spanish, or PSU). The test aims to measure the knowledge the students acquired during their secondary education, covering the subjects of Spanish, History, Math, or Science.

Currently, the test is being reformulated and the 2020 version was known as “Transition Test”.

Scholarships in Chile

In Chile, there are different alternatives and support for students.

In 2018, Chile implemented university gratuity, a program which allows students from certain segments of the population to study for free.

On the other hand, scholarships are aimed for students that have demonstrated excellence. Some of the scholarships cover National Master’s Degree, National Master’s Degree for Education Professionals, National PhD scholarships, among others. All of these scholarships are backed by Chile’s National Organism for Research and Development (ANID)

International students also have the option to access different funding opportunities. Learn more about those here.

The end of the year is just around the corner, and with that comes the end of term too. Tests, exams, and the pressure to pass all of your classes. It’s definitely a time of tension and stress, and because we want you to succeed, here are 4 steps that can help you through finals.

1. Make a Schedule

A fundamental step is planning ahead. It’s really important to make a schedule so you can keep track of your exams.

What is it useful for? The idea behind organizing your calendar is to prepare for your exams with time, so you can schedule your days of study and your days of rest. This method will allow you to be mindful of your time, as well as to prepare materials ahead or arrange study group sessions on your days marked for studying.

2. Get Some Rest

Remember that studying 24 hours in a row is useless if your mind doesn’t get a break. It’s likely that you will retain only half of the information and the rest will just end up a fog in your brain due to exhaustion and tension.

Sleep the hours your body and mind need, take the breaks you consider necessary. Maybe take a short walk, or eat something in between, or talk to your family and friends.

Putting your mind to something too hard with no space for relaxation will lead you to feel exhausted and without any desire to study for your exams.

3. Do Some Exercise

When you’re feeling stressed due to the pressure that comes with the end of term, a good alternative is exercise.

Why would I exercise if I need to study? Well, exercising will allow you to channel your energy, it will relax your body and your mind, and when studying you’ll feel much more relaxed and focused.

Try with a short run, yoga, a dance tutorial, etc. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, try leaving stress behind with some exercise.

4. Don’t Leave Everything until the Last Minute

Studying only during the days prior to your exams won’t be effective. On the contrary, it will increase your anxiety and it may lead to your questioning of your own capabilities.

Remember that preparing ahead is always the best option.

Still don’t know what you want to study? Don’t know where to start? What to do? The end of the year is almost here and with this comes the important decision of choosing a program to study. The pressure increases and so does the uncertainty. If you still haven’t made up your mind, here is some advice that may help you have a better idea.

1. What do I do?

First, you have to understand that you’re not the only one going through this. It’s normal that when it comes to deciding what to major in you feel pressured or anxious and a lot of uncertainty.

Medicine? Law? Veterinary Sciences? There are so many programs available that it makes the process even more confusing.

Take a break, close your eyes and breathe. Focus, think about yourself and try to forget about the pressure.

2. What do I Like?

This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself.

Analyze what you like doing, what keeps you interested. Think to yourself: what would you like to be doing in 5 or 10 years? Identifying what you’re passionate about is crucial, since the program you choose to study will most likely have an impact on your future.

Can you imagine living doing something you’re not passionate about?

3. Crisis

Finding your calling is discovering your passion for something, in this case, for a profession or field. The idea of having a calling is to enjoy what we’re doing to the point it completes us and makes us happy.

If it’s difficult for you and you think you’re going through a crisis, you can take an aptitude test, which, through different questions, will help you identify what you like best. This may vary, from reading a book to painting.

4. A Personal Decision

Remember that this is your process to go through and no one else’s. Do research by yourself, talk to people that may guide you, students that are currently studying the programs you’re interested in so they can tell you about their experiences.

You can listen to different opinions, advice and get some orientation but in the end, the decision has to be yours.

Studying veterinary medicine can be a simple decision if you love animals. However, studying a program like this also means taking on a series of responsibilities and being aware of how important these professional’s work is.

Different to a doctor, the veterinary can’t speak with their patients, therefore, you must be very methodic, observant and centered in order to comprehend and identify what your animal patients may be suffering from.

The veterinary medicine program is part of the medicine area, with a focus on animal anatomy. The tools these professionals acquire allow them to deepen their knowledge about the world of animals, which gives them the option to work wherever they see fit.

The world of veterinary science is vast. According the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are 40 different certified specializations. Besides that, you can work in different areas like diseases, research, exotic animal care, farms, or you can also have your own veterinary clinic.

It is very important that you decide very carefully what you want the focus of your career to be, so during your studies, you can get all the necessary tools to develop in an integral and professional way.

Moreover, you should consider that when you’re dealing with animals, you also have to be prepared for things not to go the way you planned them. Animals are much more sensitive and anything can make them uncomfortable or nervous, from the temperature of a place to someone that may seem scary to them.

Finally, you should always bear in mind that most of the time you will not only be working with animals, but you also need to consider the owners of your patients. Therefore, developing patience and being able to support them so they can trust you is also a very important factor when working in the field of veterinary medicine.

Remember that the most important thing to know whether you’re prepared to study veterinary science or not is being sure that you want to work to benefit animals and their wellbeing.