Many students choose to study Spanish in Chile because it is one of the most developed, stable and prosperous countries in Latin America.

More than 4000 kilometers in length, Chile is the longest country in the world, running along the western side of South America. The Andean mountains range from north to south along the eastern border, home to volcanoes and beautiful snowy peaks. To the north lies the thousand-kilometer Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, whilst Southern Chile is full of forests, pastures and lakes. The central zone is the most fertile region, enjoying a pleasant Mediterranean climate.

The country's natural beauty is one of its greatest attractions, featuring several national parks and the distinct ecoregion of Easter Island, just off the coastline. Combine your Spanish studies in Chile with a visit to one of its excellent ski resorts, situated throughout the central Chilean Andes.

Chile's culture is still influenced by ancient traditions handed down from the Incas, who occupied the north of the country in the 15 th Century, and by those of the Arucanian Indians who dominated the central and southern zones.

Spanish conquistadors, led by Diego de Almagro, invaded and took over rule in the north by 1541, but had to fight long and hard to establish power in the south. Spanish rule was finally gained throughout the country in the 18 th Century and flourished until 1818, adding a distinct colonial influence to the country's culture.

Other European settlers, primarily from Britain, Germany and France, began to arrive in the 19 th Century, influencing the Bavarian style rural cuisine and architecture of southern Chile.

Chileans are proud to call their nation a "country of poets", with both Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda winning the Nobel Prize for Literature.