Spending five months in Santiago, Chile, was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had so far. I had the opportunity to study at the Facultad de Economía y Negocios (FEN) at the Universidad de Chile, where I not only got to know a new education system but also a country that fascinated me from day one. Thanks to the fantastic support from TecAlliance, organizing my semester abroad went smoothly from the very beginning, allowing me to focus fully on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am very grateful for that.
As soon as we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the International Office and the FEN Buddies. Every exchange student had a buddy who helped us settle in and assisted us with any organizational questions. A large international community of students from all over the world quickly formed. Joint outings, study sessions, and spontaneous get-togethers quickly turned into genuine friendships that will last far beyond the semester abroad. The dedicated FEN Buddies regularly organized group activities and made sure we felt welcome right from the start. One highlight, of course, was the legendary “Miércoles Po” parties, where students and exchange students met every Wednesday at different clubs.
Studying at FEN was also an exciting experience and quite different from what I was used to at DHBW. The classes were very practice-oriented and consisted not only of lectures, but also of quizzes, midterms, group projects, and several mid-semester exams. I especially remember a field trip in the Environmental Economics course, where we were able to experience the course material firsthand outside the lecture hall. This varied approach to learning made the classes very interesting and opened up new perspectives.
Santiago itself also captivated me. The city is nestled between the Andes and offers the perfect blend of big-city life and nature. After lectures, it was easy to go on short hikes and enjoy the view of the city or simply take in the scenery of the snow-capped mountains. At the same time, there are countless cafés, parks, and neighborhoods to explore, so you never get bored.
An absolute highlight of my semester abroad was climbing Villarrica, Chile’s most active volcano. Equipped with crampons and an ice axe, we set out early in the morning and made our way step by step up the snow-covered volcano—a strenuous climb that was rewarded with an incredible view and a glimpse into the smoking crater. The real adventure, however, didn’t begin until the descent: Instead of walking, we slid down the snow at sunset. It was a moment that felt almost surreal and is definitely one of my favorite memories.
Another major advantage is Chile’s location. From Santiago, you can not only explore the country itself wonderfully, but also the rest of South America. In addition to trips within Chile, I was able to travel to Rio de Janeiro, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Peru. I was particularly impressed by the Atacama Desert with its salt flats, flamingos, llamas, vicuñas, and the surreal landscapes of the Valle de la Luna, as well as the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. But weekend trips to Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Pichilemu, or the wine regions around Santiago and Mendoza also made my semester abroad an unforgettable experience.
Looking back, my semester abroad was much more than just studying abroad. I had the opportunity to get to know a new culture, study at a great university, make friends with people from a wide variety of countries, and collect countless unforgettable memories. Chile completely captivated me with its impressive nature, the warmth of its people, and its unique zest for life. Those five months flew by far too quickly, but the experiences and encounters will stay with me for a long time to come. One thing is already certain for me: I will definitely return to Chile!
