Preparing a detailed budget is one of the most important steps for a successful exchange. While the cost of living in Santiago is generally more affordable than in major US or European cities, it is considered higher than in many other Latin American countries. Your actual monthly expenses will depend significantly on your lifestyle and choice of accommodation.

The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). We strongly recommend that all exchange students arrive with enough funds to cover initial costs, such as security deposits for housing (typically 1-2 months’ rent) and initial setup expenses.

Here is a breakdown of estimated expenses for a moderate student lifestyle in Santiago:

For more information on daily item costs, please check Numbeo.

Each semester, international exchange students volunteer an hour during their lunch to join conversational English sessions with local students. These informal “Let’s Chat” gatherings—held on Tuesdays and sometimes Thursdays—create a relaxed space for FEN students to practice English while meeting peers from around the world, and they offer international students a chance to make new friends and learn more about Chilean culture. Conversation starters are provided; all you need to bring is your lunch and a friendly attitude. Space is limited so make sure to check FEN’s social media, your FEN email, and our Canvas page for dates and locations.

Each semester, the International Office pairs incoming exchange students with FEN students who have completed at least one academic year, matching them based on shared interests. This volunteer program fosters friendship and peer support, creating a space for students to connect and learn about each other’s cultures, languages, universities, and countries. The goal is to ensure that both FEN and international students enjoy a fun and positive experience throughout the semester.

• This program is optional but is highly recommended by both the International Office and past exchange students.
• Buddies also have the opportunity to organize events with other buddies, and invite others in the buddy network along.
• The International Office will provide on-going support for all students in the case of queries or concerns.

We expect both FEN and International students to:

• Make an effort to meet regularly with your FEN Buddy during the semester and keep in contact
• Treat your Buddy with respect and be sensitive to possible cultural differences that may exist
• Ensure that you do not pressure your Buddy into participating in a situation in which he/she does not feel comfortable
• Help your Buddy with any questions or concerns he/she may have
• Include your FEN Buddy in any cultural and/or social events and activities that you or your friends do or hear about

Benefits of meeting often:

The semester can get busy and courses can be stressful but the more you meet, the more likely it will be that you…

• Begin a long-lasting friendship with your FEN Buddy
• Feel more comfortable talking with people from different countries
• Improve your ability to speak the language of your FEN Buddy
• Have more Chilean/international friends
• Have friends all over the world that you can visit when you are in their part of the world
• Become more confident about making mistakes in the language you are learning
• Want to study abroad
• Have friends waiting to welcome you to your future study abroad destination
• Learn about different cultures and ways of life
• Have more fun!

Tips on making the most of your FEN Buddy experience:

• Eat lunch or have tea or coffee with your Buddy between classes!
• Help each other with any questions about exams, classes, languages, countries, etc. Your FEN Buddy may not know the answer but may be able to give you pointers or direct you to someone who does know about the topic.
• Go to a FEN event together! FEN hosts a lot of talks, workshops and social events that you can participate in.
• Don´t be shy about using your Buddy’s language! Your Buddy probably has the same level or worse language abilities in your language so don’t worry about making mistakes.
• Make the effort to learn and/or speak your Buddy’s language. Plan a language swap where you both speak in one language for half the time and in the other language for the other half!
• Go to cultural events together! This could be a Chilean asado or to see a movie at an Embassy — there is always lots to do in Santiago! 
• Spend time outside! Have a picnic, play football, bicycle or hang out in one of the many parks around us (Parque Bustamante, Forestal, and San Borja, and the green spaces in and around Cerro Santa Lucia, are all near FEN). Providencia also has bicycles that you can rent!
• Share about your family and their traditions. 
• Stay connected and maintain contact with your FEN Buddy! Social Media is a great, fast way to communicate and get together. You never know when you might find yourself in your Buddy’s neighborhood again!