Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (UTFSM)

The use of photocopy is impressive, since it is relatively expensive to buy first hand textbooks. However, during the first 2 weeks of the semester, many senior students sell their textbooks much cheaper than the market price.

My parents are from Chile, therefore Spanish is in many ways a native language to me.

Chile is an exciting country to visit, and Valparaiso a boheme city with a great atmosphere. You will find in this country the driest desert, green valleys, snowy mountains (the Andes), lakes that are so big they have waves, volcanoes, and icebergs. Plenty to see, great people, all within a reasonable price. Time management will be important though since Uni provides many facilities but also demands a high quality of feedback (essays, exams, presentations). Overall: great experience, both personal and professional!!

Calle Errazuriz in Valparaiso has many cafe-concert. My favourite was "La Piedra Feliz" which had a variety of live music (salsa, tango, rock) and great cocktails. Renaca (20 minutes from Uni) has one of the best nightlife in Chile.

In general, rent is much cheaper in Chile than Sydney. There are many apartments surrounding, not only the university campus, but around the coastline of the region.